Congress Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93262
This paved loop trail in Sequoia National Park begins near General Sherman—the largest of the giant sequoia trees—and continues on a gentle path into the heart of Giant Forest, where hundreds of mature sequoias stand. Few, if any, trails anywhere in the world lead through such a high concentration of giant sequoias.
The basics
Congress Trail starts near General Sherman, the most famous of the giant sequoias, and is one of the easiest ways to see large clusters of the immense trees in the national park. Start in the General Sherman parking lot—from there, the trail is 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers) round-trip on a mild, paved incline past the General and the Mckinley Tree, Senate Trees, and Presidents Tree in the heart of the Giant Forest grove.
Things to know before you go
The trail is wheelchair accessible.
There are benches along the trail.
The crowds tend to thin past the General Sherman tree.
Find restrooms in the General Sherman parking lot.
Leave your pups at home—dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Find accessible parking in a small lot off of Generals Highway two miles (3.2 kilometers) north of the Giant Forest Museum.
How to get there
To reach Congress Trail, follow directions for the General Sherman Trailhead, at the north end of the Giant Forest grove on the west side of Sequoia National Park. From the town of Three Rivers, follow Generals Highway north for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) and turn right onto Wolverton Road; reach the parking area and walk the half mile (0.8 kilometers) south to the beginning of the trail.
When to get there
Congress Trail is open-year round and beautiful to visit at any time—but winter trips call for additional planning, as access roads often close due to snowfall, and you may need snowshoes (or cross-country skis) for the trail. During the summer, park shuttles run for free between the Giant Forest Museum and the General Sherman Tree parking lot.
The Congress Group of Sequoia Trees
The Congress Trail is named for notable sequoias, including the House and Senate Groups, the President, Chief Sequoyah, General Lee, and McKinley Trees. The Senate is a cluster of giant trees named in 1922, while the House is another group of impressive sequoias. Together, these form the Congress Group.
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