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George S. Mickelson Trail
Hiking Trail
Details
108.44 mi
4,022 ft
A long and wild journey through some of South Dakota's best scenery
The George S. Mickelson Trail is a famous rail-trail that spans approximately 109 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. Named after former Governor George S. Mickelson, this trail follows the route of an old railroad line and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rugged terrain. Completing it in it's entirety is a week long adventure and should be added to the bucket-list of any local hiker.
The trail is well-maintained and can be accessed from countless trailheads, meaning that you can easily hike parts of it, and take one of many detours onto other nearby trails. The main trail is known for its relatively gentle grades, making it accessible to people of various fitness levels, and along the way, there are trailheads, rest areas, and camping facilities, so hiking as much or as little of the trail as you like is simple.
The George S. Mickelson Trail passes through several historic mining towns, offering glimpses into the area's rich heritage. There is also plenty of fauna which can be glimpsed, including elk, deer and multiple species of birds of prey.
Welcome to one of the best long trails in the Dakotas! Written by Charlie Boscoe
The George S. Mickelson Trail is a famous rail-trail that spans approximately 109 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. Named after former Governor George S. Mickelson, this trail follows the route of an old railroad line and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rugged terrain. Completing it in it's entirety is a week long adventure and should be added to the bucket-list of any local hiker.
The trail is well-maintained and can be accessed from countless trailheads, meaning that you can easily hike parts of it, and take one of many detours onto other nearby trails. The main trail is known for its relatively gentle grades, making it accessible to people of various fitness levels, and along the way, there are trailheads, rest areas, and camping facilities, so hiking as much or as little of the trail as you like is simple.
The George S. Mickelson Trail passes through several historic mining towns, offering glimpses into the area's rich heritage. There is also plenty of fauna which can be glimpsed, including elk, deer and multiple species of birds of prey.
Welcome to one of the best long trails in the Dakotas! Written by Charlie Boscoe
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| George S. Mickelson Trail Climb | 0.56 mi | 135 ft | 4.5% |