Tokopah Trailhead — Attraction in Exeter

I ventured out to Sequoia National Park for a week of day hiking. This was my first stop after a quick spin around General Grant which I definitely recommend. I was very impressed with the accessibility to water spouts to fill up my water bottles and my hydration pack in my day pack. I used the restroom which was very nice as well. The campground was closed since it was not scheduled to open until May 25th. Therefore, there was plenty of parking available. I am not sure how that shapes up with a full campground. I headed out down the trail and noted an easy trail with some moderate parts. I would suggest this as accessible for most beginner hikers looking for an easy trail. Overall it was two miles to the amazing Tokopah waterfalls. There was some places to step aside and rest by the river. There are plenty of warnings not to go swimming as it is a strong current and not meant for recreation. At the end of the trail there is a nice access through a boulder and one comes out to the epic view of the water coming down the back side of the ridge. As one hits the end of the trail there are plenty of boulders to sit on a grab a snack or a lunch before one heads back. Overall there was an elevation gain of 614 feet and 4.1 miles round trip. The hike took me 1 hour and 28 minutes. However, I tend to hike at a brisk pace compared to the average hiker. I highly recommend this hike for all levels of hikers and provides a worthy reward at the end with some amazing views for pictures. Enjoy and please don't forget to say hi to those you pass by. We are all here to enjoy...

This is a 3.4 mile hike to a waterfall. It is at elevation and scrambles over rocks and is hot in the summer. The river has a variety of places next to the trail where one could explore. We walked at a steady pace and it took 75-90 minutes out and 45 minutes back.

Logistics: park in the campground parking lot, which had space at 11 am and had no spots available upon our return. Use the modern toilets at the parking lot before departing, and you can utilize the water bottle fill station, if needed. Note: no dogs are allowed (we counted three on the trail). I think this hike may be challenging for very small children and those individuals who are unsteady or fairly out of shape.

It was a fun excursion. Visit the gift shop on the way back to the main road, if you do...

This hike is perfect for families with kids! The trail was well-maintained and mostly flat, making it easy for little ones to keep up without getting too tired. Along the way, we were treated to beautiful views of massive, ancient trees—some of the largest we’ve ever seen! The kids loved looking up at their towering trunks and trying to spot wildlife in the branches. The highlight of the hike was definitely the waterfall at the end. It was a great reward and a perfect spot for a snack break and some photos. The sound of the water and the cool mist made it extra special for everyone. Overall, I highly recommend this trail for families looking for a fun, easy adventure in nature. It’s scenic, safe, and has just the right amount of...