Location: The Black Hills
Type: Wild Wild West
Distance: 109 Miles
Difficulty: Epic on Foot, Moderate on a Bike
Highlights: Being the first to report on this trip for WeekendWalk
We can't wait for spring to come so we can check out the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Mining Hills of Dakota.It goes though 109 Miles of the best of South Dakota, from Edgemont to Deadwood. On a bike it's relatively easy to go fully inn to inn. On foot, however, you may find yourself occasionally sleeping under twinkling stars between evenings you walk into town and book a room in the local saloon and check in only to find Gideon's Bible.
From the South Dakota State Park Description: "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 of South Dakota, 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.... 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."
Okay, we haven't done this walk yet, which is why we call it a Feet Needed Trip: Specifically, we need your feet. Read more, see the map and details, leave a suggestion...
Oh, Pioneers! If you walk or cycle the Mickelson Trail, or have already done it, send us your best travel writing and photos using this simple form. You never know, we might publish them and help pay for your next adventure!
{WISroGIS map_id='29' ~}
We're working on the details, but need your help. On our map, we've put in a few choice saloons/hotels, but there are more in each of the towns. If you are happy to bivuoac, the dark green lands between Deadwood and Pringle are mostly public. Alas, the rustic shelters are off limits for overnight camping. Be sure to check the links below for outfitters and shuttle services that can help you fill in the blanks if need be. A great place to start--besides right here, that is, is with the Mickelson Trail Afilliates. You can also download pdf's of the official trail map, and trail guide.
From the State Trails Manager Dana Garry: "As far as walking the whole trail. I have had folks do it before. They usually plan for 7 days. The towns along the way with hotel accommodations are Lead, Deadwood, Hill City, Custer and Edgemont. There are some Bed and Breakfasts and vacation cabins along the way also.
"The shelters are strictly day shelters. They have 2 walls and a picnic table. They are strictly to provide a place to get out of the sun and weather. As you said camping is not allowed in the shelters or at any of the trailheads or in the right-of-way of the trail. All that being said the trail does run through the Black Hills National Forest (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and camping is allowed there. The George S. Mickelson Trail property is anywhere from 15 to 100 feet wide (the trail itself is only 10ft wide). So what I'm trying to say is that if you are outside the trail right-of-way and on BLM or FS property you can camp by their rules. The hard part comes when you get to Pringle. There is very little FS or BLM land between there and Edgemont. It's mostly private property."
In case you're wondering: From Pringle to Edegemont is about thirty miles. Rocky Racoon could do that in a long day, don't you think? If Dan hadn't shot him dead, that is.
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