In the Presence of Giants Hike (Giant Forest Area)

Park Event · Kings Canyon National Park · Sep 8, 2026 · 3:00 PM–5:00 PM

Program Description

Walk the iconic Congress Trail while exploring forest ecology, natural processes, and how people and shifting pressures have shaped the Giant Forest. Discover its past, present, and ongoing preservation.

Program Details

• Length: 2 hours along an easy 2‑mile (3.2 km) paved path.
• Location: Begins at the base of the General Sherman Tree and follows the Congress Trail. To reach the base of the General Sherman Tree, follow the Accessible Sherman Tree Trail or Main Sherman Tree Trail.

Getting There

Drive

Take Generals Highway to Wolverton Road. General parking is available at the Main Sherman Tree Parking Area. The lot is a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) moderately challenging walk from the tree; access is via the Sherman Tree Trail. Those needing an ADA accessible option, see the Accessibility section below.

Shuttle

The free Sequoia Shuttle operates in Giant Forest and Lodgepole during the summer season. Take Route 1 to reach the General Sherman Tree Accessible Trailhead. Take Route 3 to reach the main Sherman Tree Trailhead. All shuttle buses and routes are wheelchair accessible. Check your park newspaper or bulletin boards for route information.

Walk

• The Accessible Sherman Tree Trail is a 0.2‑mile (0.3 km) ADA‑accessible walk to the base of the General Sherman Tree.
• The Main Sherman Tree Trail is a 0.5‑mile (0.8 km) moderately challenging walk to the base of the tree.

Accessibility

The Congress Trail is fully paved but not designated as ADA accessible. Portions of the route are narrow, and the southern side includes a sustained steep grade. These features may make the trail challenging for some visitors using mobility aids, though many do still navigate it successfully.

For those with an ADA accessibility placard who wish to participate, park at or shuttle to the Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Area. From there, a paved, slightly sloped accessible path leads to the General Sherman Tree (0.2 miles / 0.3 km), with benches available along the route.

The main Sherman Tree Parking Lot along Wolverton Road connects to the tree via a paved trail, but this route includes steep sections and is not designated as fully accessible.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).