Congress Trail - Sequoia National Park

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The trail honors that all national parks in the U.S. have been created by our Congress. This popular trail begins at the General Sherman Tree and takes you into the heart of the Giant Forest. It is also a pleasant snow-shoe in the winter months.

Tips: Parking for this trailhead is located on the Wolverton road between Lodgepole and Giant Forest

Points of Interest

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General Sherman Tree

The General Sherman Tree is famously known as the largest tree in the world when combining the height and width.

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The Senate Group

Located at the north end of Circle Meadow, this stand of sequoias sprouted over 1,000 years ago.

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The House Group

One of the most beautiful stands of sequoias

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Fire Scar

Along this trail you will find numerous sequoias that have been scarred by fire. The bark is thick with a high content of tannic acids, a chemical compound that retard the effects of fire.

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The President Tree

The President Tree was named in 1923 when dedicated to the memory of President Warren G. Harding.

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Fallen Sequoia

The root system of a giant sequoia is relatively shallow. Most sequoia tree deaths occur from toppling over.

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Nature's Sculpture

There are many opportunities in Giant Forest to see nature's artwork on its finest display.

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Trail Tunnel

Giant sequoia trees are not removed from the parks when they die. The National Parks Service will rarely even move them, but instead give an opportunity to walk through or over them. This tree fell in 1965.

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Giant Forest Restoration

In the 1990's, Giant Forest saw a huge rehabilation project as buildings and pavement were removed to promote a healthier forest. Here you can see where young seedlings were planted.