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, a massive giant sequoia in Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest, honors Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee syllabary. It's among the largest trees in the grove, marked by fire scars and a large burl, standing near the President tree.
A brief summary to Chief Sequoyah Tree
- Sequoia National Park, Giant Forest, CA, 93262, US
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.
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.
Discover more about Chief Sequoyah Tree
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cattle Cabin
0.5 km
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Giant Forest
1.2 km
Discover the awe-inspiring Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park: home to the world's largest trees, offering accessible trails and a profound connection with nature's ancient wonders.
Tharp's Log
1.6 km
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Crescent Meadow
1.6 km
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Squatters Cabin
1.7 km
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Beetle Rock Trail
2.4 km
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Wuksachi Lodge
4.0 km
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The Peaks Restaurant
4.0 km
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Tokopah Trailhead
4.3 km
Hike to the stunning 1,200-foot Tokopah Falls in Sequoia National Park, a moderate 3.4-mile trail through granite cliffs and lush forests along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River.
Middle Fork Trail
5.1 km
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Paradise Creek Trailhead
5.9 km
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Hospital Rock
6.1 km
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Tokopah Falls
6.6 km
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Marble Falls Trailhead
7.3 km
Hike to a stunning waterfall through the rugged beauty of Sequoia National Park's foothills; a moderate trail offering breathtaking views and a rewarding outdoor experience.
Alta Peak
7.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
McKinley Tree
0.4 km
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The Congress Trail
0.8 km
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General Sherman Tree
0.9 km
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Sherman Tree Trail
1.2 km
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Chimney Tree
1.5 km
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Big Trees Trail
1.8 km
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High Sierra Trailhead
2.1 km
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Giant Forest Museum
2.3 km
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The Giant Forest
2.3 km
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Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
2.5 km
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Moro Rock Trail
3.3 km
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Hanging Rock
3.3 km
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Moro Rock
3.5 km
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Lodgepole Visitor Center
3.8 km
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Marble Falls
4.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Lodgepole Campground
4.1 km
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Stony Creek Lodge
12.9 km
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Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins
13.0 km
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The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
13.1 km
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Montecito Sequoia Lodge
17.4 km
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River View Grill & Bar
19.2 km
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Tony's Taverna On Wheels
19.4 km
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Rio Sierra Riverhouse
19.9 km
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Pupusas La Sabrosa Three Rivers
20.3 km
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Ol Buckaroo
20.4 km
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Pizza Factory
21.8 km
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Casa Mendoza Mexican Restaurant
21.9 km
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Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant
23.1 km
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Lazy J Ranch Motel - Three Rivers, CA
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Baker Mountain House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lodgepole Market & Grill
3.8 km
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Totem Market & Gifts
14.4 km
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Reimers Candies & Gifts
19.1 km
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Jerky This!
19.2 km
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Shell
20.3 km
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Three Rivers Market
20.4 km
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Sequoia Coffee Co.
20.5 km
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Sequoia Souveniers
20.5 km
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Gathered
20.5 km
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Sierra Subs & Salad
20.5 km
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Three Rivers Mercantile
21.5 km
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Village Market
21.9 km
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Kaweah General Store
22.8 km
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Grant Grove Gift Shop
26.6 km
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Grant Grove Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lake Canyon Ranch
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Serrano's Mexican Restaurant
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Next Bar
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Uncle Tom's Cabin
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Bespoke
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Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar
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The Bar
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Quail State
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Elliott's Bar
94.8 km
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The Shanty
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Howlin Wolf
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Spokeasy Public House
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Lucy's Lounge
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The Lincoln Pub & Grub
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The Captains Brig
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