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The Atlas/South Dakota/Iron Mountain Road Pigtail Bridges

Iron Mountain Road Pigtail Bridges

Three corkscrew wooden bridges on US-16A that spiral over their own roadbed to gain elevation without blasting switchbacks into the hillside — a 1933 engineering feat designed by Peter Norbeck. Each of the three tunnels along the same stretch is deliberately aligned to frame Mount Rushmore in the exit portal. The north-end pullout at the bridge cluster is the prime stop on this 17-mile road of 314 curves and 14 switchbacks.

South Dakota
Region
Viewpoint
Stop type
Standalone stop
Atlas
// Why riders stop

Arguably the most technically engaging paved road in the Black Hills — the pigtail bridges alone justify a detour. The Rushmore-framed tunnel exits are bucket-list photos that can only be captured on two wheels or by hiking, not from an SUV window.

// Rider photos

Shot by the riders who've run it.

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