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George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

Hard

4.6

(7729)

7,730

riders

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

02:49

46.4km

630m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Black Hills National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

246 m

Black Hills Museum of Natural History

Highlight • Monument

The collection of this prehistoric museum is just amazing. In one room, gigantic ammonites, antediluvian crocodile skulls, carapace fish of impressive sizes that seem straight out of a science fiction film, and of course the inevitable allosaurs and T-Rex. All of these animal fossils are American and the majority of them have been found in the region, as well as in the states of the Dakotas and Montana. A visit not to be missed while passing through Hill City! Admission only costs a few dollars. They also serve coffee and you will find the inevitable souvenir shop. A way to remind you that the American West is a paradise for all dinosaur hunters.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.65 km

Winneshiek Park

Highlight • Rest Area

27.6 km

George S. Mickelson Trail

Highlight • Trail

The George Mickelson Trail is more than 100 miles through the Black, Hills of South Dacota. The absolute highlight is the section between Hill City and Rochford. I was happy to pay the $4 fee per day and person.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

34.0 km

Redfern

Highlight • Historical Site

Redfern was once a booming railroad town in the late 1800s. Named after the Redfern family, who settled here during the construction of the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad, the town played a crucial role in transporting goods and people across this rugged region. Today, remnants of Redfern’s railroad past can still be seen, including the old train depot and nearby railbeds.

Tip by

34.5 km

George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

After passing through Redfern, the trail continues gently downhill towards Hill City. You'll ride along peaceful prairies at the base of Lowden Mountain, Smith Mountain, and the mountains surrounding Hill City.

Tip by

45.9 km

Major Lake Park

Highlight • Lake

Major Lake Park is a quiet lakeside spot in Hill City, perfect for a picnic, a wildlife break, or a quick detour off the Mickelson Trail. Look out for geese, deer, and the local osprey.

Tip by

46.3 km

Hill City

Highlight • Settlement

Hill City, South Dakota, has a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Founded during the Black Hills gold rush, the town is known as "The Heart of the Hills." You can take a ride on the 1880s-era train for a scenic trip through the area. Hill City is also close to Custer State Park and the George S. Mickelson Trail for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research has fossil exhibits, including the famous T. rex, Sue. With local wineries and easy access to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Hill City offers an exciting mix of history, nature, and culture.

Tip by

46.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

33.2 km

11.6 km

875 m

692 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

43.3 km

1.52 km

1.45 km

221 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,760 m)

Lowest point (1,500 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 8 July

24°C

12°C

66 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Description

If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding gravel biking experience through the heart of the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City is definitely worth your time. This difficult 28.9-mile (46.4 km) route packs in 2062 feet (628 metres) of climbing, taking around 2 hours and 49 minutes to complete, making it a solid choice for riders with good fitness seeking a diverse ride.

What to expect on George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

This route immerses you in the breathtaking landscapes of the Black Hills, winding through dense ponderosa pine and spruce forests, alongside creeks, and past impressive granite walls. You'll navigate primarily packed crushed limestone and gravel, with gentle grades that rarely exceed 4%, though some sections, like those near Mystic, present significant uphill climbs. A highlight of the ride is passing through four historic rock tunnels and over numerous converted railroad bridges, offering unique views and a sense of history. This trail is best suited for cyclists who appreciate varied terrain and are prepared for a hard gravel ride.

Planning your visit

Before you head out, be aware that a trail pass is required for all users aged 12 and older, which you can purchase daily at trailheads like the one in Hill City. While the trail offers amenities like parking, restrooms, and water at its 15 accessible trailheads, cell phone coverage can be poor or non-existent in certain areas, so plan accordingly. A gravel bike, cross bike, or mountain bike is recommended over a road bike due to the surface.

Trail details