This Is the Crown Jewel of American Bike Paths! (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

In this video I go on a 109-mile bike ride that I've been wanting to do for years. I saw it called the best rail-to-trail bike path in the country. Is there any truth to that?
DATE FILMED: Mid-June 2023
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
VIDEO LINKS
** Book I used to help plan this adventure: amzn.to/3K8uQTZ
** My tent: bigskyinternational.com/produ...
** My Fetterman Fight video: • These Isolated Mountai...
** My Little Bighorn video: • These Incredible Camps...
** Some of my other Black Hills videos: • An Unexpected Wrench i... and • Following in the Foots...
GPS COORDINATES
** Wild Bill assassin capture site: 44.37688, -103.73040
** Northern (Deadwood) start of the Mickelson Trail: 44.370651, -103.728683
** Highest point on the trail: 44.24799, -103.79698
** Cyanide lid barn: 44.192046, -103.760658
** Influenza grave: 44.08045, -103.64426
** World’s largest Smokey the Bear: 43.933964, -103.574753
** Campsite: 43.86286, -103.64182
** Helicopter: 43.84493, -103.63553
** Crazy Horse Memorial: 43.836661, -103.623281
** French Creek: 43.763783, -103.600900
** Bike pile sculpture: 43.610198, -103.591264
**Southern (Edgemont) trailhead: 43.298072, -103.825036
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
** Crazy Horse Memorial image source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cr...
#adventure #camping #bikepacking

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Tristan, it’s the little things that make me absolutely appreciate this channel. Things like paying for the Annual Pass for the trail, stopping to appreciate cool little landmarks, and giving us history lessons. Keep it up bud!

[@SUVRVing]

I appreciate that! I'll keep going as long as people keep watching 🚲 🏕

[@eddog6666]

When you first mentioned the trail name it sounded familiar to me. It’s part of the plan cross the country bike trail that starts in Washington DC and end in Washington state there is a huge gap from the end of the trail you are on to the one in Wyoming

[@glansberry]

@@SUVRVing Great video, and my compliments as well regarding the little things! I'm an avid adventure/endurance junkie (cycling, running, swimming, hiking etc) and often can't find time - retired/work fulltime, 4 kids (one with medical challenges). When I do have time, it's typically a race or training event for time (missing the little things). We are an outdoors family too, and we operate at a much slower pace when together... I have to say, 3,000' of climbing is no joke, especially on a touring bike setup! Kudos! Looking forward to more biking (and camping) adventures. Take care.

[@amylipkin2116]

That was a lot of fun to watch! I am formally requesting more bike trail tours, please...

[@SUVRVing]

Noted! 😁

[@katztsubai4513]

@@SUVRVing Here's another vote. The chain on your bike may be running a bit dry. Get some good chain lube if you haven't already. I'm partial to Muc-off Dry lube, keeps the chain clean, quiet, and efficient.

[@srb6345]

Clearly I should have read the comments before I posted a new one asking for more!

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Lovely trail. 👍

[@dtbrooks7325]

On a used low-end bike, no froo-froo gear, and no training. Well done! An example of a beautiful two-day adventure within reach of most anyone.

[@geoffmeek2437]

3:35 "This is basically me doing a 100 mile long bike trail off the couch" - says the mountain climber 😊 Great video, of another place I have never been to.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

He had me laughing out loud 😁😘

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

😂

[@bmiles4131]

Lol. Saddle sore though?

[@johnrobertd748]

You should go

[@Maddiehere89]

Tristan, once again I must compliment you on your video skills. The drone shots and the shots where you pass by your camera are excellent! You are truly a talented videographer!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks! I'm certainly better than I was 400+ videos ago 😁

[@chopwood2995]

A short but very cool rail to bike trail on the Idaho to Montana border is the Hiawatha Trail. It is short at around 15 miles but goes through a bunch of tunnels and over high trestles. We did it with a pack of Boy Scouts. Most do it one way and take the shuttle back so mostly downhill. Another 31 miles of trails is being worked on to take it to St Regis MT. Pretty fun!

[@geoffreymilke5176]

The Hiawatha is the best rails to trails bike path there is...by far That said, the CDA trail is free and easily as good as the trail in this video

[@stephendenagy3396]

Agreed, the Trail of the Couer d’Alene is 78 miles…paved all the way. It is an exceedingly beautiful trail, running along creeks, river, the Lake Couer d’Alene. There are places to stay along the way.

[@Maddiehere89]

Wow! My home state of South Carolina has turn old railway tracks into walking/hiking trails from the mountains to the sea. I wish more states would consider this form of renewal and reuse for old deserted tracks.

[@robertnielsen2461]

elwood6870,There is a law that abandoned right of way remains as such to available if they are ever needed again,as such they have been turned into hiking walking trails.

[@wwisaacson4807]

Here in Minnesota some counties made the old train right of ways into bike and walking trails. Other less far sighted counties returned the right of ways back to the landowners.

[@mtadams2009]

I live in Massachusetts and we have lots of bike-rail trails. They are everywhere.

[@tonyalewis9053]

If you join Rails to Trails you will gladly see how many States DO have these trails. I live in Missouri where the longest R2T is, the Katy Trail is 240 miles and runs mostly near the Missouri River. People come from all over the world to ride it!

[@mtadams2009]

@@tonyalewis9053 That sound s awesome. Thanks for sharing. Take care

[@sagecoach]

I worked for Burlington Northern on unique jobs riding trains through such beautiful scenery all over your favorite territory. Many routes are inaccessible except on foot. Thanks for awakening memories.

[@SUVRVing]

Wow, thanks for sharing! Must have been great enjoying the scenery that way.

[@stubt7890]

"from the couch" is sometimes the best way to do things! In 2003 I went to Scotland, rented a bike, and spent 10 days riding all over the country, from the couch. By the end of ten days I was in agony but it was one of the best trips I ever did! I love that you are in the Black Hills in this video, one of my all time favorites places in the US. I stop in Custer any time I am road tripping anywhere near there, just to drive the wildlife loop at Custer State Park. :)

[@douglasschafer6372]

Thank you for this vid, 7-8 years ago I bought a recumbent bike expressly to ride the Mickalson Trail. Since then the osteoarthritis has kicked in and I will never be able to make this ride. But, luckily you have taken me along on your ride. Appreciate it.

[@susans8539]

This was a great trip! I thoroughly enjoyed all the beautiful scenery, the history, and the biking adventure. Not so much the gas station sandwich tho, ha ha… I like that you provide fee and other info for the activities you do, it helps when one plans trips. How fun and kudos to you for biking the entire path. Keep ‘em coming!

[@deborahm6036]

This was such a treat! I moved to the Black Hills from Palm Springs 3 years ago. My “gateway drug” to your channel, was your visit to Historic Hot Springs, where I live. The algorithm did something right, and places your video in my feed. I have been hooked every since. Welcome back to the Sacred Black Hills!

[@Orangeshebert]

Just discovered your channel. I am very impressed. You are easy to listen to and come across as real. I’ve added this trail to my bucket list. I’m glad you enjoyed the trail and I appreciate the stops where you educated us about the local history. Subscribed and will be going back to see your growth. Thanks again!!

[@Chicago_Bikepacker]

Highly recommend that you do this trail in three or four days. Or longer! Stop to take the time to visit all the towns and communities that you ride through.

[@keithbrookshire]

I love that area of the country. If you haven't been to the museum at the Crazy Horse monument please do put it on your list. I find it particularly impressive.

[@SUVRVing]

I went there the previous time I visited and enjoyed it 👍

[@ralf547]

Thank you for this great "ride along" on this great bike trail. You need to do the ultimate rail to trail bike trail. It's the KATY Trail State park in Missouri. Wonderful little towns with delightful B&B's and cafes. It's a crushed limestone trail, a little more rolling resistance than on an asphalt trail. But longer than the Mickelson.

[@lmb2761]

Hi Tristan, if you ever venture further East, the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) canal towpath and Great Allegheny Passage are outstanding rails-to-trails rides. Then, a bit more rugged and wildly scenic, the Virginia Creeper trail. I just pray that folks care enough to maintain these beautiful, historic, and scenic getaways for peaceful escape and enjoyment. Thanks for taking us with you!! LMB PS - loved the brook trout jump as if on cue :)

[@BrianAThomas]

Yeah, I was going to recommend the same set, GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, finish the C&O to DC.

[@MsQ275]

this is excellent! I've been contemplating what to do with my life next and just decided to upgrade the RV and rig and explore Dakotas, MT, WY for a couple years... this video is great confirmation on my plan and gives me something to look forward to after all the medical stuff I'm working though, so thank you!!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Have fun. Be well!

[@SUVRVing]

Sounds like a great plan!

[@mmmd3429]

Winter in Arizona and that seems like a good time.

[@gibsonrocker17]

Very neat! Definitely going to add it to my list too. The Black Hills are such an underrated area of the country and I fell in love with the area the moment I first visited. I knew immediately you were in Deadwood at the start of the video. Definitely one of my favorite towns in the country. I'm glad you mentioned the E-bikes at the end, because once you mentioned a lot of elevation gain in the beginning, that was the first thing I thought of and figured there would be numerous places to rent them if it is indeed that popular of a trail. I'll probably go that route when I do visit and likely bring a tent and sleeping pad, but definitely rent an E-bike and return to where I started doing it over the course of a couple days. Really neat departure from your usual content and very enjoyable. I like that you're branching out somewhat with your adventures and taking us all along for the "ride." Lookin forward to the next one!

[@jerrymestas1231]

That was so damn cool thank you buddy for taking us on the road. Awesome scenery awesome narrating👊🏻 glad your bike held up💪🏼

[@escapeartist25]

Thank you for sharing what I call my happy place. Just spent 3 days in the Black Hills. Also rode the Hiawatha Trail! Been wanting to do it ever since I saw your video. It was awesome! Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

That's awesome! I still think about the Hiawatha Trail. That was so much fun. Thanks for watching!

[@conniewaite1371]

This could be a new direction of exploring.there are more rail to trail places being made,be nice to explore more of these

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

It is a GREAT Trail…We did Edgemont to Hill City,next day Deadwood then same back for a 4 day trip……🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

[@mark222b]

I’ve been to that area once. Seemed like a beautiful place to live in. Loved the small towns, esp. ones with the old western buildings.

[@HeadPack]

A refreshing take, riding this 'from the couch'. Inspires confidence that one doesn'tz have to be a super fit and equipped bike tourer to do that. I hope it is not the last bike trail you will show us.

[@yuccavalleynan2074]

You do the coolest trips Tristan! I’ve been to Deadwood years ago, but I missed this trail! No ebike this time 🤗 I loved seeing the ‘progress’ of Crazyhorse up close - thx for paying for my seat on the helicopter! You took us on a great trip ~ excellent views! Thanks much Tristan!

[@cris_miko]

Thank you! I loved re-visiting this trail that I bike-packed 12 years ago. Your campsite is what I was shooting for, but I ran out of energy and daylight. I pitched my tent behind the shelter above Hill City and it was a good choice considering the sand downhill ride the next morning. In Custer, there are beautifully painted full-size bison statues--amazing art. Great memory ❤

[@Will-Parr]

Tristan, this is an excellent video. It has it all. Video, drone footage, music, information, and it’s very entertaining. Congrats

[@daveisnothere]

FYI for Tristan and everyone else, the big bear Tristan mentions is Smokey Bear, not Smokey THE Bear. The bear this is based on was rescued in the Lincoln Nat'l Forest near where Billy the Kid was active as well as the Lincoln County War, in SE New Mexico.

[@shannasteen9644]

What a fun adventure! 10 hours of riding in one day 🚲 nice work! I enjoyed it all!

[@sherilgreen7495]

Thanks so much Tristan for bringing back many pleasant memories of the Summers we spent camped in our son's dooryard above Rapid City. Calamity Jane And Wild Bill are burried in the cemetery at the top of the cliff overlooking the town of Deadwood. Steepest hill we have ever driven up. Helicopter ride was a special treat. 😊

[@butchpemberton6143]

I am still with you and your great adventures and presentations...God Bless

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

Woke up late, where I usually watch your videos with my morning cup of joe, I decided to make this an afternoon reward. What an amazing video! Beautiful scenery! Thank-you so much for all your videos, they are the highlight to my weeks end.

[@rocksolidadventures184]

Very nice Tristan! Glad I got to see what the trail looks like. This one is definitely on the bucket list.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

Hi Tristin, Wonderful trip! :) Ty for taking us along! It was Beautiful! I live on the "Pinellas" Trail here in Fl. It too was once a railroad track converted into a walking, biking trail. We love it~! :)

[@jazzfan7491]

This is great! For years I've thought "the answer" (to de-industrialization) was to turn the "heartland" into a giant cycling park. Give people jobs and give them a chance to live really healthy lives outdoors. Win win win all around.

[@terryfitzpatrick5602]

I biked for years up until as a senior the body said sorry I give up. Spinal stenosis, arthritis and a prostate the size of Texas. Can't sit on that seat comfortably anymore. Spent a fortune on seat and flex seat post options that helped somewhat. Did it for decades but my ship has sailed. Specially for trails or any riding I found a product called a "THUDBUSTER," flexible seat support. Much more pleasant ride. Those old abandoned rail trails are wonderful to get out and away from traffic.

[@victorlalicon9287]

I’m an avid cyclist, and I frequent trails such as this. But this one is definitely an addition to my bucket list. You did a pretty good job narrating the events behind this nice trail. Perhaps, more of cycling life in the future….thanks you

[@b.louise9091]

Great 100 plus mile trail, but Custer to Deadwood has NOWHERE to stop and shelter in case of the intense thunderstorms and hail dumps. Watch the weather close and start early.

[@kenbrown438]

We need a HIKING MAN annual gathering to out rival the 'burning man' event !!!! Oh , the stories to be shared by hikers , bikers , campers , climbers , RVers , explorers , cavers , miners , and outdoor folks !!!! Could you please let us know if you can get an event like" this started !!!!????

[@mikekilburn3552]

I'm actually getting ready to do the northern tier from Maine to Washington. I'll get to see alot of this so glad you put this up. More motivation 💪 😂❤

[@OutsidewithTom]

Enjoyed the video. We spend a week in the Black Hills every summer, and have biked that trail the last 2 years. We rented e-bikes and only did a half day though, about 40 miles. When I saw you were using a standard bike, I felt for ya. Those uphill segments are not very steep, but are LONG. Good on you for completing the entire trail, I'm sure your legs were aching much more than you let on in the video. 😁

[@SUVRVing]

You nailed it. Looong and steep uphill sections! Thanks for watching, Tom

[@margaretmorris9561]

Are there charging stations or areas to charge e-bikes along this trail?

[@OutsidewithTom]

@@margaretmorris9561 I couldn't answer that. Maybe check the trail brochure, or call some of the bike rental places in the towns along the trail.

[@conniewaite1371]

Love copter rides ,we were there about 25 years ago,the rock hasnt changed much

[@loriegreene9375]

All that I can say Tristin is thank you for bringing us this footage! My second most favorite video! I loved that you took the helicopter ride to Crazy Horse!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video so much! 😁

[@alexanderweaver7066]

This was a very enjoyable video, Tristan. I loved the helicopter ride. I was a helicopter crew member in the military and worked for two helicopter companies in Maui.

[@loriemarez]

This looks like a lot of fun!!!

[@robertsellers1153]

excellent footage!

[@hordboy]

The Black Hills is such a beautiful area. I’m thinking about doing a trail running race on the Mickelson so this video was very helpful!

[@rvboondocker2559]

I love that trail! We haven’t completely ridden it but are working on sections. I remember Surreal beauty, particularly some of the train tunnels and river crossings. Thanks. Pro tip. Your bike doesn’t need a helmet 😊. You do.

[@conniewaite1371]

This was refreshing!

[@janemuir3546]

Thanks for the video!

[@mhilde7744]

Thanks for putting this together!👍

[@realmicrobet]

When I was in my mid 20s I did a long bike trip (Seattle to SF) and trained a bit but more riding hard than long distance. First day was a pretty painful 40 miles or so. Last day was a less painful 100mi day. No substitute for just getting in the miles.

[@funzeevanzee]

Thanks for taking us with you. Great video.

[@angelacraw2907]

Great video.

[@noeraldinkabam]

Loved this!

[@waynewilliams839]

Thanks for your work !!! 😊

[@vintagesouthernpicks3555]

Very enjoyable!

[@speedflash9347]

Very fun break! Thanks.

[@wrayjordan7188]

Beautiful trail. Interesting adventure. Thanks for sharing. Save travels dude.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Loved the point-of-view look at the scenery; gives a great sense of location :-)

[@kevansmith5511]

Wow. Thanks. That trail is on my bucket list now.

[@andrewtferlito2994]

great vlog !!

[@jasonshaw2065]

Great video thank you!

[@jschettler]

Great adventure!

[@edgarmuller6652]

Beautiful countryside. Thanks for sharing

[@dixielambrecht7009]

What an awesome adventure. Instead of the hikers wobble you'll have the bikers wobble. Ah, Smokey is really cool

[@phyllisbonner8900]

I Wish i was younger so I could do some of these wonderful things you do. You do such a good job of sharing.

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Great video Tristan, thank you. Good option to add to my list💚

[@LaurelDale]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks again for sharing the beautiful scenery! ❤😊

[@melj646]

This has been on my bucket list for a while

[@debiebrumley3104]

loved it, great exercise !!

[@horizon42q]

Beautiful ride.

[@nor-cal-meech5686]

I especially loved this one! Really fun to watch 👍👍

[@jdc1957]

The Repair Stop ..... Is Amazing.

[@stevethompson8154]

Thanks. Very meaningful to me as I live in Eastern SD and get to the area often. We've spent several vacations based out of Hill City.

[@wightwater5656]

Very enjoyable, and thanks much. Keep the Rail Trail videos coming, please!

[@Tbonner0818]

Great video. Really enjoyed it!

[@larryvlodica4020]

NICE adventure, Thanks for mixing it up

[@lindajcope]

Loved the ride in the Black Hills and the history of the area.

[@coolbuffdad]

The somber gas station sandwich music made me sadder than the unknown grave

[@heyjudesadventures]

I really enjoyed this video, because I love riding bikes! I enjoyed the history along the trail. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@taztaztaz]

funny timing.. been doing different legs of this trail for the past 3 days.. much more elevation gains than i thought… maybe im just old😂😂😂 btw the Katy trail in MO is twice as long and way way flatter.. follows the lewis & clark trail for a good stretch along the Missouri river

[@michelleburns578]

Really loved this one!

[@JRZGRL55]

Great video, Tristan! Your videos are always so informative & thoughtful. I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@dondonner1095]

Great video, very informative and you kept it interesting. On my bucket list. Thanks.

[@teslah2997]

another fun, interesting SUV rv’ing vid….thanks, Tristan, for taking us along and showing us

[@shawnparenteau9395]

I can’t wait to do this trail one day, I strongly encourage getting more into cycling/touring for everyone. It’s amazing. Thanks for the informational video

[@karenr67]

Enjoyed the video. I'm so glad you are physically able to complete it.

[@linh8997]

Thanks!

[@edwardharvey4995]

I like the unassuming nature of your videos. Thanks for putting this out there.

[@williambanzhof9739]

EXCELLENT!

[@carltonbirds]

Your video is very lovely, warm and inviting.

[@kyleranderson5557]

I wasn’t expecting a South Dakota episode!! I love it being from here. Taught me stuff I didn’t even know we had

[@matthewdow1672]

Great video! I'm an avid cyclist so I definitely have added this trail to my list of must-do rides. Thanks!!

[@diegopig]

I really enjoyed this video!

[@joansidor3409]

Another entertaining, informative and motivating video!!! I'm glad that I can be a patron. Joan

[@gailbutler483]

Liked this! Love all your videos.

[@JohnFord-yp5ih]

Nice trip. Well filmed and narrated!

[@gregschenk2023]

Thanks awesome

[@tomwestbrook]

Loved it! I never knew that bike trail was there.