Hikers and bikers in the Black Hills of South Dakota have a 109-mile gem that gives them a chance to see the Hills from a different perspective. It’s the George S. Mickelson Trail in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota.

“The Mickelson Trail allows users the opportunity to experience landscapes and wildlife that can’t be seen from the highway. The trail’s gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills,” said Jessica Andrews, information specialist with the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation.

The trail is a Rails-to-Trails project that follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. There are more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four hard rock tunnels along the trail. It was originally named the Black Hills Burlington Northern Heritage Trail and was supported in its infancy by then-South Dakota Gov. George S. Mickelson. Mickelson played an integral role in the trail’s early success, and he dedicated the first six miles of the trail in 1991. Following Mickelson’s untimely death in 1993, the trail was renamed in his honor.

Since the trails inception, many improvements have been made to make it more rider- and user-friendly. According to Andrews, the most recent improvements include potable water sites, interpretive panels and 13 new shelters, which were added along the trail to make the users’ experiences more enjoyable and educational. A shelter honoring the Burlington Northern rail line was added at the Hill City trailhead and dedicated on National Trails Day in June 2002.

“Thirty new interpretive panels were added along the length of the trail. The panels focus on the history of the rails-to-trails trail project, including information on plants, wildlife and history of Black Hills mining, logging and the Burlington-Northern Railroad,” Andrews said.