Looking for more great day hikes in Sequoia National Park?
Visit my Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Hiking Guide for more incredible trails,
including Moro Rock, Crescent and Log Meadows, and Tokopah Falls.
LOCATION
The General Sherman Tree is located in the Giant Forest section of Sequoia National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The parking lot for this hike is located along the Generals Highway, about two miles north of the Giant Forest Museum. There is a park shuttle stop at the trailhead.
LENGTH
1.2 miles — or 3 miles if you continue your hike on the Congress Trail
DIFFICULTY
Easy — The General Sherman Tree Trail is paved and follows a gentle slope through the sequoia grove.
WE HIKED IT
June, 2021, around half an hour
CURRENT INFO
For information about the General Sherman Tree, visit the National Park Service website. Find reviews and maps on the AllTrails website. Good maps and trail info are also available in the book Hike the Parks: Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks by Scott Turner.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Since the General Sherman Tree is located within Sequoia National Park, you must present an America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) or pay the $35 entrance fee (valid for up to seven days) when you enter the park. You can also purchase an annual pass at the park entrance. Check ahead of time to see if you qualify for a free pass — fourth graders and active military do! Fourth graders must print a voucher ahead of time to qualify.
- Parking is available next to the trailhead.
- Restrooms are also available at the trailhead.
- Pets are not allowed on the trail.
- You can also take the free shuttle bus from the Giant Forest Museum or Lodgepole (where the trailhead for Tokopah Falls is located). This is an especially good option on busy weekends and around mid-day during the peak summer months.
- I recommend coming early if possible. The General Sherman Tree is one of the most popular stops in Sequoia National Park.
HIGHLIGHTS
The General Sherman Tree is said to be the largest tree in the world by volume. Seeing it in person is awe-inspiring, and I am so thankful that this opportunity still exists today. In September of 2021, the KNP Complex Fire roared through Sequoia National Park. Racing to protect the Giant Forest, firefighters covered the base of the General Sherman Tree’s trunk with fire-resistant foil, along with numerous other giant sequoias. Fortunately, this grove escaped the flames, and the General Sherman Tree still stands strong.
If you enjoy hiking through giant sequoia groves, take it further by hiking the Congress Trail or the Giant Forest Loop Trail for the chance to see more trees and fewer people.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
A short trail with tall trees is fun for all ages! Since we had already hiked to Tokopah Falls that morning, the boys weren’t initially enthused about another hike. Fortunately, the General Sherman Tree Trail is quick and easy, and giant sequoias never fail to amaze. The only issue was the mid-afternoon crowds. Generally, we try to hike popular trails like this earlier or later in the day, but sometimes the timing just doesn’t work out. Thankfully there is plenty of room for all on this wide, paved trail.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Giant Forest Museum and Visitor Center are just down the road from the General Sherman Tree Trail. The museum was closed during our visit in June, 2021, due to coronavirus restrictions, but recently reopened. From there, it’s an easy drive to reach the trailheads for both Moro Rock and Crescent and Log Meadows. Between the two trailheads, take a drive through the famous Tunnel Tree. To round out your visit, head south in the park to visit the Foothills region, or head north to Lodgepole and hike the trail to Tokopah Falls.
Our Experience
After our morning hike to Tokopah Falls, we were ready to explore more, and a few short, easy hikes in the Giant Forest sounded like just the ticket. Conveniently, there is a park shuttle stop located at the Tokopah Falls trailhead. We could catch a southbound shuttle headed for the General Sherman Tree Trail, and we wouldn’t even have to drive.
Before long, we arrived at the General Sherman Tree trailhead. It was a bustling place. The General Sherman Tree is one of the most popular sights in Sequoia National Park, and the paved path makes it one of the park’s most accessible trails. To avoid congested trails, it’s best to visit early or late in the day. We arrived smack in the middle of the rush, but despite that the crowds were manageable.
The trail got off to a good start, leading through a tunnel carved into the trunk of a fallen sequoia. Signage along the path gives insight into the lives of these ancient, massive trees. Here in the Giant Forest, there is no shortage of mighty sequoias, but one stands out from the rest: the General Sherman Tree.
One interesting fact about sequoias is that they reach their full height relatively early on in their long lives. At that point, the trees continue to expand, their girth slowly increasing as they age. I’m not sure how they determined that the General Sherman is the largest of them all, but even without the title, it would be no less impressive.
We continued our walk past the General Sherman Tree and soon came to the turnoff for the Congress Trail. If you enjoy hiking amidst giant sequoias, the three-mile Congress Trail is a great option. Most visitors don’t stray beyond the main path to the General Sherman Tree, but numerous other trails in the area offer a respite from the crowds.
We wandered along the paved pathways, admiring the towering sequoias, and soon we were back at the trailhead. It wasn’t long before the next shuttle bus arrived and we were whisked off to the Giant Forest Museum. Just like that, our visit to pay our respects to the General Sherman Tree was over. Despite the crowds, I’d say it was worth it. These impressive trees offer inspiration to us all, and I’m immensely grateful that Sequoia National Park provides so many with the opportunity to experience them in person.
