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We rode the 26 +/- mile route in mid July 2019.... Very nicely maintained trail and quite well marked. Mostly level with a few grades, nothing major. Wind was a nuisance the day we rode, but still a great experience.
Was so surprised at how nice this trail system is; well maintained and laid out! Many cities should use this as a model for what should be!
On my way to the black hills I stayed at one of the hotels near I-29 and just biked on the sidewalk a few blocks east to the loop. The 21 mile loop is all paved and smooth, and very scenic while along the rivers. The north section of the loop around the airport is on the top of a levy and kind of dull, but is flat and smooth so you can get a good workout if desired.
There is a good bike map on the city website.
My wife and I rode this section at the end of June and it was absolutely gorgeous. We caught a shuttle out of Hill City and the first 10 miles from Dumont were amazing as we watched a small brook slowly grow to become a gorgeous river over the next 10-15 miles. The first 20 miles were downhill but then we had a 7 mile 650 foot climb that taxed us asphalt loving Midwest flatlanders . I rode a 28 tire with no problem. Done 80 plus trails in 33 states (Hiawatha, Katy. GAP, e.g), and this was justifiably a top 5 American trail.
Went with the family. Left car in Edgemont and got a shuttle to Deadwood to start. (Tried the other direction but it was harder we went in 23 miles it started to rain and we got stuck in the shelter over night, had to ride out through thick mud) anyway we went back shuttled to Deadwood and it was a bit easier. So much fun, and everyone is very accommodating to the bike crowd. We camped twice and stayed in a hotel once. We will do it again 👍 but go both ways to make it last longer😃
Our group of 4 had a wonderful time biking the Mickelson last week! It was a little cooler than we expected for June and we did ride in pouring rain on one day. But the scenery and the experience was well worth it!
The trail is very well maintained. It's probably the best non paved trail we have biked over the past 5 years. There are covered picnic tables to stop and rest as needed. There are restrooms and water at most of these stops.
We loved the little towns where we stayed the night. We plan to explore these more when we return hopefully next year. One of our favorites was the 1899 Inn in Deadwood. The Alex Johnson was also a neat place to stay as it is a historic hotel in Rapid City.
The Black Hills Touring Company planned and executed our tour making sure each one of us had everything we needed. Kevin, the owner, was very knowledgeable about the area and its vast history. He carted our luggage for Inn to Inn every day. Some of those days he carted our luggage, our bikes and us to the next destination. I highly recommend him and the Black Hills Touring Company!
There were some hills on the trail. They were long, but not steep. We rented e-bikes allowing us to climb the long hills without difficulty. I was very thankful for them this trip.
We had so much fun we are already planning our next trip to the Mickelson! So much to see and do!
I loved this trail. My wife, daughter, and I took a summer camping trip to Custer and the Black Hills.
I was very interested in the trail after watching videos, seeing pictures, and reading about it.
It was even better in person!
My wife was unable to ride bikes due to some injury so I studied the elevation chart and had her drop me off at the higher trail heads and pick me up at the low ones. If you are a wana-be bike rider that is all for the coasting and none of the labor of going up hill, I highly recommend this method - if you have someone that is not up for riding. OR like we did once my sister joined us, have two cars with one at each end. Then just coast from one to the other.
Some of the most beautiful scenery ever. Bison at a few points beside the trail and other wildlife to see.
There are several places the trail passes through ranches and sometimes there were cows on the trail. It was never a problem. The cows didn't pay much mind to us. There were gates to open and close, but again, not a problem.
Loads of history with nice trail heads and rest stops that give in-depth descriptions of the history.
It was almost enough to make me want to move to the Black Hills of South Dakota.
From Texas-Went to trail twice last summer- due to weather issues. Started at Edgemont the first time. Did not like the constant incline for 43 miles. So when we went back the seecond time, we left our car in Edgemont, bought a ride to Deadwood and started from there. It was 17 miles uphill to start but than a 10 mile decent. Up and down like this until last 43 miles where it mostly descends until one last big uphill at the 5-6 mile marker. I will go back again. Husband said he would love to get electric bikes and do it. Took our tent and camped were we could.
We came to Sioux Falls specifically to ride the trails and they were absolutely delightful. There's a nice mix of urban and suburban cycling here. It's possible to get just about everywhere by bike. Many intersections include wide, well lit underpasses. Solid system. Five stars.
The city of Sioux Falls has created a wonderful biking experience for its residents and visitors!We road in October 2018 and could not have more pleased with the ever changing scenery and smooth trail surface.Road bikes work the entire 26 miles with very few cross roads to contend with.The trail passes through several city parks and South Dakotans enjoy the outdoors!Sioux Falls has many interesting restaurants and Airbnbs to add enjoyment to your visit.
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