Homestake Trail

Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail is a very popular activity for many people in the Black Hills, locals, visitors, and tourists all enjoy the Mickelson Trail.  Not only can you bike, but you can run, walk, or even ride horses, and you most definitely do not have to do the entire length of the trail. There are numerous trailheads (15) along the trail to start or stop your ride, and make it ho...

To get to the trailhead for Mt. Roosevelt, you will need to travel about a mile north of Deadwood, on HWY 85, then you will see signs for it near the Lodge of Deadwood, from there you will eventually hit a gravel road and it is about 2.5 miles from the highway. The trailhead has picnic tables, and a vault toilet for amenities.  The trail is very well maintained and prominent! Along the trail yo...

The campground is located 7.5 miles south of Lead on Highway 85, then turn left on road 196, there will be a sign for Hanna CG, from there it is just over 2 miles to the campground. The campground has 13 total sites, the main area of the CG is closed during the fall winter and spring, but there are a few sights that are walk in sites and open year around.  The sites are nicely spaced, and most ...

Before you start this adventure, make sure you're wearing shoes that will not be ruined by crossing creeks. There are several stream crossings so wear waterproof boots or sturdy hiking sandals (I prefer my Original Universal Tevas or my KEEN Whisper Sandal).  The pull off to start the hike is about 10-15 minutes from the Spearfish Canyon stoplight, in between Bridal Veil Falls and the pull off ...

Community Caves is located in the scenic Spearfish Canyon, on Highway 14A, about 2.7 miles from Spearfish (once you turn off of Colorado Blvd).  There is a large pull-off area on the right (west) side of the road and then the trail, which is not marked at all, is on the opposite side of the pull-off.  The trail starts very mildly. In the winter, it is easy to follow as everyone's footprints mar...

This is a super short and very easy hike that has an incredible payoff. It is an out-and-back trail that is accessible for all skill levels. The trail slowly descends along a path that varies between paved sections and very well-groomed gravel leading to an observation deck of a super scenic waterfall.  Plummeting 47 feet into Spearfish Creek, Spearfish Falls is definitely one of the prettiest...