The Nature Trail
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Most visitors enter Mount Rushmore National Monument via the wide entryway above the parking lot. There is a quieter way to approach the monument, however. As you leave the parking lot, the first structure that you encounter is a covered hallway that stretches to the left and right. Continuing straight ahead will bring you to the main entryway.
Instead, take a right, follow the hallway, and skirt the edge of the parking lot. (This would be the far right-hand side of the parking lot, closest to the monument as you face the presidents.) The trail is short, not more than a quarter of a mile. It is a concrete walkway, but it winds through the sweetly scented ponderosa pines and ends at the scenic Borglum Viewing Terrace.
Before taking the trail, you might want to stop at the Information Center just inside the monument grounds to pick up a map to orient yourself. Alternatively, consider using the Nature Trail to return to the parking lot when it’s time to leave.
© Laural A. Bidwell from Moon Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills, 1st Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.