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Reply to Starting pts. and elevation

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RDint from Southern Il. on 2/24/2026 2:33:29 PM:

Will be riding the trail in Sept. Our plan is to spilt the ride up into 3 days. Day 2. Custer to Mystic. Day 3. Mystic to Edgemont. My question is, is it better to start in Deadwood to Mystic or Mystic to Deadwood? Witch one is easiest as for as the elevation goes?

I'll be 71 and my riding partners will be 66. We all have multiday rides under our tires, mostly rails to trails. This one seems to have a bit more grade than some of the others. How would it compare coming out of Cumberland going up the Eastern Dived? Deadwood to Cumberland.,

Pat from Spearfish on 2/24/2026 6:35:52 PM:

You will enjoy the ride no matter what way you go. I am a little confused by your route. Custer to Mystic is northbound, Mystic to Edgemont would take you South back through Custer. If you start in Deadwood, the hardest climb will be done first. It is really not bad, and it is so beautiful you will like the fact you are going slow. Once you reach Dumont it is very easy ride to Mystic, Not all down hills but mostly. South from Mystic through Hill City is again easy, then a slight climb toward Custer. Custer to Edgemont is down hill, but open and you will deal with wind.
I prefer north to south but I like down hill. My Son has the KOM on Strava for both ways, and he prefers south to north so he can get the windy sunny section done first. No matter how you ride, it is great. September is a great time of year to be on the trail.

RDint from Southern Il. on 2/24/2026 7:11:14 PM:

My mistake, day 3 would be Custer to Edgemont.

Rdint on 2/27/2026 1:36:55 PM:

Is there a preference on witch trail to use coming out of Deadwood at Kirk RD or the one that follows Whitewood creek at Yellow Creek road? Is one more scenic than the other? Kirk RD seems to be the easier grade.

Pat from Spearfish on 2/27/2026 4:34:50 PM:

The route that follows Kirk road is slightly easier. At the switchback there is a pretty good climb and the views in that section are nice. That is known as the “high Line” because that train went up to Lead. The route following the creek is much more scenic. There are a couple of bridge crossings and the last section before the trails meet is very steep, but it has been improved the last couple of years. The trail continues to climb from there but it is gradual and there is water and a vaulted toilet at Englewood.

Allie from St. Louis on 5/6/2026 2:21:13 PM:

Hi Pat, below are my notes from your comment about the trail heading south out of Deadwood. Is this correct? Which section would you recommend? We are flatlanders from St. Louis, 39 & 45 with OK fitness (a bit overweight but we don't let that stop us!).

-Whitewood Creek section: more scenic, bridge crossings, but very steep climb at the end

-Kirk Road/Whitetail Creek section: nice views, slightly easier, but a pretty good climb on the switchback

Thank you :)

Pat from Spearfish on 5/7/2026 8:37:08 PM:

If I were coming from out of town and only riding once, I would follow the creek. It is more scenic and the steep part is short enough that if you walked some it would not take that long.
Just so you know what I am talking about. After leaving Deadwood the next official trailhead is the Kirk road trail head. It is at this trail head you take the trail to the left. If you go right (or straight actually) you will continue following Kirk road. You will love the trail in September. I hope you have a great time, maybe Ill see you on the trail.

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