The best cycling routes in Pennington County

Pennington County offers nearly 30 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging paths to explore the diverse landscapes.

Yes, Pennington County has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, an easy 14.2-mile (22.8 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. The George S. Mickelson Trail, while long, also features gentle grades making sections of it accessible for all abilities.

The ideal time for touring cycling in Pennington County is from late spring through early fall. The Black Hills National Forest offers a moderate climate with relatively mild summers at higher elevations. Spring and summer bring wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Some trails, like the George S. Mickelson Trail, are also open in winter for those seeking a serene, snow-covered experience.

Yes, there are several loop routes available. For a challenging ride, consider the Rapid City to Hill City loop, an 80.4-mile (129.4 km) trail through the Black Hills. Another option is the Pactola Reservoir and George S. Mickelson Trail Loop, a difficult 45.8-mile (73.7 km) path combining reservoir views with sections of the famous Mickelson Trail.

Many popular trails offer dedicated parking. The George S. Mickelson Trail, for instance, has 15 trailheads along its 109-mile length, all providing parking facilities. For other routes, parking is typically available at trailheads or nearby public access points in towns like Rapid City, Hill City, or Keystone.

Pennington County is rich in wildlife. While cycling, especially through areas like Custer State Park or the Black Hills National Forest, you might spot bison, deer, elk, and various bird species. The region's diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a wide array of animals.

Pennington County offers numerous scenic viewpoints and iconic attractions. You can incorporate visits to landmarks like Mount Rushmore, or enjoy stunning vistas from Norbeck Overlook. Many routes also pass by beautiful lakes such as Sheridan Lake or Canyon Lake, offering picturesque stops.

Yes, you can experience the unique topography of the Badlands. The Badlands Loop is a moderate 34.5-mile (55.5 km) route that allows you to cycle through this otherworldly landscape of buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Another option is the Wall loop via Sage Creek Rim Road, a difficult 44.2-mile (71.2 km) route that also explores the Badlands area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the dense pine forests of the Black Hills to the unique Badlands, and the well-maintained trail systems, including the accessible George S. Mickelson Trail. The combination of natural beauty and iconic attractions makes it a favorite.

Absolutely. Many routes are designed to connect towns and points of interest. For example, the Hill City to Keystone via Old Hill City Route is a difficult 21.7-mile (34.9 km) path that links these two charming Black Hills towns, offering a great way to explore the region's communities.

For long-distance touring, the George S. Mickelson Trail is a standout, stretching 109 miles (175 km) from Deadwood to Edgemont. While not a single komoot tour in this guide, sections of it can be combined for multi-day trips. Additionally, routes like the Rapid City to Hill City loop (80.4 miles) offer significant distances for a challenging day ride.