General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail (2026 guide)

Planning a trip to Sequoia National Park? I know the perfect spot where you can see lots of beautiful and unique giant sequoias. Add the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail to your itinerary!

These two trails pair perfectly for an unforgettable walk among some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth. 🌳

These two connected trails take you straight into the heart of the Giant Forest, home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree which is the largest living tree in the world by volume.

The General Sherman Tree Trail is a short, paved walk that leads to the largest living tree, while the Congress Trail branches off and loops through a stunning grove filled with more towering sequoias.

Some trees along the Congress Trail look nearly as massive as the General Sherman, such as The President Tree and Chief Sequoyah, and others are grouped in clusters like The Senate Group and The House Group.

Although the General Sherman Tree is an amazing site, I love the cluster of giant sequoias that are seen along the Congress Trail. 😍

Read my full guide to learn everything you need to know about these stunning trails and all they have to offer. You won’t regret adding the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail to your Sequoia itinerary!

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General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail in Sequoia: Trail Stats and Maps

General Sherman Tree Trail Stats

General Sherman Tree Trail Map

➡️ Wheelchair Accessible Route: This 0.3-mile roundtrip trail with about 40 feet of elevation gain offers an accessible way to see the world’s largest tree, General Sherman. Visitors with a disability placard can park in the small lot off Generals Highway and follow the paved path to this towering giant sequoia.

Congress Trail Stats

Congress Trail Map

Sequoia National Park Entrance Fee

Entrance to Sequoia National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US. residents will cost $250.

Sherman Tree Trailhead and Parking

🥾 Sherman Tree Trailhead:

The main access point for both the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail is the Sherman Tree Trailhead, located off Wolverton Road about 10 minutes south of Lodgepole Visitor Center.

From here, a paved half-mile trail leads downhill to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume.

Restrooms and drinking water are available at the main parking lot.

🚗 Accessible Parking Area (Generals Highway):

For those with a disability placard, there’s a small accessible parking lot located directly off the Generals Highway, offering a much shorter and more level route to the General Sherman Tree.

A paved, wheelchair-accessible trail (about 0.3 miles roundtrip with 40 feet of elevation gain) leads directly to the tree.

This lot is open to all visitors during the winter months when the main trailhead is often closed due to snow.

Restrooms are also available at this location.

🚌 Taking the Shuttle:

During the busy season (typically late May through early September), the free Sequoia Shuttle is the easiest way to access the General Sherman Tree area.

Route 1 (green) takes you to the General Sherman accessible parking area and Route 4 (orange) takes you to the Sherman Tree Trailhead as well as the General Sherman accessible parking area.

If you’re planning to explore the Giant Forest all day, it’s best to find a good parking spot early and use the shuttle to get to different spots. Parking lots fill early, especially on weekends and holidays.

If the General Sherman Tree main parking lot is full, you can park at Wolverton, Lodgepole Campground, or Giant Forest Museum and catch a shuttle from there.

Best Time to Hike the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail

🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring in the Giant Forest is unpredictable but beautiful. Expect temperatures between 50–70°F and the possibility of lingering snow, especially in March and April.

Wildflowers begin to bloom, and the trails are less crowded than in summer. You might still need traction gear early in the season, but by late spring, the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail are usually free of snow.

☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Sequoia National Park. Days are warm (usually between 70–80°F), the skies are mostly clear, and both the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail are fully open and snow-free.

It’s a great time for hiking, but it’s also the busiest season. To avoid the biggest crowds and score a good parking spot, plan to hit the trails early in the morning.

Late summer can sometimes bring wildfire smoke, so keep an eye on air quality conditions before you go. If you’re not a fan of busy trailheads, consider using the free park shuttle to avoid the hassle of finding parking.

🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall is a great time to hike the General Sherman Tree and Congress Trails. Temperatures range from 40–70°F, the summer crowds start to fade, and the crisp air and golden light give the forest a peaceful, magical feel.

While giant sequoias stay green year-round, you’ll still spot some colorful foliage from dogwoods and other nearby trees.

September usually still feels like summer, while October and November start to cool off, especially in the mornings and evenings. Be aware that early winter storms can happen in the fall so be prepared and check the weather forecast!

☃️ Winter (December – February): Visiting the General Sherman Tree and hiking the Congress Trail in winter is a completely different experience. It’s my favorite season to visit Sequoia and hike these trails in winter wonderland!

Temperatures can get really cold so dress appropriately and pack plenty of layers, and the trails may be icy and slippery so bring microspikes and hiking poles. If you’re up to a fun winter adventure, use snowshoes to explore the trails if there’s enough snow.

The main parking lot off Wolverton Road closes in the winter but the small accessible parking lot off Generals Highway is open for anyone.

Even in the winter this parking lot does get full quick, so get there early! You still might find quite a crowd at the General Sherman Tree but the Congress Trail will be much more peaceful.

⛓️ Chain Requirements: From November through March, it’s common for Sequoia National Park to activate chain control zones when road conditions get snowy or icy. All vehicles, including 4WD and AWD, are required by state law to carry tire chains or cables when entering these zones.

General Sherman Tree Trail: Step-by-Step Directions

Your journey to the world’s largest tree starts at the Sherman Tree Trailhead, just off Wolverton Road. From the parking lot, head toward the wooden trailhead shelter, where you’ll find maps of the Giant Forest and a helpful overview of the trail.

Start following the paved path downhill. Just remember, you’ll have to come back up! Or you can take the shuttle from the accessible parking area near the General Sherman Tree.

As you walk along this trail into the Giant Forest sequoia grove, you can read interpretive signs about these ancient giants. There is even a footprint showing the General Sherman Tree’s 102.6-foot circumference!

At the 0.4-mile mark there will a junction – take a right towards the General Sherman Tree. The trail to the left is the Congress Trail. We’ll talk about that one later!

You’ll know you’re at the tree when you see a line of people waiting to get their picture taken in front of this stunning giant beauty!

Even if you go super early and there isn’t a crowd, you won’t miss it. This iconic giant sequoia stands over 275 feet tall, is more than 36 feet in diameter at the base, and weighs nearly 1,400 tons.

The General Sherman Tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old, and it continues to grow every year. It was officially declared the largest tree by volume in 1931.

A paved path loops around the General Sherman Tree, giving you the chance to see this incredible giant from every angle.

While some visitors snap a quick photo and move on, I highly recommend taking the time to walk the loop around the tree. Standing beneath this 275-foot-tall giant and circling its enormous base really puts its size into perspective!

You’ll appreciate the sheer scale so much more when you slow down and take it all in.

If you’re up for more, the Congress Trail begins just past the General Sherman Tree and takes you deeper into the forest among other towering sequoias.

Otherwise, brace yourself for the return hike. What was a gentle downhill stroll is now a steady uphill climb, and it can feel even tougher as you’re at around 7,000 feet in elevation. Thankfully, there are benches where you can sit and rest.

If the shuttle is running, you can skip the climb by walking down to the accessible lot on the Generals Highway and catching a ride on the shuttle back to the main trailhead.

Congress Trail: Step-by-Step Directions

To reach the Congress Trail, you’ll first walk down the paved General Sherman Tree Trail from the main parking lot. At the 0.4-mile mark, you’ll reach a junction – take a right to get onto the Congress Trail.

If you’re taking the shuttle, you can get off at the accessible parking area along the Generals Highway and follow the short paved trail to the General Sherman Tree then continue just a bit further to connect with the Congress Trail.

The first part of the Congress Trail winds through a beautiful mix of towering sequoias and moss-covered pine forest.

You’ll cross a small creek early on, and after that, the pine trees become more prominent with a few massive sequoias scattered throughout.

After the Congress Trail and Alta Trail junction, the real magic begins! You will come across many impressive giants. This is why the Congress Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Sequoia National Park!

One of the standout trees here is The President Tree, the third-largest tree in the world and believed to be the oldest known living sequoia at around 3,200 years old. Unlike the General Sherman Tree, you’ll be able to observe this massive tree without the crowds.

Just beyond it stands Chief Sequoyah, the ninth-largest tree in the Giant Forest and named in honor of the Cherokee leader who created the Cherokee alphabet.

As the trail continues, it descends into a quiet, shaded grove filled with even more giant sequoias, including The Senate Group and The House Group.

These natural clusters of sequoias were named in the 1920s and offer a surreal experience to surround yourself by these towering giants.

Eventually, you’ll reach a 5-way junction near the massive McKinley Tree, which towers over 240 feet tall.

If you’re up for a quick detour, take the side trail to the left (not the Alta Trail) to check out a giant sequoia with a hollow base you can actually step inside – known as the Room Tree.

Keep going a bit farther down that same trail to the historic Cattle Cabin. This rustic log cabin was originally built by cattlemen who used the area for grazing before Sequoia National Park was established in 1890.

After the park was created, the land was leased to men who provided meat and milk to visitors and the soldiers stationed here from 1891 to 1913.

Retrace your steps back to the junction and continue on the Congress Trail.

There’s a few more highlights to see including a standing tree with a natural tunnel, a fallen log with a cut-through passage, and two giant sequoias on either side of the trail that makes for a great photo op.

Don’t forget to stop by the General Sherman Tree if you haven’t already!

The final stretch involves the steady climb back up the to the main parking area. Or you can make your way to the accessible parking lot and take the shuttle back to your car.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

Tips for Hiking the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail

1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

2. Take the Shuttle if Lots Are Full: If parking is unavailable, head to the Wolverton lot and catch the free Sequoia Shuttle. It runs every 15 minutes and drops you right near the trail.

3. Hiking at High Elevation: You’ll be hiking at around 7,000 feet, so don’t be surprised if you feel winded faster than usual. The elevation can make even a short walk feel more intense, so take it slow and use the benches to rest.

4. Don’t Cross the Fence: A fence protects the shallow roots of the General Sherman Tree. Help protect this giant sequoia by not crossing the fence.

5. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Sequoia. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: bear spray is prohibited in Sequoia!

6. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Sequoia National Park.

What to Bring to Sequoia

🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

More Congress Trail Photos

Conclusion

Hiking the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail is an unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to explore the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.

From standing at the base of the largest tree on Earth to wandering through a peaceful grove filled with towering sequoias, these trails will leave you in awe!

These trails are scenic and packed with stunning highlights, making them perfect for anyone wanting to experience the crown jewels of Sequoia.

If this guide inspires you to hike the General Sherman Tree Trail and Congress Trail, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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