The General Sherman Tree

View the world's largest tree by volume.

The General Sherman Tree is a must-see while visiting the Giant Forest. It is the largest tree in the world by volume. There are taller trees, and wider trees, but the General Sherman Tree contains more wood (volume) in its trunk than any other tree on Earth. Another measure of tree volume is the total biomass of the tree-trunk, branches, roots, and foliage. Rapid growth over a long life accounts for the size of these trees, but they are not as old as once thought. The most recent age estimate of the Sherman Tree is about 2200 years old.

The Sherman Tree was once named the Karl Marx Tree by the Kaweah Colony, a utopian group that lived in Three Rivers before Congress created this park. The Kaweah Colony supported itself in part through logging. When the national park was established, their efforts were deemed illegal. One of their original structures, Squatter's Cabin, still stands near Crescent Meadow and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Surrounding General Sherman are more sequoias to explore, including a cross-section of a fallen sequoia with exposed tree rings and fire scars. Take some pictures and enjoy an up-close experience walking among the giants.

As you walk among sequoias, watch for Douglas squirrels, also called chickarees. They climb into sequoias and chew through the stems of cones. If you come across a tree that seems to drop a cone every few seconds, you know that a Douglas squirrel is cutting cones for dinner. They then eat the green, fleshy covering of the cones; look for chewed-up cones on the ground. They also store cones and dried mushrooms high in pines or sequoias.

Safety

• Be prepared for a 200 foot uphill climb when returning from your hike to the main Sherman parking lot. Elevation changes will be more difficult at higher altitude. Take breaks and drink plenty of water.In summer, you can avoid the uphill hike by walking from the Sherman Tree down to the accessible parking lot and take the shuttle back to the main parking lot.

Location

• Two miles north of the Giant Forest Museum and 3 miles from the Lodgepole Visitor Center. The General Sherman Tree is about a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) walk from the main Sherman Tree parking lot.

Parking

• Park at the Main Sherman Tree Parking Area and Trailhead, located off of the Wolverton Road, just two miles north of Giant Forest Museum. The parking area is one of the main shuttle stops in the parks. Shuttles stop here every 15 to 20 minutes in the summer.
• Parking for people with disabilities is located on the Generals Highway 2 miles from the Giant Forest Museum and 3 miles from the Lodgepole Visitor Center.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

This trail is not always free of snow in winter. Travel with caution in winter months and check current park conditions webpage, as trekking poles and shoe cleats may be advised.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

A paved, wheelchair-accessible trail, slightly-sloped path leads to several named sequoias, including the General Sherman tree. The trail is about 500 feet (150 m) long and features benches and educational exhibits. At the trailhead, an information board includes a map with information on accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible portions of the trail, and trail length. Some outdoor exhibits along the trail have good contrast, large type, and allow for a forward approach.

Parking in Summer: Parking is available at the Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Area and Trailhead. Five additional designated accessible parking spaces are available at the Main Sherman Tree Parking Area, located 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from of the Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Area. These spaces accommodate cars and vans, and include access aisles and curb cuts. From here, take an accessible shuttle to the Sherman Tree Accessible parking Area and Accessible Trailhead.

Parking in Winter: Accessible parking is located at the Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Area only. Fewer accessible designated spaces exist in winter.

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  Giant Forest and Lodgepole

  Learn about the features and points of interest in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas.

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  Sequoia National Park

  Learn more about what features are within Sequoia National Park.

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  Places to Go

  Learn more about the different places to go in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.