George S. Mickelson Trail
Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickock 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.
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.
My ride on the George Mickelson Trail started in Hill
City, SD. I rode east for about 20 miles
which took me through Custer, SD and a little beyond. The trail was crushed limestone/gravel that
was in good condition. I was riding a
gravel bike with 38mm tires I talked with one cyclist that had 25mm tires and he was able to ride the trail but it was a lot more challenging with the skinny tires. The first 9 miles was a gentle steady grade of about 2-3% that
climbed 880 feet. The total elevation
gain on the 40 mile ride was over 1700 feet, all the grades were less than 3%. The scenery was beautiful and with the 3% or less
grade the ride was very pleasant.
Down Town Custer
Crazy Horse Monument
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