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Introduction to South Fork Kaweah River

Situated in the extreme southwest corner of Sequoia National Park, the South Fork Kaweah River Trailhead provides access to some of the lowland trails of the foothills zone, a plant community composed primarily of oak woodland and chaparral. As opposed to the classic Sierra granite of the higher elevations, much of the foothills zone is covered with crumbling metamorphic rock, primarily marble, schist, and slate. Steep-walled, brush-filled canyons cut by turbulent rivers and streams characterize the topography in this area.

Due to the milder climate at these altitudes, recreationists have opportunities for off-season hiking on trails that typically see little use. Fall, winter, and spring can be ideal times for trips to the South Fork, although summer visitors can beat the heat by hiking earlier or later in the day. During the summer season, backpackers use the Garfield-Hockett Trail as a gateway into the mid-elevation forests and meadows of the Hockett Plateau and backcountry beyond.

In the past, a more extensive network of trails crisscrossed the southwest corner of the park, but many of these paths are now overgrown. Unmaintained trails that still appear on some maps should be considered difficult bushwhacks. The Ladybug Trail follows a section of the historic Hockett Trail, constructed during the Civil War for travel through the Sierra between Visalia and the silver mines east of Owens Valley. Illegal marijuana cultivation has occurred in the lower elevations of the park and adjoining national forests—check with the proper authorities for updates.

ACCESS: This area is open all year. South Fork Road branches away from Highway 198 near the fire station in the town of Three Rivers. The road dead-ends at the South Fork Campground after 12 miles.

AMENITIES: Three Rivers is a small, tourist-driven town near the west boundary of Sequoia National Park, 37 miles east of Visalia. A wide range of services includes motels, restaurants, gas stations, and general stores. No services exist along the South Fork Road beyond Three Rivers.

RANGER STATION: The nearest ranger station is the Foothills Visitor Center inside the park. Wilderness permits may be available from the campground host at South Fork Campground in the summer or by self-registration at the trailhead the rest of the year. The South Fork Ranger Station has not been staffed for several years.

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: At these low elevations, hikers should be on the lookout for ticks, rattlesnakes, and poison oak. Mountain lions live in the foothills zone, although they have presented few, if any, problems in the past. However, don’t leave small children unattended. The Park Service recommends against hiking alone in mountain lion country.