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Black Hills National Forest
Hiking George Mickelson Trail

Named for South Dakota's late governor who championed this trail, the Mickelson Trail is the first Rails to Trails conversion in the Black Hills. The trail follows historic rail lines linking once-busy mining and logging camps.

Location: Deadwood to Edgemont
Length: 114 miles
Elevation: 3400 to 6000
Difficulty: Easy

Mickelson Trail takes the path of least resistance through the central Black Hills. The maximum grade is 3 percent, and the hard packed gravel surface is accessible to people with disabilities, the young and the old. Mickelson Trail is a great way to see the fall colors. Tunnels and trestles add to the trail's charm.

South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks manages this trail. They ask you to use only completed portions of the trail. Contact any Forest Service office about trail status.

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