Find the top rated running trails in Rapid Valley, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We took the trail from the town of Custer south to Pringle (about 12 miles). It was very picturesque and the trail was in great shape. The trail is entirely in the sun in this section and has a downward grade a lot of the way. Our trip back would have been challenging had we not been on e-bikes! We stopped for burgers in Pringle at the Hitch Rail bar & grill. They were great!
I live in Ohio. I rode the trail in May 2025. Twice, but in segments. Pringle to Edgemont and back on Thursday; Custer State Park to Pringle and back on Sunday (to meet my brother in Pringle who was biking from Key West, Florida to Alaska); then on Monday we biked from Custer State Park to Deadwood; the next day he went north to Alaska and I went south to Custer State Park. The trail was well maintained, some in the open and some more tree lined. Expect to go through lots of gates, but it is a great way to take a breather when going uphill. The trail stop shelters with tables, water, pit toilet, and a bike fix it station were great and nicely spaced. The scenery was beautiful. We went down into Deadmont on the Sugar Loaf Trailhead route, but I went back on the Kirk Trailhead route. That had a rougher stone surface in places and a portion (about 1/2 mile or less, but seemed much longer) was very steep. My inclometer registered 17 %, but even it that was off a bit, it was still steep. I had to walk that section. I have read that the length of the trail was 108.8 or 109 miles, but TrailLink says 112 miles. There is lots to see in the area, not just on or along the trail, so spend some time to explore and take in more adventures.
PS: As of this writing on May 30, my brother is in Alberta, Canada, having biked over 4,000 miles so far. I hope others use this trail as part of their BIG bike ride.
Beautiful scenery and wildlife and so well maintained! Friendly people all along the way. Excellent trailheads with water, bike tools, air! I only saw one review commenting on the hills. There really is no flat according to our elevation record on Strava. It is either a looooong uphill or a loooong downhill. Even though the hills are only 4% grade, 10 miles of that gets old. My husband and I are 64 & 62, no e-bikes, thank you and riding loaded. We ride 40 miles twice a week up and down hills usually with a headwind, but the ride from Custer to Deadwood was pretty taxing for us. We would do it again but probably do the whole trail and take 3 days. trip from
Rode the entire trail from Edgemont to Deadwood over two days. The scenery was spectacular. Every last foot of the trail surface was smooth and even; I cannot heap enough praise on the State Parks Department for the job that they do in maintaining the trail and trailheads.
Completed in three days. Started in Deadwood, ended in Edgemont.
Rode 24 total miles from the start in Deadwood. There was a total of 1550 feet of elevation gain. A few miles from town there is an option to go left or right. I took left on the way out and came back the other trail. The left option is definitely more remote but has some sections with 9+% grade. I did not really have the right gears and couldn’t stand up without losing traction. The other trail does not seem to have as steep gradients. I have 42c tires running tubeless with pressure in the mid 30s. I have a 1x setup with 36t chainring and a 44t largest cog.
Rode 36 miles RT from our HipCamp to Crazy Horse. 1,000 ft increase in elevation in the 18 mi out portion. Beautiful views between Custer and Crazy Horse
This is one of the best trails ever! We stayed at a B & B, Bishop Mountain Rental, which is right off the trailhead in Hill City! Enjoyed the ride so much!
this is a very well maintained trail with the exception of the first few miles out of Deadwood. this section does not drain as well as the rest and has some rough spots. the scenery is unbeatable, following a small stream and lined by granite and trees. we took a shuttle from Hill City to Dumont and rode back to Hill City. the rest of our riding was out and back rides covering the rest of the trail south to Pringle. I highly recommend this trail!
We finally finished the whole trail this month and have done the sections from Deadwood to just outside of Hill City twice. This is a fantastic trail and I can’t recommend it enough. Yes there are hills but that makes the return more fun. And the hills are easily managed when you have an e-bike! I hadn’t read much positive feedback on the Edgewood to Minnekahta trailhead and I loved it! Beautiful scenery with canyon type views. Wonderful rest areas with clean bathrooms and fresh water. So much to write about this trail but it’s all been said. Ride it, you will be so glad you did!
This trail was beautiful. We rode about 10 miles one way. The bridges were cool. It was a little steep at places but nothing too terrible. The only complaint we had was the amount of cow dung on the trail. It was really bad in some places. Not blaming anyone but just be aware. Definitely would ride again. So beautiful
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