Blackberry Trail

Overview

A short, worthy detour from the monument bustle, Blackberry Trail is roughly 1 mile one way (about 2 miles round trip) on crushed gravel that connects Mount Rushmore to the Centennial Trail in Black Elk Wilderness. It’s officially designated as a National Recreation Trail and stays open 24/7 year‑round. Expect a moderate effort and lighter crowds than the main memorial walkways.

Route and What to Expect

Start across SD‑244 from the Mount Rushmore parking facility at the signed trailhead. If you begin from the Rushmore side, the first half‑mile trends downhill and the entire outbound leg drops roughly 350 feet—so you’ll earn it on the way back. The tread is generally about 3 feet wide, with a few small water crossings and a single wooden plank bridge around 75 feet long. Informational kiosks sit at both ends, and you’ll pass horse tie‑up stations and a couple of picnic tables.

Scenery and Geology

You’ll wind through open ponderosa pine and patches of birch, with granite outcrops and spires typical of the Harney Range. Watch for lighter pegmatite veins cutting the older granites, and bands of metamorphic rocks (like mica schist and quartzite) that hint at the area’s deep geologic history—uplifted and later sculpted into today’s hills. Through breaks in the trees, you can snag fun, fleeting glimpses of the Mount Rushmore sculpture.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for deer moving quietly through the timber, marmots sunning on rocks, and birds of prey riding thermals. Mountain goats are occasionally spotted near the memorial area, too. This is shared use with equestrians, so you may encounter horses along the way.

Access, Regulations, and Fees

Pets are allowed here—leash must be 6 feet or shorter, and you need to pack out waste. Equestrians access the trail from the Black Hills National Forest where it meets the Centennial Trail near the park boundary. There’s no entrance fee to hike the trail, but parking at the Mount Rushmore facility does require a fee. The trail was rehabilitated in 2016–2017 to address erosion and heavy use, and it’s in good shape for foot and horse traffic.

Best Time to Hike

It’s hikeable year‑round. Spring runoff and post‑storm periods can bump up creek levels and muddy spots—waterproof footwear helps. Summer brings warm afternoons and more human activity near the memorial; go early or late for cooler temps and softer light through the pines. Winter can bring snow and ice—expect slick sections and plan traction as needed.

Tips

• Start from the Rushmore side so you descend first and finish with a climb—easier to pace.
• Yield to horses; step off on the downhill side of the trail and speak calmly to riders.
• Pants and bug spray can make the occasional brushy or buggy stretch more pleasant.
• Want more? Continue onto the Centennial Trail toward Horse Thief Lake for a longer day; arrange a shuttle if you don’t want to backtrack.