MICKELSON TRAIL Adventure Planning

Mickelson Trail Adventure Planning Info & Suggestions

Burlington Northern Hill City Trailhead

2-night stay in one room at Deadwood Outdoor Rentals (night before/day of bike rental)
E-bike or traditional bike rentals (full day rental)
Shuttle you and bikes to Burlington Northern Hill City Trailhead at 9:00 a.m. or later (subject to availability)
Guests ride back to Deadwood on their own. Bikes are due back by 5:00 p.m. unless arrangements are made with staff.
Ride is roughly 48.7 miles from Burlington Northern Hill City Trailhead to Deadwood Trailhead. This choice does require more battery management of the e-bike, but many customers have completed this section with no problem.

Attractions:

The Mickelson Trail offers a scenic adventure between Hill City and Deadwood, featuring key highlights:

Tunnels & Bridges: There are 4 tunnels near the Mystic Trailhead and lots of converted railroad bridges along this section of trail.
McCahan Memorial Chapel: A historic 1930 log chapel near the Mystic Trailhead.
Rochford: Stop at the Moonshine Gulch Saloon, established in 1910, for food, drinks, and live music on Sundays. Visit local shops like The Small of America and the Happy Dog Café.
Historic Sites: Along the trail, you’ll encounter old mining camps, historic markers, and remnants of the 1890 Burlington Northern Rail Line, which closed in 1986.
Scenic Highlights: Enjoy picturesque creeks, aspen/birch tree tunnel, and old railroad rock cuts.
Deadwood Section: The last 16 miles of the trail heading into Deadwood are the steepest but downhill, ending at the official trailhead with a railroad interpretive display.

This route combines history, natural beauty, and local charm, making it perfect for exploration and adventure. This section of trail is a combination of UPHILLS and DOWNHILLS as you go back to Deadwood.

Note: We offer 10 percent off your bike rental and/or lodging when booking our shuttle.

Mystic Trailhead

1 night stay in one room at Deadwood Outdoor Rentals (night before)
E-bike or traditional bike rentals (4 hours)
Shuttle you and your bike to Mystic Trailhead at 9:00 a.m. or later (subject to availability)
Guests ride back to Deadwood on their own.
Ride is roughly 34.1 miles from Mystic Trailhead to Deadwood Trailhead.
Or your ride is approximately 39 miles. If you plan to add in viewing the 2 tunnels just south of Mystic Trailhead before you head back north to Deadwood. This adds roughly 4.4 miles to your ride.

Attractions:

Trail Overview & Features:

Tunnels:
- 2 tunnels south of Mystic Trailhead (within 2.2 miles).
- 2 tunnels north of Mystic Trailhead.
McCahan Memorial Chapel:
- Built in 1930, now a National Historic Site.
- A peaceful historical stop while exploring the trail.

Exploring Rochford:

Moonshine Gulch Saloon (Est. 1910):
- Great spot for food, drinks.
- Famous for hosting Big & Rich’s music video.
- Sunday afternoons (1-4 PM): Local musicians play live music.
Gift Shops & Cafés:
- The Small of America: Quirky souvenirs and ice cream.
- Happy Dog Café: Offers smoothies, shaved ice, coffee, and more.

Bridges & Historical Markers:

Converted Railroad Bridges
Old Mining Camps & Interpretive Signs:
- Look for a barn covered with metal bucket lids—the buckets once held cyanide for gold mining!
Birch/Aspen Tree Tunnel:
- Located just south of the Englewood Trailhead. A stunning fall destination when the trees are golden.

Railroad History:

Remnants of the 1890 Burlington Northern Rail Line:
- The original railroad was closed in 1986 and transformed into the Mickelson Trail in 1998.
- Rock-cut sections along the trail still show where trains once passed.

Northern Section (Towards Deadwood):

The steepest section of the trail (16 miles):
- It’s a downhill stretch as you approach Deadwood—perfect for coasting.
Deadwood Trailhead:
- Marked by an official start/end sign and a railroad interpretive display.

This section of the Mickelson Trail is the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery! Enjoy the tunnels, scenic views, and local hospitality along the way. Don’t forget to take some time for photos at the unique landmarks! This section of trail is a combination of UPHILLS and DOWNHILLS back to Deadwood.

Note: We offer 10 percent off your bike rental and/or lodging when booking our shuttle.

Rochford Trailhead

1 night stay in one room at Deadwood Outdoor Rentals (night before)
E-bike or traditional bike rentals (3 hours)
Shuttle you and your bike to Rochford Trailhead at 9:00 a.m. or later (subject to availability)
Guests ride back to Deadwood on their own.
Ride is roughly 26.2 miles from Rochford Trailhead to Deadwood Trailhead.

Attractions:

Stops and Experiences along the Way

Rochford (Founded 1878)
- Moonshine Gulch Saloon (Est. 1910):
  - Great spot for food, drinks.
  - Live local music Sundays 1-4 p.m.
  - Known for hosting the music video shoot by Big & Rich.
- The Small of America Gift Shop: Ice cream and unique souvenirs.
- Happy Dog Café: Offers smoothies, shaved ice, coffee, and more treats.

Scenic and Historic Features on the Trail

Railroad Relics and Old Mining Sites:
- Interpretive signs, markers, and remnants of mining history, including an old barn covered with metal bucket lids (a nod to cyanide use in gold extraction).
- See cutouts where trains once passed through the rock, with glimpses of the 1890 Burlington Northern Rail Line.
Aspen/Birch Tree Tunnel (South of Englewood Trailhead):
- A stunning sight, especially during the fall.

Mickelson Trail Overview

Northern Section (16 miles to Deadwood):
- The steepest but it is downhill into Deadwood.
- End at the Deadwood Trailhead with an official sign and railroad interpretive display.

This section of trail is the perfect blend of history, nature, and local charm—an ideal cycling adventure. It offers something special for everyone, from live music to scenic birch tree tunnel and historic mining relics. This section of trail is UPHILL to Dumont and almost completely DOWNHILL from Dumont into Deadwood.

Note: We offer 10 percent off your bike rental and/or lodging when booking our shuttle.

Dumont Trailhead (No Lodging)

E-bike or traditional bike rentals (2 hours)
Shuttle you and your bike to Dumont Trailhead at 9:00 a.m. or later (subject to availability)
Guests ride back to Deadwood on their own.
Ride is roughly 16.2 miles from Dumont Trailhead to Deadwood Trailhead.

Attractions:

Converted Railroad Bridges: Scenic bridges add charm and history to the trail, providing great views and photo opportunities.
Interpretive Signs & Historic Markers: Educational signs enhance the experience, telling stories of the region’s mining camps and railroad operations.
Barn with Cyanide Bucket Lids: A quirky, historic barn reflects the gold mining era’s influence, with lids from cyanide buckets repurposed as decoration.
“Tunnel” of Birch/Aspen Trees: South of the Englewood Trailhead, this natural tunnel becomes especially breathtaking in the fall, making it a must-see spot during the season.
Rock Cuts for Train Tracks: Evidence of the original railway engineering remains along the trail, where rocks were cut away to accommodate the Burlington Northern Rail Line, built in 1890.
Northern Trail Segment: The steepest 16 miles of the trail run downhill towards Deadwood, making this direction favorable for riders seeking an easier descent.
Deadwood Trailhead: The trail’s official start/end point includes a railroad interpretive display, marking the significance of the historic Burlington Northern Rail Line, which closed in 1986 before the trail opened in 1998.

This section of the Mickelson Trail combines history, nature, and recreation, offering both a rewarding outdoor experience and a window into the past. Experience this section as you ride almost completely DOWNHILL back to Deadwood!

Note: We offer 10 percent off your bike rental and/or lodging when booking our shuttle.

Mickelson Trail Shuttle Service

Call today to book your shuttle service! The trail is a great way to see the Black Hills National Forest. Let us help with your Mickelson Trail Adventure!