Big Stump

The first resting spot after the park entrance station on Highway 180, this picnic area makes this a perfect stop to get your bearings after the drive from the San Joaquin Valley. Covered picnic tables offer shelter and parking is usually abundant. This area becomes a snowplay spot in winter. Here, enjoy making snow sculptures or go on a snowshoe trek. From here, you will find the trailhead for the Big Stump Trail, which leads to the Mark Twain Stump via a 2-mile (3.2-km) hike. A small staircase on the stump lets people climb on top of it. Other large stumps are found in this area of historic giant sequoia logging. The Mark Twain Tree was a Giant Sequoia that reached 16 feet (4.8 meters) in diameter. Even after the national park was established, travel to the sequoia groves was difficult, and many people simply didn't believe trees could grow so large. In 1891, the Army cut down this sequoia so it could be displayed to astonished crowds in New York and London. This stump is the remains of the Mark Twain tree that was felled in 1891 for the American Museum of Natural History. Safety Elevation changes will be more difficult at higher altitude. Take breaks and drink plenty of water. Allow plenty of time to complete the hike before your tour begins. Location This picnic area is 0.7 miles from the Big Stump Entrance Station along Highway 180 from Fresno. The trailhead for Big Stump begins at the picnic area. Parking There are multiple parking spots in this picnic area, including accessible and RV parking spots.