Maintained by South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, the 109-mile trail has 15 trailheads and 100 converted railroad bridges.
There’s a wow moment around almost every bend. Some users describe the Mickelson as the best way to see the Black Hills. Riding through its meadows when wildflowers are in bloom is breathtaking, to say nothing of the dense forests, incredible vistas, tunnels and Old West history (the northern trailhead is in Deadwood and Custer is near the middle). Maintained by South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, the 109-mile trail has 15 trailheads and 100 converted railroad bridges. Most of the crushed limestone path offers grades of less than 4%, but there are a few strenuous sections. Trolley rides are available for those with physical limitations in the summer. Website: gfp.sd.gov/parks