Image may be subject to copyright

TRAIL OF 100 GIANTS

We love going to the Giants a few times a year since it is a super easy and beautiful drive along the Kern River. As you ascend into the mountains, the landscape changes dramatically in just an hour from high desert to forest. Long Meadow Grove, home to the Trail of 100 Giants, is complete with beautiful streams, wildflowers, lush meadows, and some of the world's tallest trees. The tallest tree here is 20' in diameter and 220' tall. That is equivalent to 20 stories. Can you believe that?????

A TREE 20 STORIES TALL!

If you are interested in more than just sight seeing, there are interpretive signs all along the trail providing information about:
-What is the importance of wildlife?
-What is seed dispersal?
-What is the importance of forest fires?
-What are the black scars on the trees?
-What birds live in the Sequoia Forest?
-Why are the tops of some trees flat?

Take the day to visit and learn about the Giant Sequoias. You'll be transported to a different world just an hour up the road. We promise!

Image may be subject to copyright

Day Trip Idea #1: Fall
If you love fall colors, make sure you add this trip to your bucket list!
Since the weather is cooling down, get a later start and enjoy your hike during the warmer part of the day. Take your time driving north along the river to enjoy all the fall foliage. You can expect to spend 1.5-2 hours on the walking trails. With plenty of benches to 'park it,' take advantage! When else can you enjoy the sounds of silence while staring at cartoonishly large trees. On your way home, stop by McNally's for a drink on the back porch and/or stay for dinner.

Day Trip Idea #2: Summer
If you are looking to beat the summer heat, head up to McNally's Burger Stand for lunch. You'll be full and ready to finish off the drive to the trailhead. Enjoy the cooler temps while you explore the grove. You can expect to spend a few hours exploring the trees along the trail before heading back down the mountain. If you are a fisherman, make sure you throw in a line (barbless hooks only in the Golden Trout Wilderness) at the Johnsondale bridge. If time permits, grab a drink and an appetizer on the back porch of McNally's main dining room.

How to Get There

Head north on Mountain 99 from Kernville. The drive will take about an hour. The road is open (weather permitting) the end of May thru November 15th. *Parking fees are $5/vehicle.

Image may be subject to copyright

What to grab for eats

Johnny McNally's at Fairview

Looking to eat on your way up?
The Burger Stand offers breakfast sandwiches until noon as well as hamburgers from open to close. The hamburgers are a great value as they are quite substantial but more importantly, DELICIOUS!

Wanting a true dining experience?
Stop at McNally's on your way back to town. Enjoy a relaxing cocktail on the back patio overlooking the river. For dinner, I highly recommend the fried zucchini to start. They are made fresh with a light batter and served hot with cocktail sauce for dipping. You won't be disappointed. Make sure to leave room for a Mud Pie and/or Snowball. Both desserts are made fresh at the restaurant and are great for sharing.

Image may be subject to copyright

trail information

Here are a few excerpts from the USFS. Full downloadable versions can be found under sources.

This 'trail' is accessible by vehicle and an easy walk. 'About 1.3 miles of paved trail offers several loop options and interpretive signs.' The trails have a 6% maximum grade and is 'suitable for wheelchairs.'

Along the walk you will see 'the Fallen Giant, several trees that have been hollowed by large fire scars, a giant sequoia and incense cedar that are growing together with their bark fused, and a small seasonal creek and several meadows. In June and July, one can find many wildflowers blooming in the grove area. In October and November, the black oak in the grove turn a brilliant shade of gold.'

'A notable site along the Trail is where two giant sequoias fell on Friday, September 30, 2011. The two trees had grown together at the base, appearing as one for approximately the first 30 feet. Then, during the winter 2018-2019 another large tree fell across these trees, damaging the newly constructed boardwalk. Forest tree specialists visited the site after both occurred and found no evidence of insects or disease contributing to the fall of the giants. Streams run alongside where the giants once stood, with the wet winters of 2010/11, and again in 2018/19, the ground likely saturated and simply gave way to the weight of the trees.

Sources
Trail of 100 Giants
Trail of 100 Giants with Map

Additional Information
16 Spectacular Facts about the Giant Sequoias