George S. Mickelson Trail: Custer to Pringle

The komoot tour data suggests this 21.4 km (12.4 miles) section typically takes around 5 hours and 33 minutes to hike. However, this can vary based on your pace, stops for photos, and whether you're hiking uphill or downhill.

Yes, the George S. Mickelson Trail is generally considered easy to moderate. As a converted rail-trail, it features gentle grades, rarely exceeding 4%, and a wide path of crushed limestone and packed gravel. This makes it accessible for various users, including beginners, especially if you hike from Custer to Pringle, which is largely downhill.

For an easier experience, it's recommended to hike from Custer to Pringle. This direction largely features a downward grade, making the 12.4-mile journey less strenuous. Hiking from Pringle to Custer involves a significant uphill climb (around 631 feet elevation gain), which can be quite challenging.

Trailheads are available at both Custer and Pringle. The Pringle trailhead, for example, often provides amenities like shelters and restrooms. The entire Mickelson Trail system boasts 15 accessible trailheads, so you'll find designated parking at either end of this segment.

Yes, a daily pass ($5) or an annual pass ($15-$20) is required for all users aged 12 and older. These fees contribute directly to the trail's maintenance, ensuring its continued upkeep and quality.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles, including picking up after your pet. Be mindful of wildlife and other trail users.

The trail's surface is primarily crushed limestone and packed gravel, with some sections also featuring partial dirt roads. Being a converted railroad line, the grades are typically gentle, rarely exceeding 4%. It's a wide and well-maintained path suitable for hiking.

This section winds through the scenic Black Hills, offering views of towering pines, rugged canyons, and historic railroad routes. You might pass old barns, pegmatite mines, and striking granite formations. Highlights along the way include the Bison Skeleton Sculpture, Bison Sculpture with Mountain Goats, and the Painted Bison Sculpture, Custer. The landscape transitions from dense ponderosa pine corridors to expansive high mountain meadows and open prairie, where cattle are often seen grazing. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife like deer, elk, coyotes, and wild turkeys.

Spring and summer bring lush wildflowers and active birdsong. Autumn offers a vibrant display of crimson, orange, and gold foliage. The trail can be quite exposed, meaning it's often entirely in the sun, so consider sun protection during warmer months. Each season offers a unique experience, but spring and fall are often favored for milder temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Yes, this route is entirely part of the George S. Mickelson Trail. While it primarily follows the main George S. Mickelson Trail, it also briefly intersects with the Custer Skywalk near Custer.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is well-equipped with infrastructure. Trailheads, such as the one in Pringle, often provide amenities like shelters and restrooms. The entire 109-mile trail boasts over 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels, enhancing the experience and providing points of interest.