Congress Trail

This is simply one of the most incredible things I have ever done. The trees here blew my mind. We had very challenging weather with slushy snow/rain the entire time but we saw only one other group of hikers and had several of the largest trees on earth to ourselves. If you can hike the distance needed to do this then everyone needs to see it once.You will be treated to several of the largest living organisms on earth. This trail starts from the General Sherman parking area. You will hike right past General Sherman so it's great to knock out two birds with one stone. This isn't a terribly difficult trail by any means but there are ups and downs which mean about 600 feet of climbing. As you hike down the hill from the parking lot you will quickly come to the platform above General Sherman. Notice the tiny people at the base. The largest living object on earth (come at me Quaking Aspen people) is spectacular to see. Just past the viewing platform the Congress Trail goes left. It's worth the quick detour to the right to go to the base of the Sherman Tree and then come back to the Congress Trail. Once you are on the Congress Trail you will be constantly surrounded by different trees and small creeks. The storm on the day we visited really provided some unique views and coloring. We found this huge burned out tree. This one isn't even close to the biggest trees on the trail. I grew really fascinated with all the moss and lichens that grow on the trees. Again, everywhere you look there are fantastic trees. My favorite formation of trees is called "The House" Look for us in some of the pics for another idea of scale. You will pass some more nice views before coming to the McKinley Tree. Eventually you will end up back at General Sherman. You can either hike up the hill to your car or take the handicap exit for General Sherman through the tree and take a shuttle up to the parking lot. I really fell in love with this park and this trail was by far my favorite that we did here. It really gives me an amazing perspective into nature and our place in it. These trees need to be seen by everyone!