About
Length2.8 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain200 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadGeneral Sherman Tree parking, Generals Highway
SurfacePaved forest loop
Best seasonGiant Forest is best June to October. Mineral King road opens late May and closes in November; the high country holds snow into July.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌲 Old growth

This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Congress Trail. Congress Trail is a 2.7 mile round-trip lollipop-shaped trail on a gentle, paved incline. It begins near the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth. Along the path, you'll also see excellent examples of mature sequoias, including the House and Senate groups, and the President Tree. Acessibility For accessible access to the Congress Trail and General Sherman Tree, park at the small parking area along the Generals Highway two miles (3.2 km) north of the Giant Forest Museum. Parking in this lot is designated accessible only. If you do not have a placard, but cannot manage a steep slope or stairs on the main trail to the Sherman Tree, stop at a visitor center for a temporary pass. In summer, if parking here is unavailable, park instead at Lodgepole Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, or General Sherman Tree Main Trail and Parking and take the wheelchair accessible park shuttle (Green Route 1). From here, the trail to the General Sherman Tree is paved with inclines of up to 5% and limited cross-slopes. There are benches along the trail.

Tips
The House and Senate groups - tight clusters of enormous trees - are the highlight, and most Sherman visitors never walk this far. Paved the whole way.
Location

General Sherman Tree parking, Generals Highway

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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