The Presidential Trail
The Presidential Trail is a 6/10-mile loop that winds along the natural landscape, offering different vantage points of the monument above.
Plan Around The Presidential Trail
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The Presidential Trail Details
The Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore is a 6/10-mile loop that winds along the natural landscape, offering different vantage points of the monument above. The trail is well-maintained and essentially a boardwalk with handrails and staircases, with 422 stairs in all. (Tip: from the Grand View Terrace, take the trail starting clockwise; otherwise, you'll face many uphill steps and more of a workout.) Weaving through the natural forest, the monument is oftentimes shrouded by tree limbs, and then around a bend, there it is: another incredible view. Keep an eye out for birds and chipmunks who make their home in the park and along the trail, and maybe even a mountain goat, if you're lucky. The trail takes 20 - 40 minutes to complete, depending on your pace. Along the way, stop at the signs to learn not only about the four presidents depicted in the monument overhead, but also sculptor Gutzon Borgum's thoughts on each and how he felt working on each of their busts.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
.6 mile
Estimated time
20-40 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around The Presidential Trail
Compare nearby parks around The Presidential Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around The Presidential Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond The Presidential Trail while the map context is still fresh.
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Gift Shop
After touring Mount Rushmore, there's no better place to find a keepsake than the gift shop found at the foot of the Avenue of Flags.
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Grand View Terrace
Though the terrace is on a single level, different areas provide varying perspectives of the monument.
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Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
Below the Grand View Terrace is the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, museum and theaters, providing a terrific introduction to Mount Rushmore.
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Amphitheater
The outdoor amphitheater at Mount Rushmore is a terrific place to stop and take in the your surroundings.
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Evening Lighting Ceremony
From May through September, an evening lighting ceremony takes place in the outdoor amphitheater prior to lighting the memorial for the night.
