Congress Trail

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California

The Congress Trail is a level, two-mile loop trail that begins at the General Sherman Tree along Generals Highway.

photo: Groves of Sequoias along the trail. Photo by Pam Riches.

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Length: 2.00 miles
Loop Trail? Yes
Type: Nature Trail
Agency: National Park Service
Entry Fee? $35.00
Parking Fee? No

Allowed Uses:

Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running

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Location: In Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP by the Gen. Sherman Tree on the Generals Highway.
State(s): California
Counties: Tulare
Longitude: -118.750619
Latitude: 36.581108

Driving Directions

Two highways enter the parks. Hwy 180 from Fresno leads east to Kings Canyon National Park, then continues 30 miles east to Cedar Grove. Hwy 198 from Visalia leads east to Sequoia National Park via Three Rivers. Inside the parks, Highway 198 becomes the Generals Highway, which connects 198 to 180. Vehicles over 22-feet long should enter the parks via Highway 180. In winter, the Generals Highway between the parks often closes. Chains may be required on park roads. No roads cross these parks east to west.

Description

The Congress Trail is a level, two-mile loop trail that begins at the General Sherman Tree along Generals Highway. The path follows a paved route through the heart of the Giant Forest. It is recommended for first-time visitors to Sequoia National Park and for visitors with limited time. This is one of the easiest access points to large groupings of the Big Trees. The Congress Trail is so named because the trees have been given important names. Famous sequoias along this trail include the House and Senate Groups, the President, Chief Sequoyah, General Lee and McKinley Trees. Be prepared for crowds at this site, it's one of the best viewing areas for the giant trees anywhere. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

Additional Details

Width: 48 inches.
Primary Surface: Asphalt
Secondary Surface: Asphalt

Elevation Low Point: 6,707
Elevation High Point: 7,076
Elevation Gain (cumulative): 544 feet

Year Designated: 1982

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Website: NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
Mary Anne Carlton
Park Ranger
Sequoia and King's Canyon National Park
Box C Lodgepole
Sequoia and King?s Canyon NP, CA 93262
(559) 565-3781

http://www.nps.gov/seki