Category: South Dakota State

George S. Mickleson Trail
“The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998.  Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills.”  “Electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and select e-bikes are allowed on the trail….All trail users age 12 and older are required to have a trail pass (except on the trail within the city limits). ”
Phone 605.584.3896 Here is the website.     On TrailLink   Map  Map and elevations
“The trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. ”  “A majority of the trail does not exceed a 4% grade, but parts of the trail are considered strenuous.”            
Trolley On The Trail   “Trolley rides allow those with physical limitations to experience the beautiful George S. Mickelson Trail.  The rides are held throughout the summer and are approximately four hours long. Reservations are required”

Chief White Crane Recreation Area
Chief White Crane Recreation Area lies at the edge of Lake Yankton in southeast South Dakota.
Here is the Area website.   Phone 605.668.2985  Trail Map  
Chief White Crane Trail  from the Yankton website: “1 mile, 9’ wide crushed asphalt surface, flat grade. This trail travels throughout the Chief White Crane Recreation Area and connects to the Deer Boulevard Trail and is a short distance from the Lake Yankton Prairie Trail.”

Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Dry pasture in the 1930 and a 9,000-acre marsh by 1980, this lake is now over 20 feet deep from heavy rains and snowmelt from the mid-80s  It is a National Natural Landmark and is in northeast South Dakota.
Here is the Area website.   Phone 605.847.4893  Trail Map and Guide
Park Tour Trail 1.25 miles

Angostura Recreation Area
“Angostura Reservoir is a water-lover’s haven with breathtaking, scenic views. Offering crystal clear waters, 36 miles of shoreline, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the state, the area boasts many water sports and summer fun activities – camping, boating, fishing, and swimming.”  It is in western South Dakota.
Here is the Area website.  Trail Map & Guide  Walking Map   Phone 605.745.6996
?    Reservoir View Bike Trail, asphalt.  The guide says this is 3.2 miles on “moderate hilly terrain”.  However, the mobility guide gives it an A rating which means the grades are from 0 to 5%.  It describes the trail as 1.9 miles.  Call for clarification.

North Point Recreation Area
“Located on the shores of the Missouri River just above Fort Randall Dam, North Point Recreation Area provides a spectacular river view.”
Here is the Area website.   Phone  605.487.7046   Map
North Point Trail about 1.5 miles on asphalt and gravel  “Easy, mostly flat with a few moderate grades”  Call for more information.

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
This recreation area on the Missouri River, near Yankton is “…is one of the state park system’s most popular resort parks.”
Here is the Area website.  Trail Map and Guide    Phone 605-668-2985
Lewis and Clark Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail  7 miles asphalt.  Multi-use “Mostly flat. Easy, appropriate for all ages.”

Farm Island Recreation Area
“Located east of Pierre, Farm Island attracts all types of visitors – campers, swimmers, hikers, anglers, bird watchers and bicyclists. … easy access to Lake Sharpe and popular beaches and trails…”
Here is the Area website.  Phone  605-773-2885   Trail Map and Guide
? Nature Exploration Trail 3 miles.  Gravel/limestone.  Although the website does not show this trail as ADA (it describes it as “Easy, appropriate for all ages”), it is given an A rating in the State Parks’ trail rating system.  You might want to call first to be sure.

South Dakota Parks & Recreation Trail ADA Classification
The second page of this document gives the trail classification criteria and the remaining pages list the trails in the State Parks with their classification, length and surface material.  Category A trails appear to be wheelchair accessible.  The description for Category B sounds like easy walking, but it is always a good idea to check with park management before going.

Custer State Park
The 71,000 acre Custer State Park in the Black Hills of western South Dakota encompasses granite peaks, rolling plains , clear mountain waters and open ranges.
Here is the Park website.  Phone 605-255-4515   Map  Trails  Guide
Creekside Trail 2 miles  “This paved trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek and offers a variety of scenery.”
? Sylvan Lake Shore Trail  I mile loop. “This trail makes a complete loop around Sylvan Lake, and is among the easiest trails in Custer State Park. Enormous granite formations line portions of the lake making it one of the most picturesque in the Black Hills.  While most of this trail is relatively flat, a portion contains steps and crosses exposed rocky areas. Sections of the trail are not be suitable for strollers.”

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
This preserve encompasses 1,500 acres along the Missouri River in southeast South Dakota.  The “Preserve features close to 10 miles of limestone trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank. With over 100 species of birds, a variety of native plants and a number of different animals, visitors are immersed in nature. ”
Here is the Preserve website.  Location Map   Trail Map and Guide   Phone 605.232.0873
“Adams features close to 10 miles of trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank. With over 100 species of birds, a variety of native plants and a number of different animals, visitors are immersed in nature.”
The Lake Loop, Homestead Trail, and River Loop are labeled wheelchair accessible on the trail map.
“Guided golf cart tours are available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations, contact the park for details.”