Mount Rushmore via Centennial Trail

This 10.65-mile out-and-back starts at Iron Creek Trailhead, follows Centennial Trail #89 north, turns onto Blackberry Trail toward Mount Rushmore, then returns along the same trails. The mapped corridor is 5.33 miles one way; the distance includes the return. Allow about six hours for a long, unpaved walk with repeated climbs and a steeper final connector. Blackberry Trail alone is about a mile, so do not mistake that short memorial-side hike for the full Iron Creek route.

The Centennial section is the longer part of the hike. It crosses forested Black Hills terrain on a path also used by horses, with several small creek crossings along the way. Expect the trail to rise and fall rather than climb steadily. At the junction, take Blackberry toward the memorial; continuing on Centennial follows the long-distance route beyond this hike. Carry your drinking water from the start instead of relying on the seasonal creeks.

Blackberry runs through a small valley of ponderosa pine, aspen and Black Hills spruce, then follows a creek toward the memorial. Its gravel tread is narrow, with a wooden bridge and small water crossings. The route climbs from the Centennial junction toward the memorial-side trailhead, and grades reach 10 percent. That last section is short but noticeably steeper than the long approach. The Blackberry trailhead is across Highway 244 from the memorial parking facility.

Start at Iron Creek Trailhead at Iron Creek Horse Camp on Camp Remington Road in Custer State Park. A South Dakota park entrance license is required for motor vehicles entering the state park; fees change, so check the current rules before driving in. Dogs are allowed on this route. On Blackberry Trail inside Mount Rushmore National Memorial, keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet.