George S Mickelson I Bicycle Sculpture

The George S Mickelson is an incredible 108.8 mile trail along an old railroad bed from Deadwood to Edgemont in western South Dakota. The surface is a perfect crushed gravel with a small rolling elevation change (highest grade is 4%). There are 14 trailheads along the trail, each with a small covered area (with a picnic table), a tool stand, and fresh drinking water. 

All I can say is that the hype is real! As big cyclists, especially from the Midwest, this trail is loved by everyone and high-regarded and we couldn’t agree more! We covered a total of 45 miles (twice with all out and backs) and will definitely be back to do the entire trail! 

We were fortunate to book a Vrbo a few blocks from the Custer trailhead so it was an easy and quick ride to the trailhead and we headed south to the infamous bicycle sculpture in Pringle! After a quick ride through town, we were soon out in nature and one with the trees. The shade doesn’t last long on this section and soon we were riding along the main road to Pringle. We stretched our legs and walked around the bicycle sculpture, a collection of old and broken bicycles tied together, before making the return trip back to Custer. 

Good to Know

Distance: 27 miles out-and-back 

Trails: George S Mickelson

Elevation Gain: 945 ft

Terrain: “Perfect” gravel

Parking: Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer: MP 44.5

Facilities: Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer: MP 44.5

Fun Fact: Although a “unique” sculpture, I couldn’t help picking out the bikes that “didn’t deserve” to be included and could be better suited (with a little elbow grease) in a kids’ garage!

Strava Link