Day 48: Lead SD to Hill City, WY

July 16, 2023

31 miles

1,671 mile so far

Today’s route was entirely on the George Mickelson Trail which was wonderful - beautiful scenery along a stream running through the Black Hills. It was also so nice to be off the roads on a dedicated biking and hiking trail.

The trail took us right to our destination for today, the Comfort Inn in Hill City. We explored the town and had some good pizza at Pizzeria Mangiamo and dinner later at the 1885 Steakhouse & Saloon.

We made arrangements with a local tour company to pick us up tomorrow morning to take us to visit Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, and to drive the Needles Highway - a National Scenic Biway within Custer State Park. The Needles Highway is a 14-mile stretch that includes sharp turns, narrow rock tunnels, granite spires and amazing views. Many of the tunnels are designed to frame Mt. Rushmore as you exit the tunnel.

Some interesting info from the Mickelson Trail website:

Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane still roam; where bicyclists, hikers, and horseback riders can explore spruce and ponderosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old, and people of all abilities can enjoy.

The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Much of the trail passes through National Forest Land, but there are parts of the trail that pass through privately owned land, where the trail use is restricted to the trail only.

The trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. There are 15 trailheads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables.

A majority of the trail does not exceed a 4% grade, but parts of the trail are considered strenuous.

Views along the Mickelson Trail