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Mickelson Trail Bike Ride

Ride north from Mystic on the crushed-limestone bed of an old Black Hills railway, through Tunnel B just past the trailhead and Tunnel C at milepost 76.9, to Rochford, then coast back. This is a short piece of the 175 km (109 mile) trail from Deadwood to Edgemont, which has more than 100 converted railway bridges and four rock tunnels.

For The Reps · Updated

bike ride scenery for Mickelson Trail near South Dakota
Photo: Mickelson Trail 1 by Gary Chancey, Public domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
South Dakota, USA
Distance
12.7 km (7.9 miles) one way; 25.4 km (15.8 miles) out and back
Climb
About 120 m (394 ft) net climb from Mystic (1,482 m / 4,862 ft) to Rochford (1,602 m / 5,256 ft); the return is downhill

The route

Mystic trailhead to Rochford and back, George S. Mickelson Trail (mileposts 74.7 to 82.6).

Start at the Mystic trailhead, which, like the trail's other main trailheads, has parking, a self-service trail pass station, vault toilets and picnic tables. Rabbit Bicycles and Black Hills Shuttle in Hill City rent bikes and run shuttles.

When to go

Open all year; the trail is closed to everyone from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.

Permits and fees

Everyone aged 12 and over needs a trail pass: $5 a day or $20 a year per person (2026). Buy daily passes at the trailhead self-service stations, the trail office or authorised vendors, and carry it on you or the bike: riders without one can be fined.

Before you go

  • Do not pass other trail users inside the tunnels, and give a clear warning before passing anywhere.
  • Only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed.
  • Tunnel A is 3.5 km (2.2 miles) south of Mystic at milepost 72.5 if you want to see all three tunnels in this area.
  • Mobile phone coverage on the trail is poor to non-existent, so tell someone your plan.

What to bring

  • Helmet
  • Spare tube, tyre levers and a pump
  • Water and snacks
  • Front and rear lights
  • A layer for descents and stops

Getting ready for it

Time in the saddle matters more than speed.

If you have not ridden for a while, do two or three rides of an hour or two first so your legs and your seat are used to it.

Staying safe

  • Cattle graze on open range along parts of the trail; if they are on the path, speak calmly and work slowly around them.
  • Mountain lions live in the Black Hills; if you meet one, do not run, keep eye contact and make yourself look as large as possible.
  • Wear bright clothing and use lights wherever there is traffic.
  • Check your brakes and tyres before you leave.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against gfp.sd.gov, gfp.sd.gov, gfp.sd.gov, gfp.sd.gov and travelsouthdakota.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.