Author: Cecilia

George S. Mickleson Trail

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
Wheelchair Accessible“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.”            
Wheelchair AccessibleTrolley 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
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  
Wheelchair AccessibleChief 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.”

Angostura Recreation Area

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
HikerwithcaneWheelchair Accessible ?    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

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
Wheelchair AccessibleNorth Point Trail about 1.5 miles on asphalt and gravel  “Easy, mostly flat with a few moderate grades”  Call for more information.

Farm Island Recreation Area

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
Wheelchair Accessible? 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.

Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge’s wetland resources create a sanctuary within the semi-arid Great Plains landscape.
Here is their website.   Phone (605) 685-6508   Map
Brian, from the refuge, describes the trails as relatively flat, mowed grass. “Not truly accessible trails but relatively flat, short, and easy hikes.”
HikerwithcanePelican Island Trail 0.25 mile  “This walking trail provides visitors with the rare opportunity to view American white pelicans nesting on two islands within Pool 9 on the Refuge. During late April and early May, visitors will see thousands of white pelicans located on these islands. There are great blue heron, snowy and cattle egret, double-crested cormorant, and black crowned night heron rookeries on the islands as well.”
Hikerwithcane0.25 mile  loop around the display  pond.  “Large willows, cottonwoods, and other shrubs often provides the opportunity to observe warblers and other birds species not commonly found in our grasslands and wetlands.”

-South Dakota Parks & Recreation Trail ADA Classification

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.

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills rise from the adjacent grasslands into a ponderosa pine forest. Described as an “Island in the Plains,” the Forest has diverse wildlife and plants reaching from the eastern forests to the western plains.
Here is their website.  Phone (605) 673-9200   Brochure and Map
There are quite a few trails rated “Easy”, but not rated wheelchair accessible. Trails with difficulty ratings   Check out this blog of Top 7 Black Hills Family Hikes  
Wheelchair AccessibleRoughlock Falls Nature Area 1 mile  Map  “Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and picnicking can all be enjoyed in the nature area.”
Wheelchair AccessibleVeterans Point Trail  0.75 mile  paved trail  among large ponderosa pines.  Restrooms and fishing piers.  At times, this trail is under water.  Call first.
HikerwithcaneOsprey Trail (Black Hills Trail #58) has two loops, one .8 mile and another 1.5 miles.
Map & Brochure   It is described as easy, but you should call first 605-343-1567 or 605-574-2534 to inquire about obstacles and trail condition.