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Mickelson Trail growing in popularity

By: Mike Besso, Lawrence County Journal

The Mickelson Trail is growing in popularity and is no longer a “best kept secret” in the Black Hills.

“We’re really pushing events on the trail,” said Shannon Percy of the Game, Fish and Parks. “We’re exposing people to the trail through events. Each year the events are getting bigger and bigger. The KKMT Family Fun Ride had over 200 entrants this year.” The Mickelson Trail Marathon and Half Marathon in early June is growing in participants every year.

The 10th annual Mickelson Trail Trek was held Sept. 14-16.

The 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. The line passed through the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills and was abandoned in 1983. A group of local residents recognized the line’s historic value and recreational potential. Because of their initiative, the state’s first rails to trails project was underway.

Originally called the Black Hills Burlington Northern Heritage Trail, the project gained early support from then-Governor George. S. Mickelson. The governor played an integral role in the trail’s early success. In 1991, Mickelson dedicated the first six miles of trail. Following Mickelson’s untimely death in 1993, the trail was named in his honor.

The trail was completed in the fall of 1998.

The Mickelson Trail has gentle slopes and easy access. People of all ages and abilities enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Mickelson Trail. The trail passes through many different types of terrain, from a prairie setting, past granite mountain views to heavily timbered forest and through valley bottoms.

More than 100 converted railroad bridges and four hardrock tunnels enhance the trail. Portions of the trail pass through National Forest, but most of the trails traverses privately owned land where trail use is restricted to the trail only.

Opportunities on and adjacent to the Mickelson Trail are walking, hiking, running, bird watching, observing nature, flyfishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and special events.

Most of the trail has a three percent grade or less and is accessible to most mobility-impaired trail users. The surface of the trail and many parking lots are gravel.

May amenities are provided to increase the enjoyment of the trail. These include milepost markers; 30 interpretive signs; Water fountains during the summer; Shelters with picnic tables and benches; Vault toilets at trailheads; benches at scenic sites.

Trail upkeep is made possible through user fees. All trail users age 12 and older are required to purchase a $ 2 daily or $10 annual trail pass. A fee is not required within the city limits of towns along the trail route. Towns along the trail route include Edgemont, Pringle, Custer, Hill City, Rochford, Lead and Deadwood. Fourteen trailheads are available.

A spur 3.2-mile paved trail from the city of Custer to Stockade Lake in Custer State Park is a new addition. The new connector route is a collaboration of the Department of Transportation, Custer State Park, City of Custer, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Published Online: April 20th, 2007