General Sherman Tree Trailhead — Attraction in Exeter

What an excellent little walk! The way down is deceptively easy. We were gawking just a little bit at all the people winded and resting on fences between the sitting areas. There are a few cute signs along the way that help you grasp just how far up General Sherman goes, and how far down you are walking to get to him. There are a couple of trails that snake down the hill off the main path for the more adventurous, and a nice, wide, path for everyone else.

The bottom - totally worth it. Wonderful. Walk around. Enjoy it.

The head back up. While you can EASILY make it down in 10-15 minutes, the trip back up will take you three times that, at least, unless you are used to long hikes at high altitudes up moderate grades. I AM used to it, and if I had been amongst my peers instead of older friends who usually live at sea level, I would have been significantly outpaced.

BRING WATER. There is no water stops on the trail down, and WILL need it for the walk back up.

Parents, I saw most parents carrying their exhausted kids back up the last half of the trail. Be prepared.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: This is not a wheelchair or stroller friendly trail. You can make it if you off-road a lot, but it looks REALLY unsafe (no railings or paving off the steps) and there are a...

This is an amazing and very accessible hike. It is a pave trail that is pretty flat and takes you to some of the most amazing Sequoia trees. Pictures do not do it Justice. For one thing, my phone camera did not do a great job of catching these massive trees with the setting I had to put it on to get them in. For another, looking at a picture just can't translate actually being there and standing by some of these massive trees. Some of my favorite trees were towards the end of the trail. The house, and the senate, and the president all really stood out to me. I know the general Sherman tree gets all the love, but there is way more to see here. However, if you are not able to spare the time or do not want to walk to the end general Sherman is right near the entrance...

The General Sherman Tree Trailhead and trail is an exceptionally well constructed trail - paved path and stone blocks path border, mildly steep but gradually inclined with stone steps as needed, along with split-rail fencing in all appropriately protected spots. The walk is easy down (212-ft elevation decline), and fairly hard for average folks on the return climb. NOTE the SIGN near the start of your walk down and as you start the return climb. Sadly, most tourists in my field of view ignored all fencing and all "Stay Off" signs and other notices to stay ON the paved path to avoid aggravating soil erosion and plant damage. In these days of our social media altars, photo opp's always outweigh all rules or abstract risks of any...