Paradise Creek Trailhead: A Foothills Escape
Discover the serene beauty of Sequoia's foothills on the Paradise Creek Trail, a gentle hike through diverse landscapes, perfect for year-round exploration and nature lovers.
Paradise Creek Trailhead, nestled in the foothills of Sequoia National Park, offers a gentle and accessible hiking experience amidst diverse flora and fauna. The moderate trail winds through oak woodlands, alongside the tranquil Paradise Creek, and past small waterfalls and pools, providing a refreshing escape from the towering sequoia groves higher in the park. Buckeye Flat Campground, the usual starting point, is sometimes closed, requiring a walk from Hospital Rock, adding to the adventure. Keep an eye out for poison oak and enjoy the serene beauty of this often-overlooked corner of Sequoia, where the foothills reveal a unique biodiversity and a pleasant all-season hiking option. The trail is an uneven dirt path with occasional grades that exceed ADA limits for wheelchair use, and there is also a suspension bridge along the trail.
A brief summary to Paradise Creek Trailhead
- Sequoia National Park, California, 93262, US
Local tips
- Check the Buckeye Flat Campground status; if closed, factor in the extra 0.7-mile walk from Hospital Rock to the trailhead.
- Be aware of poison oak along the trail; wear long pants and sleeves or learn to identify and avoid it.
- Visit in spring for vibrant wildflower displays or in the cooler months for comfortable hiking temperatures.
Getting There
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Driving
From the Generals Highway within Sequoia National Park, follow signs to the Foothills area. Turn onto the narrow paved road leading to Buckeye Flat Campground. Note that Buckeye Flat Campground is often closed to vehicle traffic, especially during winter months. If closed, park at Hospital Rock, located approximately 0.7 miles from the Paradise Creek Trailhead. From Hospital Rock, walk along the closed road to reach the trailhead at Buckeye Flat Campground. Park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle is required to enter Sequoia National Park.
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Shuttle
During peak season, utilize the free in-park shuttle system to reach the Giant Forest Museum. From the museum, connect to routes that service the Foothills area, or walk a portion of the Generals Highway, carefully following signs for Hospital Rock. From Hospital Rock, walk along the closed road to reach the trailhead at Buckeye Flat Campground. The Sequoia Shuttle from Visalia to Sequoia National Park costs $20 roundtrip, but this requires using the in-park shuttle to reach the trailhead. Park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle or $20 per person is required to enter Sequoia National Park.
Discover more about Paradise Creek Trailhead
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Paradise Creek Trailhead
0.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Sequoia's foothills on the Paradise Creek Trail, a gentle hike through diverse landscapes, perfect for year-round exploration and nature lovers.
Hospital Rock
0.7 km
Discover ancient Native American pictographs and bedrock mortars at Hospital Rock, a historically significant site nestled in the scenic foothills of Sequoia National Park, California.
Middle Fork Trail
1.3 km
Hike the Middle Fork Trail in Sequoia National Park for a unique foothills adventure, stunning canyon views, and a chance to escape the crowds and discover hidden gems.
Marble Falls Trailhead
3.2 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.
Squatters Cabin
4.2 km
Discover the charm of Squatters Cabin, a historical landmark in California that showcases the pioneering spirit and rustic beauty of early settler life.
Crescent Meadow
4.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, a lush, sequoia-rimmed oasis offering easy trails, abundant wildlife, and a connection to nature's giants.
Giant Forest
4.6 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
4.7 km
Step back in time at Tharp's Log, a remarkable pioneer cabin built inside a fallen giant sequoia, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of Sequoia National Park and the Giant Forest.
Beetle Rock Trail
4.9 km
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Cattle Cabin
5.5 km
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Wuksachi Lodge
9.8 km
Experience rustic elegance in Sequoia National Park at Wuksachi Lodge, offering modern comforts, stunning views, and easy access to the park's iconic giant sequoias and breathtaking wilderness.
The Peaks Restaurant
9.8 km
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Tokopah Trailhead
10.0 km
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Atwell Mill Campground
10.6 km
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Tokopah Falls
11.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hospital Rock River Trailhead
0.8 km
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Amphitheater Point Viewpoint
2.3 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and the majestic beauty of Sequoia National Park at Amphitheater Point.
Amphitheater Point
2.4 km
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Moro Rock
2.5 km
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Moro Rock Trail
2.8 km
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Vista Point
3.1 km
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Hanging Rock
3.1 km
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Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
3.4 km
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High Sierra Trailhead
3.9 km
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Chimney Tree
4.5 km
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Marble Falls
4.6 km
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The Giant Forest
4.8 km
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Giant Forest Museum
4.8 km
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Tunnel Rock
4.9 km
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Big Trees Trail
5.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins
8.1 km
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The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
8.2 km
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Lodgepole Campground
9.9 km
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River View Grill & Bar
14.6 km
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Tony's Taverna On Wheels
14.8 km
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Rio Sierra Riverhouse
15.2 km
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Pupusas La Sabrosa Three Rivers
15.5 km
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Ol Buckaroo
15.7 km
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Pizza Factory
17.0 km
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Casa Mendoza Mexican Restaurant
17.1 km
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Stony Creek Lodge
17.3 km
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Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant
18.3 km
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Lazy J Ranch Motel - Three Rivers, CA
19.5 km
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Montecito Sequoia Lodge
21.5 km
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Baker Mountain House
25.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lodgepole Market & Grill
9.6 km
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Totem Market & Gifts
9.6 km
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Reimers Candies & Gifts
14.5 km
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Jerky This!
14.5 km
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Shell
15.6 km
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Three Rivers Market
15.6 km
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Sequoia Coffee Co.
15.7 km
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Sequoia Souveniers
15.7 km
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Gathered
15.7 km
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Sierra Subs & Salad
15.7 km
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Three Rivers Mercantile
16.7 km
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Village Market
17.1 km
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Kaweah General Store
17.9 km
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Grant Grove Gift Shop
30.1 km
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Grant Grove Market
30.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lake Canyon Ranch
8.8 km
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Serrano's Mexican Restaurant
17.1 km
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Next Bar
92.8 km
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Uncle Tom's Cabin
93.4 km
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Bespoke
94.3 km
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Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar
94.3 km
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Quail State
94.7 km
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The Bar
95.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Fresno at The Bar, your go-to spot for karaoke, pool, and fun.
Elliott's Bar
95.7 km
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Howlin Wolf
96.1 km
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Spokeasy Public House
96.2 km
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The Shanty
96.2 km
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Lucy's Lounge
96.4 km
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The Lincoln Pub & Grub
96.5 km
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The Captains Brig
96.8 km
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