Mount Rushmore is an iconic stop on your South Dakota road trip, but most people just come to see the carved faces and then leave. There is more to do here, so let’s chat about my favorite easy hikes at Mount Rushmore!
If you’re hoping to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and better explore Mount Rushmore, there is a fabulous hike for you. The best easy hikes at Mount Rushmore are the Blackberry Trail, the Presidential Trail, and the Nature Trail. Nearby, you’ll also find the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail and Willow Creek.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. Mount Rushmore is one of our favorite places to visit as a family, and I’m excited to share my favorite trails with you!
What are the Best Easy Hikes at Mount Rushmore?
Mount Rushmore encompasses a small area, but there are some great hiking and walking trails you can use to explore the memorial.
In addition, I’ve also included some of my favorite trails within a short drive of Mount Rushmore if you’re hoping to explore this area of the Black Hills further!
Blackberry Trail
The Blackberry Trail is the only traditional dirt trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If you’re looking to spend some time away from the crowds and surrounded by trees, this is a great place to go.
Blackberry Trail Information
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
The Blackberry Trail is a nice way to escape the crowds at Mount Rushmore and stroll through the beautiful natural scenery nearby.
You can hike as far as you want through the Black Hills from here — the Blackberry Trail meets up with the 113-mile Centennial Trail after one mile. The Centennial Trail then continues up to Horsethief Lake or down toward Custer State Park.
But, for a nice easy hike, travel to the junction with the Centennial Trail and then turn around to return to the parking garage.
This is the only trail at Mount Rushmore that allows pets. They must be leashed, but it’s a great way to spend time with your dog at Mount Rushmore!
Location
This trail begins across the highway from the Mount Rushmore parking garage.
Presidential Trail
If you only have time to hike one trail on this list, make it the Presidential Trail! This pathway takes you up close to Mount Rushmore and allows you to see the memorial from many different angles.
Presidential Trail Information
Distance: 0.9-mile loop
Elevation: 131 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
The Presidential Trail is a fun paved pathway that takes you to the base of Mount Rushmore and up to several fantastic viewing areas!
This trail is a loop that travels from the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center down to the base of Mount Rushmore, then across to the Sculptor’s Studio before looping back up to the visitor center.
Although the Presidential Trail is paved, you will encounter a bunch of stairs leading up to the observation areas as you get to the base of the memorial. Most of the stairs are on the portion of the trail nearest to the Sculptor’s Studio, so if you want to go down most of the stairs, you’ll want to hike this trail clockwise from the visitor center.
Location
The Presidential Trail starts at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. After you walk through the Avenue of Flags, take a left to find the start of the trail.
Mount Rushmore Nature Trail
Most people don’t even know that this nature trail exists, and it’s a short route I like to walk on my way to or from the Sculptor’s Studio!
Nature Trail Information
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 20 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
You won’t really find any information anywhere about this short nature trail at Mount Rushmore, which is why I want to mention it here! You can walk through the trees by yourself while the rest of the memorial is crawling with crowds.
This nature trail connects the Sculptor’s Studio to the parking garage. To find it, park, and then walk to the far-right edge of the entrance pergola. You’ll find the Nature Trail near the road/parking garage on that far right side (without going through the columns).
Or, after visiting the Sculptor’s Studio, you can follow the path that leads back toward the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, but instead of turning off and going up the steps toward the visitor center, continue straight on the pathway to stay on the Nature Trail.
This is a fun alternative for further exploring the area if you have some extra time!
Location
The Nature Trail connects the Sculptor’s Studio to the main entrance road.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
When you’ve finished up your explorations at Mount Rushmore, you’ll find some great hiking options nearby that I want to mention if you’re still itching to hit the trail.
Sylvan Lake is located in the northern part of Custer State Park, which is a short drive from Mount Rushmore. Custer State Park has so many fantastic things to do, and the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a great option if you’re hoping to find somewhere to hike close to Mount Rushmore!
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail Information
Distance: 1.1 mile loop
Elevation: 82 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail travels around Sylvan Lake, one of the most picturesque spots in the Black Hills. In addition to hiking around the lake, you can enjoy canoeing and playing on the sandy beaches here.
This trail is gorgeous as it works its way around the lake through the trees! You will encounter a rocky climb toward the north side of the lake, but the whole hike is pretty easy and only takes around half an hour to complete.
Sylvan Lake is a popular area of Custer State Park, so get here early if you want to get parking. Be sure to drive the nearby Needles Highway while you’re in the area…it’s fantastic!
Location
The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail begins at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. It’s about 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, but you’ll drive through some of the best scenery in the Black Hills.
Willow Creek
The Willow Creek Trail is located just minutes from Mount Rushmore! You’ll love the mountain views, foliage, and solitude along this easy trail.
Willow Creek Trail Information
Distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Willow Creek is an easy and beautiful loop hike in the heart of the Black Hills and just a few minutes from Mount Rushmore.
As you hike this trail, you’ll have lovely views of Black Elk Peak and Summit Peak. A stream (Willow Creek), a small waterfall, and lots of foliage make this trail enjoyable.
The Willow Creek Trail does not get super busy, despite its proximity to Mount Rushmore. This trail is popular for horseback riding, but you’ll love hiking through this area.
Location
The Willow Creek Trail is just off Highway 244, about 6 miles west of Mount Rushmore. It’s located across the street from the Palmer Gulch KOA.
Traffic and crowding in the Black Hills can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common for parking lots to be full and sights to be packed with people, especially during the busy summer season?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this South Dakota National Parks Itinerary. You will see all the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
What are the Best Wheelchair-Friendly Trails at Mount Rushmore?
Mount Rushmore National Memorial has an extremely limited selection of wheelchair-friendly hiking trails. The only accessible trail here is the beginning section of the Presidential Trail (from the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center clockwise).
However, you will be able to see the highlights of this area in a wheelchair! The Avenue of Flags, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and amphitheater are all wheelchair-friendly. If you want to visit the Sculptor’s Studio, you can drive your vehicle to a closer parking lot that will allow you to bypass the stairs.
Check out the official Mount Rushmore website for more information about accessibility at the memorial.
Mount Rushmore Hiking Regulations
To protect Mount Rushmore and leave it better than you found it, please follow these regulations:
- Don’t take anything. Rocks, fossils, flowers, sticks, etc., must stay in the national park. If you find something cool, take a picture of it, but please don’t remove it.
- Don’t feed or approach the wildlife. These animals need to be able to find food on their own in order to survive, and they often become aggressive and transmit diseases to humans if fed. Maintain a safe distance from the park’s wildlife to avoid injury or death.
- Pets are not allowed beyond the main pergola that leads to Mount Rushmore. If you bring your pet to the memorial, be sure to read more about where they can go.
What are the Best Longer Day Hikes near Mount Rushmore?
If you’re an avid hiker and would love to dig deeper into the Black Hills surrounding Mount Rushmore, check out these longer trails!
- Cathedral Spires is a one-of-a-kind hike that you can’t miss if you’re in nearby Custer State Park—these tall rock formations that look like tall spires are breathtaking!
- Old Baldy Mountain Trail is a fan-favorite hike near Mount Rushmore. This is one of the most famous mountains in the Black Hills, and this trail is the best way to explore it.
- Trail 9 North at Black Elk Peak is a 10-mile out-and-back hike to the top of Black Elk Peak. If you’re looking for an epic hike in the Black Hills, this is it!
- The Iron Creek Trail takes you through the trees and over the river on rustic wooden bridges. This is a relaxing, beautiful hike your whole group will enjoy together!
Have a fantastic time on these easy hikes at Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
More Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Information
South Dakota Parks Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Mount Rushmore — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend at Mount Rushmore? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
5 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit — the top 5 spots.
The Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer.
The Ultimate Mount Rushmore Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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