We’re located in Hill City, South Dakota—right near the halfway point of the George S. Mickelson Trail. 

Our shop is nestled between the sidewalk section of the trail & the trailhead. 

Address: 525 S. Newton Ave. Hill City, SD 57745

We are open from June 1st through the first weekend of October.

Shop Hours

• 9 am to 5 pm
• Closed Tuesdays

* After Labor Day: 9:30 am to 5 pm

The Off-Season:

We are closed, but online bookings are available in advance for the upcoming season.

Do Hours Change: 

Yes—hours adjust slightly in spring and fall to accommodate cooler temps. 

Shuttle times may also shift during the summer to account for hotter temperatures. *Customers will be notified in advance. 

We recommend checking current hours online before your visit.

All sales are final—no refunds for cancellations or weather

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.

The remaining balance is due on the day of your activity

Should plans change, you  may reschedule within the current season or receive a credit (no expiration)

We accept all major credit and debit cards for online bookings and in-store purchases.

Your card is charged at the time of booking to secure your reservation.

Charges will appear as “Onward LLC” on your statement

Sales tax is applied at checkout and will be clearly shown before completing your booking.

All rentals include:

✔ Trail Pass

✔ Helmet

✔ Rear rack

✔ Handlebar bag

✔ Storage options (panniers available as needed)

✔ Basic repair kit

Yes—trail access is included where required, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing anything separately.

We offer a range of bikes including:

• Standard comfort and hybrid bikes
  
• Electric bikes (e-bikes)
  
• Youth bike options
  
• Plus Burley trailers 

How do I choose the right bike?

During booking, you’ll see options based on your ride style, height, and comfort preferences.

• E-bikes are great for added support and longer distances
  
• Standard bikes are perfect for casual and active riders
  
• Multiple frame sizes are available to ensure a comfortable fit
  
• Choose between step-over (traditional frame) or step-through (easy on/off) styles
  

Not sure? We’ll help fine-tune your fit during check-in to make sure you’re comfortable and ready to ride.

Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are recommended. 

Booking ahead ensures availability and a smooth check-in experience.

Yes! Bike rentals are available on their own—you can ride directly from the shop.

We offer flexible rental durations to match your plans:

2 Hours – Quick rides and exploring around town

6 Hours (Most Popular) – Perfect for shuttle rides and half-day adventures

24 Hours – Great for full-day or multi-stop experiences

Multiday Options also available 

Choose the option that fits your schedule—most riders opt for 6 hours or more to fully enjoy the George S. Mickelson Trail.

Book your shuttle first, then select your bike rental during checkout. On the day of your ride, we transport you to the trail so you can ride back at your own pace on the George S. Mickelson Trail.

No—our shuttle is drop-off only.

We take you to the trail so you can enjoy a one-way ride back to the shop.

We provide access to northern trailheads only, allowing for scenic, mostly downhill rides back toward Hill City. 

Riders experience the most scenic section of the trail and the rock-carved tunnels.

We drop riders at the furthest north trailhead, then make additional stops heading south based on the day’s group.

Yes—after selecting your shuttle, you’ll be prompted to choose your bike rental as part of the same booking. It’s quick and all in one place.

Absolutely. Just select the “bring your own bike” option during booking, and we’ll handle the transportation.

There is no additional cost for transporting your own bike - unless it is a tandem or tricycle. 

Plan to arrive at your scheduled time. The shuttle departs 30 minutes later, allowing time for check-in, bike fitting, and loading.

Shuttle experiences are designed for 6+ hour rentals, but you can ride at your own pace and choose your distance.

Shuttles operate Thursday through Sunday during the season, with limited seating available.

The trail is made of crushed limestone, offering a smooth and stable ride for most bikes. It’s well-maintained and suitable for a wide range of riders.

The George S. Mickelson Trail follows a former railroad corridor, so grades are generally gentle and gradual—great for beginners and casual riders.

Yes, but they are typically long and gradual. Shuttle routes are designed to favor more downhill riding overall, especially from northern trailheads.

Expect a scenic ride featuring:

• Historic tunnels
• Wooden trestle bridges
• Forested stretches and open views
• No vehicle traffic

You have two great ways to experience the trail:

Shuttle Ride (One-Way): Start further north and enjoy a scenic ride back toward Hill City. This option is designed for a more gradual, mostly downhill experience.

Out-and-Back Ride (From the Shop): Skip the shuttle and ride directly from our location. Go as far as you’d like, then turn around and head back at your own pace.

Your route can be as long or as relaxed as you want—we’ll share recommended distances and highlights during check-in to match your group’s goals.

2 Hour: Ride out and back

- North: Redfern Trailhead & back: 15 miles  

- South: Crazy Horse & back: 15 miles

4 Hour: Ride out and back

- North: Mystic Trailhead & back: 30 miles

- South: Custer Trailhead & back: 30 miles - no layover time

Full Day: Ride out and back

- North: Rochford Trailhead & back: 45 miles

- South: Custer & back: with time for lunch/shopping 

Shuttle Options: Full day

- Mystic Trailhead: 14.6 miles back to Hill City

- Rochford Trailhead: 22.5 miles back to Hill City

- Dumont Trailhead: 32.5 miles back to Hill City 

- Englewood Trailhead: 38.4 miles back to Hill City 

- Englewood Trailhead: 48.7 miles back to Hill City

The trail is generally rideable in most conditions, but after rain, there may be soft or slightly muddy sections. Conditions can change quickly, so we recommend checking the forecast and preparing accordingly.

Yes—the trail is multi-use. You may encounter walkers, runners, and occasional horseback riders. Please ride respectfully and stay aware of your surroundings.

We offer a mix of:

• Inflatable kayaks
• Paddleboards - single plus multiperson
• Tandem kayaks

For delivery experiences, we also offer select:

• Hardshell kayaks
• Canoes

Availability may vary based on group size.

All rentals include:

• Paddlecraft
• Lifejackets
• Paddles
• Basic setup instructions

Inflatable rentals also include:

• Electric pump
• Transport-friendly setup equipment

We recommend bringing:

• Water
• Sunscreen
• Layers or light jacket
• Hat & sunglasses
• Dry bag or waterproof phone case (optional)

Conditions can change quickly in the Black Hills, especially on the water.

Self-transport rentals are picked up from our location and transported by you.

Inflatable kayaks and paddleboards are designed for easy transport and fit well in most vehicles.

Bundles offer the best value for groups and allow you to mix and match equipment.

Our concierge delivery service includes:

• Equipment delivery to the lake
• Setup and launch prep
• Pickup after your session

You simply arrive and paddle.

Delivery is currently available:

• Thursday–Sunday afternoons
• Deerfield Reservoir only

Not at all. Most local lakes offer calm, flatwater paddling that’s great for beginners.

If you’re new to paddling or have a larger group, consider our Premium Delivery with Guide Experience for extra confidence and support on the water.

Standard Delivery

We deliver and set up your equipment. Your group paddles independently.

Premium Delivery

Includes everything in Standard Delivery, plus:

• On-water guide support
• Group orientation
• Safety assistance
• Route suggestions and local knowledge

Great for:

• Families
• First-time paddlers
• Larger groups

Yes. Most packages allow you to mix and match:

• Single kayaks
• Paddleboards
• Tandem kayaks

Premium paddlecraft options may have an upgrade fee.

Yes. Our inflatable kayaks and paddleboards are stable, durable, and designed specifically for recreational flatwater use.

They’re a great option for:

• Beginners
• Easy transport
• Relaxed lake paddling

We feature inflatable kayaks from Kokopelli and Sol Paddleboards 

Absolutely. Families are welcome.

Children must wear properly fitted lifejackets at all times, and younger paddlers should always be supervised by an adult.

Safety always comes first.

In the event of unsafe conditions, we may delay, modify, or reschedule your experience.