Skip to content
George S. Mickelson Trail, Deadwood, SD

Photo: Jeff Goetz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

George S. Mickelson Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail is an outdoor activity in Deadwood, SD, part of the Black Hills guide. Cost: under $25. Open year-round.

Deadwood Trailhead, northern end of the trail (milepost 108.8) · Deadwood, SD

Why you should go…

The George S. Mickelson Trail runs 109 miles through the Black Hills from Edgemont to Deadwood on the bed of a railroad line built in 1890-91. You cross more than 100 converted railroad bridges and pass through four rock tunnels on a crushed limestone surface. Most grades stay under 4 percent, though the 19-mile climb from Deadwood to Dumont is the longest incline. Trailheads have parking, toilets and self-serve trail pass stations.

  • #rail trail
  • #bike trail
  • #black hills
  • #hiking
  • #horseback riding

What's around here?

The closest stops to George S. Mickelson Trail, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Adams Museum

    Under $25

    The Black Hills' oldest history museum, with Wild West and gold rush artifacts tied to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Mount Moriah Cemetery

    Under $25

    Walk the hillside cemetery above Deadwood to the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    History Buff

    Outlaw Square

    Free

    Free public plaza in historic Deadwood hosting year-round concerts, movie nights, and Old West events.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Spearfish Canyon

    Free

    Follow the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway past limestone cliffs and waterfalls, including Bridal Veil, Spearfish and Roughlock Falls.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Wonderland Cave

    Under $25

    Guided tours through a Black Hills show cave near Nemo, South Dakota, noted for its variety of crystal formations.

    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bear Butte State Park

    Under $25

    Hike a 1.85-mile summit trail up a sacred butte that rises over 1,200 feet above the plains, with bison grazing near its base.

    17 mi awayMore like this