01
Closest wild escape
Kaweah Oaks Preserve
East Of Visalia • Oak Woodland Preserve • Best Nearby Nature Walk
Shady loops through remnant valley oak woodland make this the easiest true nature walk near London.
Managed by a local land trust east of Visalia, Kaweah Oaks Preserve protects one of the last dense valley oak stands on the valley floor. Short, mostly flat trails wind past seasonal creeks, spring wildflowers, and plenty of birdlife, making it an easy half-day outing for families or anyone easing into hiking. Go early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and the best wildlife watching.
02
Best reclaimed landscape
Dry Creek Preserve
Near Lemon Cove • River Canyon Preserve • Best Quick Family Outing
A former gravel quarry turned nature preserve with a short loop that follows Dry Creek toward the Sierra foothills.
Just up Highway 198 toward the mountains, Dry Creek Preserve feels surprisingly wild given its industrial past. A modest loop trail threads through restored riparian habitat, with views to oak-studded hillsides and plenty of spots to stop along the creek. It’s a good leg-stretcher on the way to Sequoia or a mellow evening walk when the light softens over the water.
03
Signature big-tree experience
Congress Trail in Giant Forest
Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park • High-Elevation Sequoia Forest Loop • Best All-Day Mountain Escape
Classic Sequoia scenery with massive trees, cool mountain air, and a well-marked loop that rewards the drive from the valley.
From London, a drive up Highway 198 into Sequoia brings you to the Giant Forest, where the Congress Trail loops among some of the largest living trees on earth. The paved and dirt paths roll gently past named giants and quieter side groves, with benches and photo stops scattered along the way. Plan extra time for the mountain drive, summer traffic, and the higher elevation, but the shade and sense of scale make this one of the region’s must-do hikes.
04
Best mix of views and forest
Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow
Foothills Rim, Sequoia National Park • Granite Dome Climb And Meadow Ramble • Best For Big Views In A Short Hike
A steep stair climb up a granite fin paired with a soft forest-and-meadow loop gives you views and variety in a compact outing.
Moro Rock’s staircase clings to the spine of a granite dome, delivering sweeping views over the Kaweah River canyon and out toward the Central Valley. After the climb, you can wander the relatively flat trails around nearby Crescent Meadow, where sequoias ring a lush clearing and side paths duck into quiet forest. The combination works well for mixed-ability groups, letting more ambitious hikers tackle the stairs while others enjoy gentler woodland paths.
05
Most accessible sequoia grove
General Grant Tree Trail
Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park • Iconic Sequoia Grove Stroll • Best History-Meets-Nature Walk
A short, mostly paved loop past the General Grant Tree and other giants that packs in big-tree drama without a big effort.
Reaching Grant Grove via Highway 180 is a bit of a drive from London, but the General Grant Tree Trail is one of the most accessible introductions to Sierra forest hiking. The path winds through dense sequoias and mixed conifers, with interpretive signs and side nooks like a walk-through fallen log. Because it’s short and well graded, it works for multi-generational groups while still delivering that towering, cathedral-like feel.