Chief Sequoyah Tree: A Giant Sequoia Tribute
Visit the Chief Sequoyah Tree in Sequoia National Park, a towering tribute to Cherokee innovator Sequoyah, surrounded by the Giant Forest's splendor.
The Chief Sequoyah Tree, located in Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest, is a remarkable giant sequoia named in honor of Sequoyah, a Cherokee Nation polymath who created the Cherokee syllabary in 1821. Superintendent Colonel John R. White dedicated the tree in 1928. This impressive tree ranks among the largest in the Giant Forest. Standing about 140 feet (43 meters) uphill from the President tree, the Chief Sequoyah Tree displays unique characteristics, including an enormous burl on its southern face and deep fire scars on its western side, testaments to its resilience. Visitors can reach the Chief Sequoyah Tree via a short spur trail off the Congress Trail, a popular two-mile loop through a dense sequoia grove. The tree offers a chance to reflect on both the majesty of nature and the achievements of Sequoyah.
Local tips
- Arrive early to Sequoia National Park to avoid traffic and secure parking, especially during peak season.
- Take the free in-park shuttle to key destinations like the General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest Museum to avoid parking hassles.
- Hike the Congress Trail to reach the Chief Sequoyah Tree, enjoying the surrounding Giant Forest.
- Check the park's website for current conditions, including road closures and fire restrictions.
A brief summary to Chief Sequoyah Tree
- Sequoia National Park, Giant Forest, CA, 93262, US
Getting There
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Driving
From Visalia, drive east on Highway 198 (Generals Highway) towards Sequoia National Park. The drive to the Giant Forest Museum takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Park at the Giant Forest Museum or nearby parking areas like Wolverton, if available. Parking lots often fill by mid-morning. From the Giant Forest Museum, follow signs for the Congress Trail. Cross the Generals Highway to an unpaved road marked 'Authorized Vehicles Only'. Hike south/uphill 0.2 mi (0.3 km) on the unpaved road to the junction with Rimrock Trail. Turn left at the trail junction and hike east 0.7 mi (1.1 km) on Rimrock Trail to Lincoln near the junction with Alta Trail. Turn left at the trail junction and hike northeast 0.3 mi (0.4 km) on Alta Trail, through McKinley trail junction and past McKinley and General Lee, to the second junction with Congress Trail. Turn right at the trail junction and hike east 0.2 mi (0.5 km) on Congress Trail to President which stands beside the trail on your left. From President, hike north/uphill 140 ft (43 m) to Chief Sequoyah. Note: A park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle is required, valid for seven days. Alternatively, an annual pass for all National Parks Service sites is available for $80.
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Shuttle
During summer (late May to early September), take the Sequoia Shuttle from Visalia to the Giant Forest Museum. A round trip costs $20, which includes park entry. From the Giant Forest Museum, use the free in-park shuttle to reach the General Sherman Tree area. From the General Sherman Tree, follow the Congress Trail. Cross the Generals Highway to an unpaved road marked 'Authorized Vehicles Only'. Hike south/uphill 0.2 mi (0.3 km) on the unpaved road to the junction with Rimrock Trail. Turn left at the trail junction and hike east 0.7 mi (1.1 km) on Rimrock Trail to Lincoln near the junction with Alta Trail. Turn left at the trail junction and hike northeast 0.3 mi (0.4 km) on Alta Trail, through McKinley trail junction and past McKinley and General Lee, to the second junction with Congress Trail. Turn right at the trail junction and hike east 0.2 mi (0.5 km) on Congress Trail to President which stands beside the trail on your left. From President, hike north/uphill 140 ft (43 m) to Chief Sequoyah.
