I am a 60-year-old woman with one replaced knee and one bad knee. I had no problems with this trail. Many of the stairs are down and all have good railings and plenty of places to stop and pace yourself. The views were great - I am so glad I did this.
The Presidential Trail winds just under the 4 faces of Mount Rushmore thro the Black Hills National Forest. Great hike and not to rough.....definitely worth it.
Walking all that way to get to the main site can be somewhat infuriating, luckily there is lots of beautiful things to see on the way.
I have visited here many time growing up. The last time was in July 2013 for our honeymoon. It is a great hike, however, make sure to go the left side up. It is much easier. The right has a bunch of stairs to climb and is much easier to do when going down!
The walkway gave you a chance to get a little closer to the monument. Though it would be awesome to go up and around the back and see the unfinished "monument hall"
Have to do this, you can see different angles of the presidents and some background of them ! Parts of the trail were closed but did not miss a beat !
If you want an easy trail, go to the left. A short walk with easy terrain. You can still get up close for some great pictures.
The trail give you a better view of the monument and it has some history posters. It does not go to the top but very good anyways.
getting so up close and personal to the monument was so incredible. kids loved it too! really a great small hike, non strenuous, excellent photo ops
This trail really makes Mt. Rushmore interesting and fun for kids. The stairs can be a bit much for young ones, but our 3 year-old handled it well.