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California
869 ft
Gain
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
General Sherman Tree Main Trailhead
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No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
<p>You are getting close to the famous General Sherman Tree. The volume of wood in its trunk alone makes it the largest tree in the world. As you walk the 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to it, you'll pass many other spectacular giants as well. At the bottom of the trail, you can stand by a cross section of a sequoia trunk that was cut years ago.<br /> <br /> Because this trail goes downhill to where the giant grows, your walk offers the unique experience of seeing the Sherman Tree from top to bottom. You also get a view into the canopy of the sequoia grove, a habitat that few people ever witness. Watch for Douglas squirrels (aka chickarees) and other inhabitants of these high places.<br /> <br /> After seeing General Sherman, explore the other trails near the tree before heading back uphill to your car. From late May to early September, you have the option to ride a free shuttle back up to the parking lot. The shuttle stop is near the restrooms on the Generals Highway, further downslope from the Sherman Tree.<br /> <br /> You can also connect from the Sherman Tree to most of the trails in the Giant Forest. If you have a map, energy, and plenty of daylight, head for Crescent Meadow, Tharp's Log, the Giant Forest Museum, or even the High Sierra Trail.</p> <h3>Accessibility</h3> People with disabilities may park in the small lot along the Generals Highway near the restroom. <p> </p>
General Sherman Tree Trail: Near the Top
~0 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "Near the Top", shows your location in relationship to the height of The General Sherman Tree.</p>
General Sherman Tree Trail: Halfway Point
~0 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "Halfway Point," shows your location in relationship to the height of the General Sherman Tree.</p>
General Sherman Tree Trail: Near the Bottom
~0 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "Near the Bottom," shows your location in relationship to the height of the General Sherman Tree.</p>
There it is!
~0 min drive
<p>As you stand on the path before this exhibit, notice the pavement has a textured feel. Under your feet, rows of paving stones radiate out in concentric circles from a central point. They represent a cross-section through the base of the General Sherman Tree. The outer edge…
There it is! (General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail)
~1 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "There it is!", shows photos about the General Sherman Tree.<br /> <br /> You can also find this exhibit southwest of the General Sherman Tree, near the General Highway Parking Access.</p>
Why so big and so old? (General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail)
~1 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "Why so big and so old,?" shows the sequoia's survival system.<br /> <br /> You can also find this exhibit on the west side of the General Sherman Tree.</p>
What Brings Them Down?
~1 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "What Brings Them Down?," shows photos and explains why sequoia trees fall.</p>
General Sherman Tree Accessible Trailhead
~1 min drive
<p>This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail area.<br /> <br /> You are getting close to the famous General Sherman Tree. The volume of wood in its trunk alone makes it the largest tree in the world.<br /> <br /> This…
Lakes Trailhead
~2 min drive
<p>This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Lakes Trail area.<br /> <br /> The 6 mile one-way Lakes Trail is a moderately strenuous climb up through meadows and forests, along granite cliff overlooks, and to several lakes. Heather and Aster lakes are clos…
Just Enough Soil
~3 min drive
<p>This wayside exhibit, titled "Just Enough Soil," shows why sequoias have shallow roots.</p>
