Winter on Mickelson Trail
Feb 24, 2014
John Mitchell shared these photos from a section of the Mickelson Trail near Kirk Trailhead south of Lead. Trains thundered along this north-south route through the heart of the Black Hills for nearly a century. They stopped in 1983 and the abandoned line from Deadwood to Edgemont was converted to a 109-mile recreational trail. The first segment opened in 1991 with the entire route completed in 1998. It's named after Gov. George S. Mickelson, one of the project's first supporters. See more of Mitchell's photos on Facebook and at sodakmoments.com.
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The trail contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 15 trailheads. -
Its surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. -
Cross country skiers use the route in winter months. Snowmobiling is also allowed on a portion from Deadwood to Dumont. -
In South Dakota the ruffed grouse is found only in the Black Hills. Hikers may also spot deer, elk, mountain goats, turkeys and the occasional mountain lion. -
The trail is rated easy to moderate with occasional benches and shelters.
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