State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

George S. Mickelson Trail

Annual passes are available for purchase online. Daily passes must be purchased at the trailhead, trail office, or at an authorized vender. Water has been removed from the trail starting October 18 and will remain off until May 2025.

Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane still roam; where bicyclists, hikers, and horseback riders can explore spruce and ponderosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old, and people of all abilities can enjoy.

The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Much of the trail passes through National Forest Land, but there are parts of the trail that pass through privately owned land, where the trail use is restricted to the trail only.

The trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. There are 15 trailheads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables.

A majority of the trail does not exceed a 4% grade, but parts of the trail are considered strenuous. Dumont is the highest point and the 19 mile stretch from Deadwood to Dumont is the longest incline.

Note: Poor to non-existent cell phone coverage on the trail.

Trolley on the Trail

Trolley rides allow those with physical limitations to experience the beautiful George S. Mickelson Trail.

The rides are held throughout the summer and are approximately four hours long. Reservations are required, and each person reserving a space on the trolley will be required to have a handicapped parking permit. One assistant is allowed to accompany this person, if needed. The trolley has space available for up to two people who use wheelchairs.

For more information, contact the Mickelson Trail office at 605.584.3896.

Activities

Biking (on trails)
Birdwatching
Cross-country Skiing
Hiking
Historical Interest
Horseback Riding
Interpretive Signs
Picnicking
Snowmobiling
Snowshoe Checkout
Snowshoeing

Upcoming Events

June 20 - 22, 2025
Summer Trail Trek

Fees

Daily: $4 daily (required per person ages 12 and over)
Annual: $15 (required per person ages 12 and over)
Purchase Online

Park Specs

Open: Year-round from dawn to dusk. Water has been removed from the Trail for the winter. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed at all parks. Please contact the park directly for current conditions.

Park Size: Length of Trail: 109 miles with 15 trailheads, from Edgemont to Deadwood

Maps

Trail Guide

Contact Info

George S. Mickelson Trail
11361 Nevada Gulch Road
Lead, SD 57754
605.584.3896
Email: MickelsonTrail@state.sd.us

Amenities

Biking Trail(s)
Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Hiking Trail(s)
Historical Site(s)
Horse Trail(s)
Picnic Tables
Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
Vault Toilets (open year-round)
Warming Shelter(s)

Lodging Info

Day-use park; no camping

Trail Trek

27th Annual

Mickelson Trail Trek

Sept. 19-21, 2025

Registration will open Feb. 5, 2025

Map | Information

Questions: Call 605.584.3896 or email

Summer Trek

5th Annual

Summer Trail Trek

June 20-22, 2025

Registration is now open.