South Dakota has some of the most unique and must-visit tunnels in the country, thanks – in part – to such innovative passages as the Needles Eye, Hood, and Scovel Johnson Tunnels. In addition to these more one-of-a-kind channels, South Dakota is also home to more traditional structures, like the one along the George S. Mickelson Trail:
Located in the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile-long stretch that follows the same route as an old railroad branch line constructed by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad.
TripAdvisor/Deanne A
Named for the late Governor George S. Mickelson, the Trail was completed in 1998 and features a whopping 15 different trailheads, making it one of the most popular paths in the Mount Rushmore State!
TripAdvisor/jawsco
Beginning in Deadwood and ending near Edgemont, the George S. Mickelson Trail is a must-see for not only the surrounding Black Hills beauty but for its 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels, one of which spans 40 feet.
Wikimedia Commons
Situated just south of Mystic, the long and famous tunnel was the result of blasted rock and walls lined with specially-made beams that fit its curves and give it its distinct keyhole appearance.
TripAdvisor/Cancunkids
Whether you walk, jog, sprint, or ride your bike, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience along the George S. Mickelson Trail!
TripAdvisor/trip_haz_consultant
In addition to its tunnels, the Trail connects several of South Dakota’s favorite towns and attractions to one another, including Custer, Hill City, Lead, and more.
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
As if you needed a reason to visit, the George S. Mickelson Trail is also the setting for several special events, which can be found on the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks’ website.
AllTrails/Dennis Burns
The George S. Mickelson Trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk, with showers, flush toilets, and other water systems open from May 1st through September 30th.
AllTrails/Tim Spurgeon
For even more of our favorite SoDak trails, check out The 10 Gorgeous Hikes Everyone In South Dakota Must Complete.
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Address: George S. Mickelson Trail, Deadwood, SD, USA
Located in the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile-long stretch that follows the same route as an old railroad branch line constructed by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad.
TripAdvisor/Deanne A
Named for the late Governor George S. Mickelson, the Trail was completed in 1998 and features a whopping 15 different trailheads, making it one of the most popular paths in the Mount Rushmore State!
TripAdvisor/jawsco
Beginning in Deadwood and ending near Edgemont, the George S. Mickelson Trail is a must-see for not only the surrounding Black Hills beauty but for its 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels, one of which spans 40 feet.
Wikimedia Commons
Situated just south of Mystic, the long and famous tunnel was the result of blasted rock and walls lined with specially-made beams that fit its curves and give it its distinct keyhole appearance.
TripAdvisor/Cancunkids
Whether you walk, jog, sprint, or ride your bike, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience along the George S. Mickelson Trail!
TripAdvisor/trip_haz_consultant
In addition to its tunnels, the Trail connects several of South Dakota’s favorite towns and attractions to one another, including Custer, Hill City, Lead, and more.
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
As if you needed a reason to visit, the George S. Mickelson Trail is also the setting for several special events, which can be found on the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks’ website.
AllTrails/Dennis Burns
The George S. Mickelson Trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk, with showers, flush toilets, and other water systems open from May 1st through September 30th.
AllTrails/Tim Spurgeon
For even more of our favorite SoDak trails, check out The 10 Gorgeous Hikes Everyone In South Dakota Must Complete.
TripAdvisor/Deanne A
TripAdvisor/jawsco
Wikimedia Commons
TripAdvisor/Cancunkids
TripAdvisor/trip_haz_consultant
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
AllTrails/Dennis Burns
AllTrails/Tim Spurgeon
