Mount Gushmore
187 ft | 1 trails | Florida
187 ft
1 routes
Easy
About Mount Gushmore
Mount Gushmore is a 187-foot summit in Florida. The Mount Gushmore Trail covers 1.8 miles (loop) with about 36 feet of elevation gain — a gradual walk with modest climbing.
Getting There
The trailhead is at 28.36496, -81.59327 (tap for driving directions). Arrive early on weekends — trailhead lots at popular peaks fill quickly, and cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
This trail is hikeable most of the year. Summer brings heat and humidity — carry extra water — while fall and spring offer the most comfortable conditions. Ice is possible on shaded stretches in mid-winter.
Know Before You Go
The Easy rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 0.5 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains and a saved route works offline in any GPS app. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Looking to link objectives or plan a weekend? Nearby summits include Mount Everest, Sugarloaf Mountain and Iron Mountain — each has its own guide on this site.
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Check Current Conditions
Trail conditions change frequently. Check the official land manager's site (linked under Data Sources on this page) and the NWS forecast before your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Mount Gushmore?
The Mount Gushmore Trail is 1.8 miles as a loop with about 36 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 0.5 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Mount Gushmore hike?
It's rated Easy using the National Park Service difficulty formula (1.8 miles as a loop, 36 ft of gain — about 0 ft of climbing per mile). The elevation profile on this page shows exactly where the steep sections fall.
Where is the Mount Gushmore trailhead?
The trailhead is at 28.36496, -81.59327 in Florida. Use the driving-directions link in the Getting There section above, and note that parking at popular trailheads fills early on weekends.
Are dogs allowed on the Mount Gushmore trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Mount Gushmore?
Most of the year. Fall and spring are most comfortable; summer is hot and humid, and ice is possible on shaded stretches in mid-winter.
How tall is Mount Gushmore?
Mount Gushmore stands at 187 feet (57 meters) in Florida.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Normal hiking conditions
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Mount Gushmore. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Peak Bagging Tip
Mount Everest is only 0.8 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!