Overview
Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves the North Grove of giant sequoias that includes the "Discovery Tree" the first Sierra redwood, noted in 1852. This park offers camping, picnicking and trails, including the Three Senses Trail, one of the earliest accessible design trails in the state park system. The park is four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4. Phone 209-795-2334.
Camping
North Grove Campground. This campground has 7 accessible campsites; 17, 18, 19, 20, 65, 67, and 73. Sites have accessible tables and tent pads with firm surfaces. Restrooms with showers are accessible.
Oak Hollow Campground. Site number 80 includes accessible parking, furnishings and firm sufaces, but some users may need help with slopes on the route to the restroom. Restrooms with showers: The unisex restroom/shower combination building by the accessible site is accessible and the parking space adjacent to the restroom is accessible.
Campfire center. The campfire center has four spaces for wheelchair seating, and there is amplified sound. A designated accessible parking space is about 300 feet from the campfire center on an accessible route.
Beaver Creek, (White Fir) Environmental Camp.This hike in campground has an accessible restroom and only two campsites, one of which is accessible. The accessible trail is approximately 1/8 mile from the accessible parking space.
Picnic Area
North Grove. Accessible picnic sites are now available with nearby accessible parking and restroom.
Beaver Creek. There is an accessible restroom, parking, and picnic sties in this area.
Trails
The Three Senses Trail is accessible for 0.13 mile in a forest setting and includes rest stops, guide ropes and interpretive panels in English and Braille. The trailhead and two accessible parking spaces are located in North Grove parking lot. Accessible restroom in North Grove Campground or off North Grove lot near warming hut.
The North Grove Trail is a 1 ˝ mile accessible trail which originates from the North Grove Trailhead parking lot where accessible parking is available. Visitors will experience some of the largest trees in the park along the trail. This trail is constructed of compacted soil and also connects to the three senses trail.
The Beaver Creek Trail is a 3/4 mile accessible trail that originates from the South Grove parking area and Beaver Creek Picnic Area. Accessible parking is available at both the South Grove Trailhead and Beaver Creek Picnic Trailhead locations. Accessible picnicking is available at the Beaver Creek Picnic Area. The trail is constructed of compact soil and gravel and provides scenic views along Beaver Creek.
The Stanislaus River Trail is 1/4 mile accessible trail which originates from a parking lot located near the River Picnic Area. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead. This trail takes visitors down to the banks of the Stanislaus River. An accessible picnic site is located at the end of the trail. The trail is constructed of compacted soil and aggregate and although it is accessible it may be challenging to some visitors due to steeper slopes leading to the river.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. A small visitor center includes an audio-visual room and some exhibits. The AV room has movable seats and can be arranged to accommodate wheelchairs. Most of the exhibits are at least generally accessible, but assistance may be required at the entry ramp or threshold. Parking. Three spaces are designated accessible. The route of travel from the parking area to the entry ramp is generally accessible.
Jack Knight Hall This facility is now accessible and and available for special events. Accessible parking, routes, and exterior restroom are provided.
Other Information
A restroom off the North Grove Parking Lot near the warming hut has been modified to permit front and side transfers and is generally accessible. Two adjacent parking spaces are designated accessible, but the asphalt path of travel has some rough areas.
Definitions & Terms
Accessible
Meets all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance.
Generally accessible
Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
Usable
Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance.
Designated accessible
Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used for parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage, or size.
