Find the top rated atv trails in South Dakota, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The trail is a minimum grade so it’s an easy ride both directions and the west end is particularly attractive with a lovely park and lake. Riding along the creek is refreshing and the path and parks seem well maintained. There are a few concrete cracks here and there you’ll have to navigate but overall it is fun ride and the locals are friendly and helpful in case you get off track.
This is a great trail - it has a nice mix of access points, city parks, great scenery, urban infrastructure, and even circles the airport. I always appreciate these contrasts as an avid user of urban trails and recognize the work and commitment of the community to support a diverse trail that traverses many parts of the city. We were just stopping through for a night on our way home from a road trip and saw this on the map so decided to stretch our legs before getting back in the car. It did not disappoint!
I Had been telling a good friend about the Mickelson trail for a couple of years after riding the whole trail in 2021. We decided to go and do the trail. The trail is in great shape, the weather was good, a little cool. We did the trail in four days. Can not say enough good about the trail. If 112 miles is too much, come and do sections, great day trips.
Class 2 e-bikes are not allowed on the Mickelson trail as of January 2026!!! We discovered this change while in the process of purchasing trail passes on-line as part of our trip planning process. Luckily, we did not wait until we arrived in Deadwood to buy those passes because we would have wasted a 750 mile drive (one way) and untold dollars for gas, meals and lodging. Apparently someone with an anti e-bike agenda convinced the South Dakota legislature that e-bikes are a problem or represent a threat. We are retirement age and ride Velotric Fold One+ e-bikes which are class 2. We typically ride at a pace of 10 - 12 mph on gravel rail trails. There are many other retirees like us riding class 2 e-bikes. Sadly, our enthusiasm for the Mickelson trail is gone because the trails is now unavailable to us. The legislature should have chosen to allow Class 1 AND Class 2 e-bikes since both travel at a maximum speed of 20 mph, and prohibited Class 3s which can travel at 28 mph. The speed difference between Class 2 and Class 3 provides a more logical break point for state regulation. We will NOT be traveling to South Dakota unless and until the Class 2 restriction on the Mickelson trail is lifted.
This trail is only wheelchair accessible in the city limits of Deadwood, Hill City, Custer and Edgemont. The rest is NOT handicap accessible in any way, shape or form.
Very beautiful trail to walk or ride on! I’d recommend biking it! I saw dozens of wild turkeys and deer while I was there. It’s peaceful and quiet with very little to worry about! A place to unwind and get a good workout at. Fairly flat trail with multiple bathroom and water stops!
This trail is amazing. We rode this trail in August. Day 1 we rode from Deadwood to Custer. Day 2 Custer to Edgemont. The trail is crushed stone and well maintained from beginning until end. There is a 5$ daily fee to ride trail. They definitely put that $ towards maintenance very smooth riding. Along trail there are trailheads with bathroom, water to refill bottles, places to sit and get out of sun. Highly recommend area is beautiful and you will love the views!! Happy riding.
The concrete trail has some cracks, but it well maintained. The trail also connects several short side trails along the way. The creek is very scenic and the trail follows it most of the time.
Just an fyi. Very disappointing.
We rode from Yankton Park and went the opposite direction of the Falls Park and so glad we did. There is some trail detours as they are working on sections which did create a little confusion but the app helped. I would also say that there are asphalt trails which we all know end up with cracks to contend with. This is the route to take so as you get to the switchbacks prior to Falls Park it is down hill and a fun ride. The rest of the trail was awesome, more sunny than shaded but would definitely recommend as worth your time. It’s like a sightseeing trail with golf courses and zoos and tons of parks.
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