Visit the General Sherman Tree in the Sequoia National Park, California

In a previous article about the General Grant Tree, we mentioned that visitors to California's National Parks might stop and view the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park during their drive. The General Sherman Tree would also delight tourists who enjoy viewing these spectacular Sequoia giants. Consequently, General Sherman Tree is located in the Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest area (Aptly named because of the many Sequoia trees growing there).

The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree by volume in the world. It is, however, not the tallest tree in the world. General Sherman towers into the sky with a height of 274.9 feet, and its base has a diameter of 36.5 feet with a 102.6-foot circumference. In 1975, National Park rangers measured General Sherman's volume to be over 52,500 cubic feet. This massive volume gives General Sherman the title of World's Largest Tree. Like the General Grant Tree, tourists and hikers seem like ants when compared to the General Sherman Tree.

Sequoia National Park and the General Sherman Tree are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Tourists can access the General Sherman Tree from Highway-198 / Generals Highway heading east from Visalia. General Sherman has two access areas. The first area is located on the side of Highway-198. This stop has restrooms and handicap access. At this stop, tourists can walk about a tenth of a mile to see General Sherman via a handicapped accessible ramp. The second area is located via a road about a half following Highway-198 (towards Lodgepole Campground) and turning right on Wolveton Road. Follow Wolveton Road, and the second right turn will take you to the parking lot for non-handicapped access. This stop has restrooms and no handicapped access. From this parking lot, you will hike half a mile down a paved trail to see General Sherman up close and personal. The trail loops around General Sherman, so you can see it (and take pictures) from all angles.