If you’re looking for an adventurous way to fully experience the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, bring your bike onto the George S. Mickelson Trail. This widely popular 110-mile trail winds through a large majority of the Black Hills region, originating in the northern town of Deadwood and climbing all the way down to the southern city of Edgemont. Considered by many the finest—and certainly the longest—trail in the South Dakota park system, the Mickelson Trail affords mountain bikers stunning views of lush pine forests, rugged cliffs, trestle bridges, and abandoned railways.

The surface of the double-track trail is comprised of crushed limestone, making it favorable for bikes. A relatively level terrain makes it a good choice for non-competitive riders, riding groups, and families, with 14 trailheads available. Each fall, the Annual Trail Trek is held on the George S. Mickelson Trail. In 2008, the Trek is scheduled to take place September 19-21. To request a brochure with more details about the Mickelson Trail, call 1-605-773-3391 or visit www.mickelsontrail.com.

The park service has posted some guidelines for those who bike along the George S. Mickelson Trail:

• Stay in compliance of all traffic signs.
• Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and horse traffic.
• When riding, stay to the right of the trail unless passing other traffic.
• Pass carefully and courteously, warning other trail users of your approach.
• When possible, ride with a companion or group to ensure safety in the face of an emergency.
• Do not camp on the trail right-of-way or at trailheads.
• Refrain from open fires and smoking.
• Stay off the trail from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, as it is closed during that time.
• Come prepared with a variety of clothing and rain gear to accommodate quickly changing weather conditions.