Places To Go » Deadwood » Outdoors
November 20, 2008 2:38 PM
Centennial Trail
The Mickelson Trail is one of two great trail systems in the Black Hills. The Hills’ other landmark trail, Centennial Trail, officially opened in 1989, in commemoration of the South Dakota centennial.
The 111-mile trail spans the length of the Black Hills from Bear Butte State Park in the north to Wind Cave National Park in the south. The trail, which is also open to horse riders and mountain bikers, is marked with a combination of brown fiberglass posts and gray diamonds fastened to trees.
Particularly scenic stretches are in Black Elk Wilderness Area south of Mount Rushmore and parts of Custer State Park. Stretches in the Northern Hills have more historical interest and pass near the communities of Deadwood, Lead and the historic Central City gold mining district.
The trail stages range from easy to difficult, however most stages are classified in the easy to moderate range.
Additional trailhead information is available at area Forest Service offices.