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 north past the Crazy Horse Memorial en route to our turn-around location at the Raptor J Campground. I “believe” the trail provides the best viewing of the memorial outside the gates so I think it is a worthwhile 5 minute spot. It also marked the “high” point of this ride and from there we embarked on an epic 6 mile descent which was a highlight of all of the three rides – it was majestic!
Good to Know
Distance: 25.5 miles out-and-back
Trails: George S Mickelson
Elevation Gain: 1,273 ft
Terrain: “Perfect” gravel
Parking: Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer: MP 44.5
Facilities: Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer: MP 44.5
Fun Fact: It deserves repeating, the descent from the Crazy Horse Memorial (north) was one I’ll never forget! Such a great way to capture the George S Mickelson Trail!
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