General Sherman Tree

Amazing experience. The views are extremely beautiful. We have been to Joshua tree and Death Valley which were wonderful but Sequoia was an eye opener as well. Beautiful huge sequoias, mini museum inside- plenty of parking and morro rock- Is a MUST. As well as if you have the time wait for the sun to set and you'll be in awe. It does get crowded at the tunnel log- I'm assuming because it's so Instagram famous but if you go earlier you'll be fine.

The drive there is not to be taken lightly! It’s a windy steep drive and I was going 30mph at most, since the turns are so steep. The walk to the Sherman tree is about 15 minutes downhill and a bit longer uphill, the air is thin up there so don’t be surprised if you run out of breath, it’s a steep climb. The tree in itself is HUGE. The biggest one I’d ever seen (it is indeed the biggest by volume). The pictures look great and the nature is stunning, beautiful views of the other big trees too. I recommend going, worth the drive.

Finally got a chance to make it here! It’s breathtaking and very peaceful. The short paved trail leading to the tree is well-maintained, with plenty of scenic views of other giant sequoias along the way. There are informative signs and museum in the park that share the history and science behind these incredible trees, which makes the walk even more meaningful. It can get crowded during peak hours, may need to wait in line for the photos of the General Sherman Tree, but everyone seems to share a quiet sense of awe when standing before this living giant. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or first-time visitor, this is a must-see landmark and one of the most unforgettable sights in California.

First time visiting here in the winter (February). The area around the Giant Forest Museum and General Sherman Tree have a lot of great short & medium hikes. We were lucky that there was very little snow in this area. Just up a couple miles farther at Lodgepole it was covered with icy snow and crampons were needed to do any hiking.

Plenty of parking but it does get crowded, even on a Saturday morning in early fall. We managed to find a spot, but it wasn’t as easy as at other areas. Lots of visitors, so I recommend coming first thing in the morning and then enjoying less crowded trails afterward.

Gorgeous place to adventure by yourself or with your favorite people. The path is somewhat steep for some people and can be strenuous during the hike back up to the parking lot. You get the chance to see some of the largest and oldest trees in the entire world, and at 275ft tall, the General Sherman tree is astounding to stand by in person. Really crazy and unbelievable! Highly recommended, and my only regret is I don't have more time to adventure and hike through Sequoia!

i definitely recommend visiting it is pretty shocking when your starting to enter the sequoia zone and once you see general sherman it’s so shocking it’s massive i recommend doing the alta trail too it’s really short and easy and you get to see even more giant sequoias

We went there on Sunday first and then on Monday again which was the President Day. So we were soooo lucky to see both sunshine and snow versions of the General Sherman! They were both sooo pretty!

The drive up to see General Sherman (aka the largest tree in the world) was one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had. One second, I was cruising past what looked like your standard-issue forest... nice trees, very respectable in size. Then I turned a corner and BAM, out of nowhere, these freaking giants appeared. Trees so massive I suddenly felt like an ant who accidentally wandered into a Redwood family reunion. Honestly, it took all my focus not to drive straight off the road while my brain tried to process the scale of what I was looking at. By the time I reached the parking area and started the short walk down, it was like stepping into another world. Standing in front of General Sherman, you realize just how small you really are. Photos don't do it justice, the sheer volume of living wood in front of you is staggering. It's not just a tree; it's an ancient skyscraper made of bark and history. If you ever need a reminder of nature's power (or your own insignificance), this is the place. General Sherman is less of a "tourist attraction" and more of a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

This is the world's largest tree by volume! Standing at 275 feet tall and to be over 2,200 years old! It is definitely a must see! All of the sequoias are gorgeous and huge, but the General Sherman is breathtaking. It is an easy walk to the tree from the parking lot. The hardest part is crowd control, but what are you going to do, you're in a tourist spot. There was a long line of people waiting to take a pic in front of General Sherman's Tree with the official sign. I choose to stand off to the side and after the ranger patiently gave out interesting facts about the majestic tree in her loudest and but friendly voice I was able to stand in front (without the official sign that said General Sherman) of the tree, and happened to capture the ranger in the pic. Please, find a way to see General Sherman while you are in the Sequoia National Park.

I forgot how long ago we came to this side of the mountains. Last time we came the trails were paved. Now the trails around the. If trees are paved with stairs too. I love nature, the air is so clean, the walk through the trees it's amazing. Lathe travel from Fresno to the entrance on tree Rivers is not that far. We travel 1.5 hrs. From entrance because of the curves it gets longer to get to the main stop. Where the museum is at. In front of the Sherman tree. They you have the trail to walk around the majestic park. If you have time there are a lot of great spots there to visit. There is also a shuttle that takes you to one point of the park to another. It makes it easier so you don't loose your parking spot. Also when you pay your entrance you have 7 days to visit the park again or to go the Yosemite with the same ticket. As long as it's before the 7 days. I really enjoy my walk through the trees. The air was really nice and it's always cooler up there than the city. Highly recommend. At the entrance you get a map so you can plan your trip.

Must visit place in Sequoia National Park, parking may be a bit hard due to the popularity of this place. We parked at General Sherman Tree Parking Lot, then took The Congress Trail 0.9 mi to The President (third largest sequoia in the world, after General Sherman and General Grant). The walk is easy, going further the trail, The Chief sequoia is located a few steps from "the president" and The Senate (group features 7-8 giant sequoias clustered together) are nearby.

A giant among giants! It is truly amazing! My son and wife brought us out to see some of the highlights of Sequoia National Park on the 4th of July. Coming to see this massive tree was the main purpose of our trip here. We had just been to Kings Canyon to see the General Grant Tree. General Sherman Tree is located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. The regular path from the parking lot to the General Sherman Tree is a little over half a mile. It's said to be easy to walk, but there is a decent incline coming back from the tree. There are things I would have liked to see and I kind of regret not being able to take this path. I watched a video and saw: 1) signs which tell you where you are in relation to the tree and 2) a big decorated concrete area showing the size of the base of the tree We decided to use the handicap lot. There were rangers monitoring cars and ensuring the cars with correct signage parked in the lot. We took the last space and the rangers left soon after. This parking lot is just up the road a little ways from the main parking lot. This lot is also where the shuttles stop for pickup up & drop-off for sightseers. In fact, it's kind of a hassle trying to walk from your parking spot to the trailhead because the people waiting for the shuttle line up where you need to walk safely. The Accessible Sherman Tree Trail is a few hundred feet from THE tree. TIP: You can borrow a wheelchair from the Visitor Center for free. Check with them for specifics. You can't miss the General, it's the largest tree on Earth (by volume)! There is a fence around the perimeter of the tree to protect the root system since they're shallow. You can walk the entire perimeter and see the tree from all angles! Facts about the General Sherman Tree: Height above Base 274.9 ft Circumference at Ground 102.6 ft Maximum Diameter at Base 36.5 ft Other things to see: * Tough Twins - a pair of trees, most likely twins. There's an information sign talking about the effects fires have on these trees. * There's this scantling from the stump of a giant Sequoia nearby. It makes for a great Photo Op. This Cross-Section has a story information sign for more details about it. * Walk-through Tunnel Log - it also makes for a great Photo-Op. Interesting Fact: In 1879, the tree was named General Sherman and in 1885 or 1886, the tree was renamed to honor of Karl Marx. Don't worry, the tree's name was restored to the General Sherman Tree by 1892. Be sure to stop by the Lodgepole Village & Visitor Center is to get information and see some exhibits before you head to the tree.

Giant among Giants! The tree: breathtaking! The trail back to the parking lot even more! Literally! Be advised the walk back from the tree to the self-parking lot is BRUTAL. Highly suggest to take the shuttle as that route is a lot easier and not as strenuous. There's a much bigger parking lot at the meadow below with the Giants Museum, just take the shuttle from there, quick short ride.

I have had the opportunity to visit this ancient tree twice in two years and both times it is awe-inspiring. At nearly 250 feet and a diameter of 37 feet at its base, it is officially the largest tree in the world and is thought to be over 2700 years old. The singular most important landmark and thing to do when you visit Sequoia National Park. It is the monarch in the Sequoia Grove alongside hundreds of other gigantic, ancient sequoia trees surrounding it, with an epic, paved trial scene - including the popular Congress Trail, a 2-mile loop. The giant tree is only a quarter mile from the parking lot, making it accessible to people of all ages. General Sherman Tree is located close to Lodgepole Campground, the most popular camping ground in the park, and a short driving distance to the park's other major landmark, Moro Rock. There are also shuttle buses that take people to see this tree. A 1.5-hour drive from Southeast Fresno, a visit to this massive tree - the most massive in the world in terms of volume of wood - soaring through the Sierra skies is something to behold and should be on every nature lover's bucket list.

Great natural wonder that's relatively easy to get to, so you can bring the whole family. A bit of driving, but a lot less than other massive national parks in more remote areas. Easy photo op, wide walking trails, lots of parking - love it. It can take while to get into the park as cars line up to pay for entrance fee....maybe it's a lot faster in the morning.

Largest tree in the world by volume and circumference NOT the tallest! It's a cool thing to see if you have never been before. Lots of cool little hiking paths and lots of other big/taller trees! We went on a Tuesday so parking was available right at the entrance and the bathroom line was short. I have heard that this place can get super crowded though. We spent 2 hours and took in the beautiful sights and snapped a few pics too. Definitely something to see if you haven't yet! Make sure you gas up before entering the park. Enjoy!!!

The ultimate in Sequoia's vast display of grandeur. This tree is a full-on destination for many visitors, so pack your patience and be prepared for a short wait for your photo. If you're seeking solace, there are many great trails in the park, so make plans to be out as much as possible.

Amazing tree like the other giant sequoias. They all deserve our respect and admiration. Thanks to the United States National Park Service for preserving them for us.

This is the largest tree in the world! The parking lot to view it gets full very quickly in the morning so arrive super early, come out of season, or use the park shuttle in summer. The trail from the parking lot is about 250' straight down ramps and stairs. There's an ADA parking area closer to the tree, but obviously not everybody is able to park in those spaces. Expect a long line waiting for photo. Explore additional hikes around Sherman to thin the crowd. I saw a bear in the nearby meadow hiking that area and was the only person to see it. Check my photos for a trail map that isn't provided but can be viewed in the park.

Visited the General Sherman Tree around 12PM mid-May on a Friday. This is a very popular spot, so there was quite a crowd! But it was a beautiful spot to visit, easily accessible as the trail is paved but with plenty of stairs. There's two large parking lots and restroom at the trailhead. Unfortunately no dogs are allowed on this trail. Convenient stop as the Wukdachi lodge is only about 10 min away for lunch!

General Sherman along with Moro Rock are pretty much the main attractions here at Sequoia National Park. It's absolutely worth it to check it out and even get a picture in front of it. We got to the park on a weekend around 9:30 and only had to wait maybe 15-20 minutes to get a picture. From General Sherman went went for a loop hike on the Congress Trail that's about 3 miles long or 1-2 hours depending on how much you stop and look around. Besides the loop, Congress trail does connect to a few other hiking trails in the park so if you're looking for something longer than 3 miles you can find it out here.

Come and see the largest tree! The road leading to it is family-friendly, although it can get a bit crowded around noon and in the afternoon. Don't forget to visit the visitor center, as it provides helpful guidance and directions. Overall, it's a fantastic experience, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. See you next time!

It's the biggest tree because of the tree trunk size..it's not necessarily the tallest..but that's all confusing..so where is the tallest tree in USA? It's a myth and a tourist trap. The tree was named after the Civil War general. Imagine settling and landscaping California in those times. The Congress Trail was fun. The president, house, and congress tree areas. There's some fun trees that were struck by lightning. Fun pictures to take..walk the park.it's hot. It's a forest.

This isn't too bad of a hike...it's pretty short, but lots of stairs and a little steep. Doable for people out of shape like me, haha. The only bad thing is that there are TONS of other tourists taking photos here, so it's not peaceful, quiet, or calm haha. And you have to wait in small lines, sometimes, to get a good photo.

Honestly pretty underwhelming. The tree is only the largest by volume, so it is not the widest or the tallest. Looks more impressive in photos than in person. The shuttles take quite a while, be prepared to wait up to an hour if it's busy.

Does this natural treasure need a rating? No. However, I must say how grateful I am for the national park service and how easy it was to navigate our way to not just this location, but all the wonders Sequoia has to offer. We proudly support our National Parks!

So many word options to express the magnitude and the emotions that come when standing next to this tree. You definitely get the feeling you're a whole different time frame, like prehistoric. There are many amazingly huge trees in the Sequoia national park but the general Sherman tree stands above them all. Notes: Get there early or expect to wait in line to get a picture in front of the tree Please, please, please do not cross over the fencing to go touch the tree There's parking at the top there's also parking down the road and you can take a shuttle in. I haven't been back in a few years, I hope it makes it through the wildfires that are devastating the rest of the park. If it makes it through this fire season (2021), you better get out here to see it before it burns down on the next one

Magnificent attraction and great support businesses. Good food close. Nice to visit again, great childhood memories here in Kings Canyon & Sequoia parks.

This is one massive tree...and I mean massive with a capital M. The General Sherman Tree is the world's largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet (83 m) tall, and is over 36 feet (11 m) in diameter at the base. To put that into perspective, you can fit 5 to 6 cars across at the base of the tree. Sequoia trunks remain wide high up. Sixty feet above the base, the Sherman Tree is 17.5 feet (5.3 m) in diameter. Though not technically the tallest and widest tree, it is the biggest in terms of sheer volume to date. There have been two other trees that were bigger than the General Sherman Tree, and one was cut down in 1940 and another one fell during a 1905 storm in Humboldt. As it stands, the General holds this distinction and may not relinquish this record for many years to come. Though that will just be a blip in the tree's lifetime. Just think about it, from a single cell organism that is roughly about 2,200 years old to the largest living single stem tree in the world. To put that into context, that's 190 BC....Before Christ! On average, giant Sequoia trees live to be 3,000 years old. This tree has a "few" more years left and will outlive us all, including the generations after us. The tree was named after Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman by Naturalist James Wolverton, who served under Sherman during the Civil War. There are other giant Sequoia trees in the area, which is a rewarding hike in the park that are also worthy of a visit. Take the 'Congress Trail' to get you to these trees and also to get away from the crowd. With names like The President, General Grant, Lincoln, Franklin, Monroe, John Adams, Pershing, Hamilton, Cleveland, Sentinel and my personal favorite - Chief Sequoyah, all are located in the Giant Forest Grove inside Sequoia National Park. Standing at the base of all these trees and comparing yourself to them is just mind-boggling. Just looking up at them will strain your neck alone...but you can't help but look up. Just appreciate that we have all these magnificent trees to marvel at and were protected from logging. A visit to the forest is good for the mind, body and soul...especially during these times. Go pay a visit and introduce yourself to Mother Nature and she may give you some answers that you were looking for. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 82

It was amazing. The weather the trails and not many people and plenty of parking. It is a drive up but totally worth it. If you get the chance go to the tepokah falls it is beautiful and you can swim in it!!

The general is awesomely massive. Recently threatened by fire it made the cut to live on.

We stayed at the Wuksachi Lodge and traveled here in a van. On our first day, seeing General Sherman Tree was our main goal, and it did not dissapoint! There are two parking lots: one for people with disabilities and one with more space. If there's a member of your group who can't walk very far, I suggest dropping off your less enthusiastic walker in the handicap parking lot and then parking (if you don't have a handicap pass) at the standard parking area. The family members who are well can begin at the usual location and meet up with the rest of the family at the General Sherman Tree. Stay for the Congress Loop; come for the General Sherman Tree. The General Sherman tree is maybe a quarter to a half mile from the parking area. To reach there, you'll travel downhill. Because of its major draw, the area is rather busy. Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic, but make sure you also take a look at the Congress Loop, which begins near the General Sherman Tree. It's far more remote. The loop has an abundance of magnificent trees and is quite uncrowded with hikers. A hiker can cover a greater distance in a shorter amount of time if they start at the handicap portion and head straight up to the General Sherman Tree. Examine the map of Sequoia National Park prior to your arrival. It will be very helpful in vacation planning. On their official website, the maps are available for viewing.

Great place. Gorgeous trees. Great hiking. We like to wander in the woods. There is a small museum and a shop. Everything is clean and beautiful

This is another worthy little hike in the park. It's about 1/2 mile long, but it's not flat so be aware. It's very easy to find with lots of signage along General hwy and plenty of parking and bathrooms at the entrance. This was one of the most crowded hikes we did, but it wasn't bad. We were able to easily navigate and social distance. We arrived before 11am I believe. Going down to the tree is easy, but coming back up was challenging. It's fairly steep and I definitely felt the effects of the altitude. I'm moderately out of shape, I walk 2 miles and do 200+stairs daily and I considered it moderately challenging going back up. But it's worth it! General Sherman is a massive tree! Very impressive to see up close. Enjoyable hike overall. Gotta see it while you're there!

The largest living tree in the world by volume! If you're visiting Sequoia National Park, then this is pretty much a must stop. The General Sherman Tree currently measures 275 feet tall by 36 feet in diameter. The circumference of the tree is 102 feet wide. Dayum! I can definitely see why they are hailing it as the largest. There are several different trails that lead to General Sherman with the main trail being the General Sherman Tree Trail. This trail measures less than a mile round trip and runs along a flat paved path. Along the way, you'll pass by several other notable trees including the Tough Twins. My hiking group and I did a 7 mile out and back hike to the General Sherman Tree and back from the Giant Forest Museum. This part of the park is extremely busy and you'll most likely have to wait your turn to get a picture with the giant tree. But being one of the most notable landmarks in the park, you just have to brave the wait and do it. The fun thing about the hiking trails that lead to this tree is that they're all pretty much shaded. They'll also expose you to the beauties of the Giant Forest which is pretty much breathtaking all in itself. You'll definitely feel like an ant as you look up toward this giant tree. A very touristy yet fun experience. Worth the crowds and the wait for the experience.

General Sherman Tree (Sequoia National Park) General Sherman Tree's Stats: -Volume: 52,500 cubic feet in volume (World Record) -Weight: 1,365 tons (World Record) -Largest single stem tree in the world -Age: 2,300-2,700 years General Sherman Tree is dubbed as one of the largest trees in the world. There are taller trees out. There are even trees that are much wider. But when it comes to overall size and volume, General Sherman Tree is 2nd to none. General Sherman Tree is in Sequoia National Park. The trail from the parking lot to General Sherman Tree is less than a mile, paved, and all downhill. Keep this mind because "what goes up, must go down". But in this case, it's the opposite. You'll be hiking up the trail when you're heading back to your car. Handicap parking is located close to the General Sherman and is also a good drop-off location. Overall, I was amazed with the General Sherman Tree. The sheer size of General Sherman Tree is worth seeing with your own eyes.

The Sequoia National Forest is a must see if you've never visited. The Sequoias in the area of Three Rivers, CA is a lovely drive and a stop you can make on your way to Yosemite. Get an early start so you can see the most popular points of interest. The General Sherman tree is a decent hike all downhill and there are lots of benches to rest on your way back up the trail. Breathtaking and beautiful and definitely a sight to see. Roomy, safe trails for all ages, just keep in mind it is a decent walk with a few steps early in the trail. I wouldn't say the trail is wheelchair friendly (because of the steps) but if you have a disabled plaque you can park very close to the tree. And if you have a little trouble with the hike (I did, my knee decided to give out) hike down and you can have someone pick you up at the handicapped section. Great option if you have a stroller or little one (or heck, you just don't want to walk back up) who might tire on the walk back up. Nature, beauty, fresh air...and bears too. Stay alert.

When you really stop and comprehend the grand majesty of a tree that is thousands of years old and the oldest of it's kind, there should be no rating this experience any less than 5 stars. Yes, it's a massive tree, and an impressive one, but what it represents is so much more and certainly enough to make anyone ponder their tiny role in the history of this planet. All that considered, it outrages me that some ignore the rules and signage posted pretty much everywhere about how you shouldn't step past the fence to get a picture with the tree, or how you shouldn't get off the pathways because of erosion in this fragile area. If I did have one criticism, it's dumb humans. Unfortunately, the park doesn't have enough staff to keep up the constant enforcement of these rules. There was a guy who jumped the fence with his fiancee to propose while we were there and all I could think was how unimportant that is compared to you trampling the precious ground where this life form still exists. Keep in mind this is one of the more touristy, trafficked areas of the Sequoia National Park, so plan accordingly when it comes to parking and try not to come on a weekend. The hike is easy on a cement path with lots of stairs and railings, but it is about half a mile. Trust me, it's worth it.

As a first-timer here, I thought it was a-ok. The exhaustion, the struggle to find parking, the amount of people in the area, the line to take a picture to get to the end didn't feel quite worth it. Getting to the tree is a breeze because it's all downhill, but that just means going up is a struggle in itself. Before you turn a corner at the bottom, there are also two other big trees next to each other that you can touch and take pictures in front of but it isn't quite "General Sherman" like. The tree is huge, and the facts printed around it were great to read about and I agree that it's probably a must to take a picture here to seal the deal on the Sequoia journey, but I honestly didn't quite see the big deal. There are SO many other trees just like this one (not as giant, but pretty close). It's definitely cool that it's been around for 2,500 years and there's a sign in front of it. Aside from this trail, there is also Congress trail next to it which goes off to a scenic calm area. I would say if it isn't crowded, and it isn't blazing hot, then I would recommend making a stop here. Just remember that doing this round trip to & from the parking lot is a bit of cardio work. lol

Come for the General Sherman Tree, but stay for the Congress Loop. Parking is maybe a quarter to half a mile away from the General Sherman tree. You'll go down hill to get there. This is the big attraction so the area is decently crowded. It's awesome, don't get me wrong, but don't miss out on the Congress Loop that starts by the General Sherman Tree. It's much more secluded. Not very many people hike the loop comparatively and there are tons of gorgeous trees on the loop. The loop is pretty flat and easy. It's only about a couple miles total from the parking lot I believe. This will be a must stop while in Sequoia, but if you don't do the Congress Loop, you're missing the best part.

The largest tree in the world ... Our first 1st visit to the park, the best time to visit is during the morning when it's cooler and people.

Chance to meet 2200+ year old living thing on earth is possible on this trail... General Sherman is gem of the trail. Lot of parking space one can spend easily 3-4 hours walking the trail meeting the old sequoia trees If you park in the parking space you will have to hike down and on return you have to hike up to parking space. You can get here using shuttle from the museum. There are lots of smaller trails like congress trails etc. There are restroom and water filling station near shuttle . thank you NPS for well Managed Park. Park is open all time they never lockdown the park.

There are a few ways to get to General Sherman Tree. You can take the free Shuttle Bus from the Giant Forest Museum area (which originally I did). Or...if you arrive at Sequoia National Park early enough, there'll be free self parking as you drive along Generals Highway and arrive at the Sherman Tree Trailhead. Don't be confused....if you're first driving from Giant Forest Museum area, you'll stumble upon the Sherman Tree Parking for Handicap (which can be very deceiving), but ultimately keep driving for 2 - 3 more miles down the road, and eventually you'll turn into the Sherman Tree Trailhead parking lot. WARNING: I'm saying this because....I visited Sequoia NP back in June, and when arriving at General Sherman Tree in the middle of the day...there was a VAST AND ENORMOUS LINE to take photos with the biggest tree in the world! Wow, I can't believe how congested and how crowded tourists hovered over this tree! It was IMPOSSIBLE to get a good photo in. So.....of course, the following morning....I woke up at 5am, and drove back to General Sherman and had the ENTIRE AREA TO MYSELF!!! WOOHOO! Yes I HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting this tree during off peak hours. Although, yeah, the sun was rising and photos of General Sherman weren't as clear as I had originally anticipated, still it was nice to be alone, and my pictures were primarily good enough. Another important fact....this famous General Sherman Tree is situated in a fantastic locale for viewing MANY, MANY, MANY MASSIVE SEQUOIAS!! This section is known as the CONGRESS TRAIL! It's a 2 mile round trip stroll through the forest encompassing overwhelming and gigantic trees. When I first approached the area in the middle of the day, the sun was out in full bloom and I got SPECTACULAR AND COLORFUL PHOTOS of all the trees in this portion of the park. I'd say I spent about 2.5 - 3 hours walking around and appreciating the scenery! Here are some highlights I recommend on this Congress Trail: Besides General Sherman Tree, there's a picturesque waterfall along the way (there's no name for it), a small man-made walkthrough tunnel, and... ...MCKINLEY TREE, THE HOUSE (a collection of alluring gargantuan sequoias), THE PRESIDENT, CHIEF SEQUOYAH, AND...you'll find this spot as you walk along the trail...it's an expansive view of General Sherman Tree and the forest as a whole! It's ABSOLUTELY PHOTOGENIC, especially as the sun is going with you in early afternoon. Really, just this view sums up all of Congress Trail and just how exquisite this region of Sequoia National Park is. I was humbled admiring the other epic trees with General Sherman sitting right in the middle of it all! For sure....General Sherman Tree along Congress Trail was my favorite part of Sequoia NP. There were so many remarkable opportunities for photos, moments to playfully climb on these colossal trees in the woods, and finally measuring yourself in size and comprehending just how mammoth the forest is overall. Make sure you take enough time to navigate this segment of the park...you will be highly impressed!

Yelp 100 Challenge 2018 - #63/100 I really don't have a bucket list per se, but having lived in California almost half of my life, it was quite embarrassing not having visited The General Sherman Tree and Sequoia National Park. During peak time- summer that is, be prepared to be stuck in traffic on the way to and from Sequoia, especially since they have closures due to road work. Or else get an early start. Parking for handicapped is the closest to General Sherman one can park at. Otherwise regular parking is about a mile away with free shuttle services every 15 minutes. Finally standing in front of the currently largest living tree, I felt so insignificant, in awe of its estimated 2300-2700 years' existence. Follow the rules and signs and respect nature, hopefully The General will still be standing another 2700 years.

Cool and scenic place, the General Sherman Tree is located in a forest area with many other sequoia trees and it's the largest Sequoia tree. There's also a sign to indicate that it is the tree and of course, you will also see a mob of people waiting in line to take a picture in front of it. This area of the park is PACKED and most of the parking spots are usually taken if you don't go early. I definitely recommend getting into the park early and parking at one of the shuttle spot places such as the Giant Tree Museum. The shuttle is a convenient way to get to most of the attractions in the park. We ended up having to park at one of the picnic area in-between the two shuttle stops, so walking on the highway to the General Sherman was not fun. The area is definitely a scenic walking area, my group was tired for the day, so we just took the picture and left. However, I'll definitely return to enjoy a walk amongst these giant sequoia trees!

One of the oldest trees on the planet and it is massive. It is also one of the largest living tree by volume. There's signs through the park giving good history on it. The trail to the tree is very pleasant. There's other trails that connect to the General or you could park in the lot. This is definitely a highlight of this park and a must stop. Along the way, you'll also pass the Congress Trail and Tough Twins trees. I spent an hour here on a light tourist day. I've been here a couple of times and it never ceases to amaze me the beauty and size of this tree.

This tree is a living being I bowed in reverence - my summer bucket list checked and tears came out as I'm passionate about Mother Earth and honored its presence and it honored me . Blessing it was . Deep Spiritual experience . Thank you for your presence

Our first stop and must see on our Sequoia visit. Amazing - absolutely amazing. Breath taking and unbelievable that this tree is still growing. Easy walk/ hike trail to tree.

If you're in Sequoia National Park, the Sherman Tree seems almost obligatory. It's certainly grand enough but not nearly the highlight of my trip to Sequoia. First things first-parking. The entrance to the main parking area is well signed if you're traveling on the Generals Highway. Note that it's about 50 minutes up here from the park's entrance. On a Sunday in August there were still ample spots. Restrooms were clean and there's a water filling station. Take note, the paved trail to the park is .4 miles down, meaning you have to come back up. Placards along the way tell you about the tree itself and the life of sequoias. The Sherman Tree is impressive but crowds of tourists made it less than peaceful to view. We had only stopped here as a jumping off point for the Giant Forest and a longer loop trail. Veering off from the Sherman Tree is the Congress trail-well signed and paved. It also had about 75% less people and was so much more enjoyable. From the Congress trail we embarked on a longer 10 mile hike through the forest. Coming back from our hike, later in the afternoon, the crowds had thinned out and the grove near the tree was much more enjoyable. I'd suggest making this a late afternoon stop if possible. Also worthy to note, the path back up to the parking lot is steep and if you're not an active person it could be a challenge. There are plenty of benches to stop at if you need to. Take your time, go later in the day and enjoy the area-it's definitely a must do in the park.

Don't miss this and taking the full Congress trail afterwards. Take the shuttle bus back if the walk is too much back.

General Sherman is the largest tree in the world! Pretty cool to see, however it is surrounded by a fence to prevent visitors to get to close to it. (Probably from vandalism) This place is a huge tourist spot, there are plenty of parking spots there. Even a free shuttle there too! The kids I went with, were not impressed. The tree was a bit lack luster for them. However, I found the tree pretty neat to look at. Tips: + there is a lot of walking involved. The tree is located at the bottom of the hill, so you are required to walk down there if you want to see it. There is a spot you can stop before hand to see it. + download the REI National Park app from App Store. Gives you some good information about your visit! + no dogs on trail! + there are bathrooms at the bottom of the trail and by the parking lot.

Cool tree. Big tree. As previous reviewers reiterated, this tree is the largest (living single-stemmed) tree on Earth. It's one of those things where looking at just picture of it doesn't do it justice; gotta visit it in person! With that being said though, visitors don't stay for a long time here, maybe max 30 minutes. My sister and I spent probably about 15 min here (my sister was trying to take a photo of the whole tree from the base point using her gizmo-gadgety 3-camera-lens phone..........my iPhone 5s had no chance). There's a wooden fence surrounding the tree, so no tree-hugging allowed (even trees need some personal space)! Neat spot at Sequoia National Park. Just make sure you have other things on your itinerary as you probably won't stay at this spot for a long time haha. Short walking distance from the wheel-chair accessible trail Sherman Tree shuttle stop.

We drove here in a van and stayed at the Wuksachi Lodge. Our main mission was to see General Sherman Tree on our Day 1 and it did not disappoint! There are two areas to park: a handicapped area and a larger parking area. If someone in your group can't walk far, I recommend dropping off your less-enthused walker at the handicap parking area and then proceed to park at the regular parking area (if you don't have a handicap pass). The healthy family members can start at the regular starting point and then meet your other members at the General Sherman Tree. The starting point from the handicap section will take the hiker up straight to the General Sherman Tree in a much shorter distance. Study the Sequoia National Park Map before you get here. It'll really help plan your trip. They have the maps online on their main website.

The largest tree in the world and it was sure huge!! I guess there are 2 parking lots? However, having come here is February in the midst of tons of snow where the roads were closed the days before I arrived, I only saw one parking lot off the road that was open. Luckily, it was the super close parking lot where it was a quick 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the tree! Despite the park being fairly empty in February, General Sherman had the most visitors. This parking lot was full most of the time. The path was paved from the parking lot and was covered in snow. I also was not able to access the Congress trail, primarily due to snow, but I did see people snowshoeing across. I liked coming here in February because it was not packed at all. I could see how it could easily get overly crowded in the warmer months, especially in the summer. This tree is a must see! It is very impressive and to capture the entire tree, you will need to be further back and laying on the ground! This is one of those must see in your lifetime things. The bad thing. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. In fact, Sequoia National Park as a whole is not very dog friendly. They have to stay in parking lot areas and not allowed on any trails, not even paved ones.

You are pretty much obligated to see the Sherman Tree when you go to Sequoia even though it's the most touristy (read: annoying) thing to do and there are plenty of equally magnificent trees all along the giant forest. It it not the tallest tree in the world, but was determined to be the largest based on its volume. Yes, the largest tree IN THE WORLD. So you just need to go, kind of whether you want to or not. The way to the tree is a short, paved walk from the parking lot but it's over half a mile each way (so pee at the entrance before you head to the tree, because it's an uphill walk back). The tree is fenced off with a sign in front declaring "General Sherman". This is where the most popular photo op is, and thus where there is always a long line to take photos. COVID and the inability to have groups take pictures of each other has led to the pattern of each person in the group getting their own individual photo taken by someone else in the group. We lost our patience and decided to go exploring the congress trail instead (a 3.3 mile mostly flat loop), which was AMAZING. Very few people ventured that way, and they totally missed out on seeing groups of large sequoias like the Congress and the Senate which I personally found to be cooler than the Sherman. If you venture off the paved path of the congress trail and onto a dirt path and you'll just find yourself on an even cooler trail surrounded by giant sequoias. Pretty rad. We were informed it would be an hour longer to follow the dirt path all the way around, so we only explored it for about 20 minutes because we wanted to get to Moro Rock before it got dark. I definitely would have loved to do it if we had more time.

Amazing stats! We proceeded to do this short hike of 0.5-miles to see this largest tree in the world since it was one of the major attractions of the park for visitors. The trail is steep in high altitude. It descends at an elevation of 212-ft below where the start of the hike is and includes multiple short sets of stairs. Going down to see the tree is a breeze... the challenge is the walk back up (ghaaa! pant! pant!) lucky for me there were benches along the way where I could rest and catch my breath. Do enjoy also and observe the other trees as you follow the trail: The President, Chief Sequoyah, Adams Tree, Lincoln Tree, Pershing Tree, Congress, and Column Tree. We took our time going back up to the parking lot. Remember the air is thin at 7,000 ft. The General Sherman sequoia tree is not only the biggest sequoia but it is also the biggest tree in the world (by volume). This means the overall volume of its trunk makes it the biggest tree on Earth. General Sherman Tree stats: Height: 275 feet tall Volume: 52,500 cubic feet Weight: 1,385 tons Circumference: 103 feet Just imagine a mouse looking up at a 6-foot tall human. That's how it feels for a 6-foot human looking up at this tree. It is gigantic and impressive. Review #0515