Big Stump Trail is a short, somewhat steep hike in Kings Canyon National Park. It takes you past several large sequoia stumps as it winds through the shady trees. The trail runs about 2 miles roundtrip, and is usually done out-and-back, though there are other options described below.
Parking
Big Stump Trail has its own parking area with trailhead bathrooms and a picnic area. Park and walk down the trail just to the left of the building. Though two trails appear to wind down the hill, they join after just a few dozen yards, so it doesn’t matter which one you choose.
The Trail
After a very short distance, you’ll come to the first big stump. Many people take a look at this stump and decide that they have gone far enough. However, this first stump, though mildly impressive is far from the best you’ll see, and the distance wouldn’t really qualify as a hike. You will want to continue further down Big Stump trail
As you continue down the hill, you pass larger and larger stumps. Though many stand high over your head, a few are possible to climb on or walk through. As you notice the few standing sequoias, sprinkled amid the massive stumps, it’s hard to imagine why, or even how, someone might cut one of these majestic giants. Oddly, the wood was found to be poor for building, and was mostly used for garden stakes or other throwaway projects.
There is one side trail to a shattered tree. We decided to take the trail and are glad we did. This tree is a million different pieces since it fell down. Make sure to keep an eye out for the signs for this side adventure.
Mark Twain Stump
The final destination, which comes up at 1 mile is the Mark Twain Stump. You’ll realize as you approach this stump, that it can be reached via the highway when you hear cars driving past, though parking is very limited. Mark Twain Stump is easily the largest stump, and there is a stairway that leads up the side. While on top, you feel a little as if you are standing on a stage looking out over a small meadow. We even saw a few deer enter the meadow at the same time we did. Be careful with little ones as there are holes in the stump large enough for a toddler to fall into, though the drop isn’t far.
The Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon can be done as a 2 mile out-and-back, and is considered easy. The elevation gain is 200 feet, but it feels steeper than that since it is a climb back up to the parking area. It can also be done as a drive up to Mark Twain Stump. It would make a good shuttle hike if you had a willing driver. Just drop your hikers at the top of the one-mile hill in the Big Stump Trailhead parking lot. Then drive down to the final destination. This is especially nice because the entire hike to Mark Twain Stump is downhill. If you follow the trail on All Trails, it has you cross the road and walk back a different path, but we chose to just do an out and back.
