Whitewood Creek, crossing bridge on trail
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Whitewood Creek Trail Deadwood Greenway

4.7
·142 reviews·Deadwood, United States

Explore over 100 miles of scenic rail-trail and step back into the Wild West in historic Deadwood.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.

CrowdMedium
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Whitewood Creek, crossing bridge on trail

Whitewood Creek Trail Deadwood Greenway

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 100 miles of scenic rail-trail and step back into the Wild West in historic Deadwood.

4.7
(142 reviews)

"Fantastic trail to ride, well maintained with fewer road crossings than other rail-trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Cash for Fees

Bring cash for daily or annual trail fees; some trailheads may not accept cards. :moneywithwings:

Start from Dumont

Begin your ride from Dumont to Deadwood for an easier uphill journey, making the return trip downhill. :arrowupdown:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 142 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

George S. Mickelson Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail

Deadwood to Edgemont

A scenic 100+ mile rail-trail offering steady climbs and beautiful views, perfect for biking or hiking. 🚲

Reddit
Deadwood's Historic Main Street

Deadwood's Historic Main Street

Deadwood, SD

Step back in time with Wild West reenactments, historic saloons, and gold rush history. :saloon:

TikTok+1
Adams Museum

Adams Museum

Deadwood, SD

Explore the rich history of Deadwood, from its gold rush days to its famous outlaws. :museum:

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Access & Parking

Parking is available and free for multi-day trips, with a police station nearby for added security. Consider starting from Dumont to Deadwood for an easier uphill climb, or vice versa for a downhill return. 🚗 Reddit

Trail Conditions & Fees

The George S. Mickelson Trail is well-maintained, with fewer road crossings than many rail-trails. Daily or annual fees apply, so bring cash for payment at trailheads. :moneybag: Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Beautiful autumn colors on the trail.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Day 9 of our Dakotas road trip: chasing waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon and ending the night with shootouts and saloons in Deadwood. Easily one of my favorite days yet! 🌲☀️ #spearfishcanyon #deadwoodsd #southdakotaroadtrip #waterfallhikes #spearfishfalls #hiddengemsusa #visitsouthdakota #traveltok #naturelovers #roadtripvlog #usaroadtrip #historictowns #westernvibes #travelvlog #travelsouthdakota
@seenbyamy
3.8K likes • 62.6K views

Pack Cash for Fees

Bring cash for daily or annual trail fees; some trailheads may not accept cards. :moneywithwings: Reddit

Start from Dumont

Begin your ride from Dumont to Deadwood for an easier uphill journey, making the return trip downhill. :arrowupdown: Reddit

Dropping some history knowledge from my recent trip with @Visit Rapid City. Who wants to go ride the whole Mickelson Trail with me? #rapidcity #southdakota #mickelsontrail
@andyaustinphoto
3K likes • 87.1K views
The historic deadwood South Dakota from above #deadwoodsouthdakota #southdakota #helicopter #fyp #inthesky
@kennnaleigh
2K likes • 25.3K views

Hydration Stations

Rest stops every 10-20 miles offer bathrooms, picnic tables, and water pumps for refilling bottles. :water_wave: Reddit

Groceries in Lead

Stock up on groceries in Lead before heading to the trail; Kirk River Road is the easier route. :shopping_bags: Reddit

We weren’t expecting a full-on shootout in the street… but here we are 😅 Deadwood, South Dakota has a wild history — literally. Live reenactments, old saloons, and stories of the Gold Rush days. Definitely one of the more unique stops on our trip. #deadwood #southdakota #travelmore #rvlife #rvfamily #fulltimetravel #familyadventures
@theroadwelltraveled
1.7K likes • 30.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Cash for Fees

Bring cash for daily or annual trail fees; some trailheads may not accept cards. :moneywithwings: Reddit

Start from Dumont

Begin your ride from Dumont to Deadwood for an easier uphill journey, making the return trip downhill. :arrowupdown: Reddit

Hydration Stations

Rest stops every 10-20 miles offer bathrooms, picnic tables, and water pumps for refilling bottles. :water_wave: Reddit

Groceries in Lead

Stock up on groceries in Lead before heading to the trail; Kirk River Road is the easier route. :shopping_bags: Reddit

Wild West Reenactments

Catch live street shootouts and historical reenactments in Deadwood for an authentic experience. :pistol: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(142 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the George S. Mickelson Trail for its excellent maintenance, scenic beauty, and convenient amenities like water pumps and restrooms. The trail's gentle grade makes it accessible for various fitness levels. Deadwood's historic charm and live reenactments are also a major draw, offering a unique Wild West experience. Some find the trail fees a minor inconvenience, and planning for groceries in advance is recommended.

"Fantastic trail to ride. We did Deadwood->Edgemont on gravel bikes and really enjoyed the experience. The trail is well maintained for the entire distance with fewer road crossings/mile than other rail-trails I've ridden. Several nice little towns along the way for supplies/lunch. Every 10-20 miles there is a nice park-provided rest stop with bathrooms, picnic tables, and most importantly a well with a pump to refill water bottles. Posting a strava recap of our ride to show that while there is a lot of elevation change, those hills are steady even climbs thanks to the hard labor of railroad workers 100+ years ago. My final stats were 110 miles with 3698' of elevation gain."

Jim Vitek

"Safe for us to park for 3 days. No charge, police station within view, end of the parking lot. Bathroom, plenty of room to set up.
Buy you groceries in Lead, up the hill. Kirk river road towards Lead is the easy way. The short way is a logging type road, steep."

D Henry

"Dumont to Deadwood is a lot easier than starting in Deadwood."

Bob Havens

What People Like

Well-maintained trail
Scenic beauty
Historic Deadwood

What People Dislike

Trail fees
Limited supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Whitewood Creek Trail is part of the larger George S. Mickelson Trail. Access points are numerous, with a popular starting point being in Deadwood, South Dakota. You can drive to Deadwood and find parking near the trailhead. TikTokReddit

Yes, parking is available and is free for multi-day trips. The area is considered safe, with a police station within view. Reddit

For day hikes, you can access the trail from various points. Many visitors enjoy segments near Deadwood or Dumont for scenic views and historical context. TikTokReddit

Public transportation options directly to the trailheads are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car to Deadwood or other access towns. TikTok

While not explicitly mentioned, the trail's length and popularity suggest that local shuttle services might be available in Deadwood or nearby towns for longer excursions. Researching local tour operators is advised. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a daily or annual fee to use the George S. Mickelson Trail, which includes the Whitewood Creek Trail section. Make sure to have cash on hand for payment at trailheads. Reddit

Fees are typically for daily or annual passes. While exact prices can vary, bringing cash is essential as not all locations may accept cards. Reddit

The trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check local conditions, especially during winter months. TikTok

Information on online pass purchases is not readily available. It's best to be prepared with cash for on-site payment at the trailheads. Reddit

Specific discount information for groups or families is not widely advertised. It's recommended to contact the local park authorities or visitor centers for any available group rates. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is a well-maintained rail-trail, meaning it has a relatively smooth surface, ideal for biking and hiking. It's known for having fewer road crossings than many other rail-trails. Reddit

Expect beautiful scenery with informational posters about the area's mining history and former stagecoach routes. You'll also see remnants of old railroad tracks. Reddit

Yes, there are park-provided rest stops every 10-20 miles that include vault toilets and water pumps for refilling bottles. Reddit

Absolutely! The George S. Mickelson Trail is very popular for cycling, including gravel biking. The steady climbs make it manageable for most cyclists. TikTokReddit

The trail passes through areas rich in mining history and was once a stagecoach route. Informational posters along the way provide insights into this past. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Several nice little towns are located along the trail route, offering opportunities for supplies and lunch stops. Deadwood itself has many dining options. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, especially for longer rides or hikes. There are picnic tables at rest stops. Reddit

Deadwood offers a variety of dining experiences, from historic saloons to modern restaurants, reflecting its gold rush past and current tourist appeal. TikTok+1

It's advised to buy groceries in Lead, which is uphill from the trail. Kirk River Road is the easier route to access Lead. Reddit

If you're camping, consider stocking up in Lead. Some campgrounds, like the Deadwood/Black Hills KOA Holiday, offer amenities that might include food services or proximity to dining. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The trail offers scenic views, remnants of old railroad tracks, and historical markers. The segment between Dumont and Deadwood is particularly picturesque. Reddit

Absolutely! Deadwood's historic main street, saloons, and the surrounding Black Hills provide excellent photographic opportunities. Aerial views are also stunning. TikTok+1

Capture the spirit of the Wild West with photos of street reenactments, historic buildings, and the graves of legends like Wild Bill Hickok. TikTok+1

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape and trail photography. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone usage in the Deadwood and trail areas. TikTok

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