Exploring the Natural Beauty of South Dakota's Mickelson Trail

-
mickleson bicycle trail tunnel with cyclist riding
Here is another post in our series of Great Bicycle Trails in the USA. I have never been on this one but the tunnels and railroad trestles make me want to ride it someday. Have any of you been on it? Let me know by leaving a comment.

The Mickelson Trail in South Dakota is a breathtaking 109-mile-long trail that runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is named after former South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson, who played a key role in the trail's development. The trail was originally an abandoned rail bed that was transformed into a hiking and biking trail, and it has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Mickelson Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Black Hills in a way that is both relaxing and invigorating. The trail winds its way through forests, across bridges, and through tunnels, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, hikers and bikers will encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and even the occasional mountain lion.

One of the most notable features of the Mickelson Trail is its tunnels. The trail passes through 100-year-old railroad tunnels, which add an element of excitement and adventure to the experience. These tunnels can be quite dark, so it is important to bring a flashlight or headlamp with you. The trail also features several historic railroad trestles, including the 1,100-foot-long high trestle bridge over the Cheyenne River.

The trail is open year-round, but it is most popular in the summer months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. However, the fall season offers a unique experience with the changing colors of the leaves. The trail is also open to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

In addition to the natural beauty of the trail, there are several towns along the way that offer amenities such as lodging, restaurants, and shops. These towns include Deadwood, Hill City, and Custer. These towns are also steeped in history, with several museums and historic sites that offer a glimpse into the area's rich past.

If you're planning a trip to South Dakota, the Mickelson Trail is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual biker, the trail offers something for everyone. The stunning scenery, unique tunnels and trestles, and the opportunity to encounter wildlife make the Mickelson Trail a truly unforgettable experience.

I hope you liked this post enough to check out more of my blog. Here is my next post:  Switching to Cycling: Why it's a Great Alternative to Running for Seniors

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

Subscribe

Popular posts from this blog

Dean and Nala: The Inspiring Journey of a Man and His Cat Across 18 Countries

-
Image
This is one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. It is a guy who is touring with his cat. I stumbled upon a video on YouTube that featured this man named Dean Nicholson and his furry companion Nala, who he adopted while cycling through Bosnia. Their story is nothing short of inspiring and heartwarming. Dean Nicholson, a 31-year-old from Dunbar, Scotland, had always dreamt of travelling the world. In 2018, he quit his job as a welder and set off on his bicycle, with the intention of cycling through Europe and eventually reaching  Australia. From there the hope is to fly to Argentina then cycle north to Canada. But little did he know that his life would change forever in Bosnia. One day, while cycling up a steep hill in the Bosnian mountains, Dean heard a faint meowing sound. Curious, he got off his bike and found a tiny kitten by the side of the road. He decided to take her with him, and named her Nala. Since then, the duo has been inseparable, and they have travelled over
Read more

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

-
Image
Cycling is a popular form of exercise that is known for its many benefits. One of the most common reasons people take up cycling is for weight loss. But the question is, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight? In this blog post, I will explore the answer to this question and look at the benefits of cycling for weight loss. When I first started cycling as an adult after a few years of being sedentary, I thought 30 minutes a day was a lot. It did not take long for me to ratchet up from 30 minutes a day to more. Cycling just has a way of grabbing you and not letting go, but I quickly found out something else. If I was going to continue eating my same bad diet, even an hour of cycling every day was not going to help me lose weight. I am going to cover the basics here and then try to answer the question, is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to lose weight. Understand the concept of weight loss:  It's important to understand the role of calories in the body. Calories are a
Read more

Predictions for the Future of Bicycling: Potential Changes in the Next 50 Years

-
Image
I have often wondered what bicycling will be like 50 years from now. I started riding seriously 50 years ago and it has changed but not as much as you might think it would 50 years ago. The materials used in bicycles and some of the components are the biggest improvements but nothing compared to what I found when I researched what some experts think will happen in the next 50 years. I have provided some citations to these predictions after the article if you are interested in delving into more detail. Predicting the future is always uncertain, but it's likely that bicycling will continue to evolve and become more advanced as technology advances and society changes. Here are some potential changes that may happen in the next 50 years: Increased popularity of electric bicycles: As battery technology improves, electric bicycles will become more efficient, have longer ranges, and be able to charge more quickly. This will make them an attractive option for people who want to commute or
Read more