Best attractions and places to see around Avery are primarily found in Calaveras County, California, a region known for its Gold Rush history and natural landscapes. This area features significant natural monuments, including groves of Giant Sequoia trees. Visitors can explore historical sites that reflect the region's past alongside diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. The landscape offers a blend of forests, viewpoints, and trails suitable for various activities.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Popular around Avery
Accessible free for bikers, good visitor center with info about history and nature trails, restrooms, drinking water fountains, snack sales. Safe place to leave bikes to explore the walking-only trails.
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As you would expect from a place called Top Of The World, the views from here are great. You can hike to the summit as an out and back, or loop around on some longer trails for a day hike.
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You'll get some great views from up here! Touring cyclists should make sure to approach via Manuel Peak Road (often misspelled as Manual Peak Road) to the north. The trail to the south is a black-diamond-rated mountain bike trailβnot great for touring tires.
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Free for bikers, good visitor center with info about history and nature trails, restrooms, drinking water fountains, snack sales. Safe place to leave bikes to explore the walking-only trails.
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The "Discovery Tree" was noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852 and felled in 1853, leaving a giant stump and a section of trunk showing the holes made by the augers used to fell it. It measured 25 ft (7.6 m) in diameter at its base and was determined by ring count to be 1,244 years old when felled. A section of the trunk was toured with little fanfare while the stump was later turned into a dance floor. John Muir wrote an essay titled "The Vandals Then Danced Upon the Stump!" to criticize the felling of the tree. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calaveras_Big_Trees_State_Park
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1 mile loop with some of the most impressive trees. It's the only trail open in winter. Access starts behind the visitors center
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The towering groves of Giant Sequoia trees (sequoia sempervirens) are accessible all year. In winter usually only the lower grove is accessible by road. The visitors center provides historic park information, maps, water, bathrooms
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Murphys is a former mining town in Calaveras County, California, population 2,213. John and Daniel Murphy were part of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, the first immigrant party to bring wagons across the Sierra Nevada to Sutter's Fort in 1844. They earned a living as merchants, but like many others, began prospecting when the California Gold Rush began. They first started in Vallecito, which was known as "Murphys Old Diggings," before moving to another location in 1848 which became "Murphys New Diggings," "Murphy's Camp," and eventually just "Murphys." The placer mining in this location was wildly successful. Miners were limited to claims of 8 square feet (0.75 m2) and yet many were still able to become rich. The Murphy brothers themselves, however, made far more money as merchants than as miners. In fact, John was so successful that he left town at the end of 1849 and never returned, having amassed a personal fortune of nearly $2 million. Roughly $20 million in gold was discovered in Murphys and the surrounding area. Two of the richest diggings were named Owlsburg and Owlburrow Flat. It is also a base for visitors to the nearby giant sequoia trees in what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphys,_California
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The area around Avery, primarily in Calaveras County, California, is rich in natural wonders. You can explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to magnificent Giant Sequoia trees. Other notable features include the historical Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor), and scenic viewpoints like Top Of The World. Nearby, you'll also find Spicer Reservoir, Lake Alpine, and White Pines Lake, offering various water activities.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Within Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the North Grove Trail loop is an easy 1-mile walk featuring impressive trees. For more extensive hiking, the Arnold Rim Trail offers a non-motorized trail system. You can find various hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, by visiting the Hiking around Avery guide.
Avery is located in California's Gold Rush Country, offering several historical insights. You can visit Murphys Historic Main Street, a former mining town that played a significant role in the Gold Rush. The Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor) also holds historical significance, marking the site of a giant sequoia felled in 1853. Additionally, the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum near White Pines Lake delves into the region's logging history.
Absolutely. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is excellent for families, with easy trails like the North Grove loop. The Visitors Center provides information and amenities. Murphys Historic Main Street offers a charming experience with shops and dining. Lakes like Spicer Reservoir, Lake Alpine, and White Pines Lake provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
The Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor) is a natural monument within Calaveras Big Trees State Park. It is the remains of a giant sequoia felled in 1853, which was famously used as a dance floor. This site highlights both the immense size of these ancient trees and a controversial piece of local history.
Yes, the Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park is wheelchair accessible, providing historical park information, maps, and amenities. It serves as a starting point for exploring the park's towering groves.
The attractions around Avery, particularly Calaveras Big Trees State Park, are accessible year-round. While the park's lower grove is usually accessible even in winter, some trails might be limited. Summer offers full access to all areas and water activities at nearby lakes, while spring and fall provide pleasant weather for hiking and exploring.
Beyond exploring the giant sequoias, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the Arnold Rim Trail, or engage in fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming at Spicer Reservoir, Lake Alpine, and White Pines Lake. In winter, Bear Valley Ski Resort provides skiing opportunities. For specific routes, check the Hiking around Avery guide.
For impressive vistas, head to Top Of The World. This viewpoint offers great views, especially noted by touring cyclists. The trails within Calaveras Big Trees State Park also provide scenic perspectives of the forest and its ancient trees.
Visitors particularly enjoy the majestic Giant Sequoia trees, with the North Grove Trail loop being a favorite for its impressive trees. The historical significance of sites like the Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor) and the charm of Murphys Historic Main Street are also highly appreciated. The convenience of the Visitors Center for information and amenities is also a plus.
Yes, the North Grove Trail loop in Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a 1-mile loop that allows for a quick yet impressive encounter with some of the largest trees. It's easily accessible behind the Visitors Center.
During winter, the lower grove of Calaveras Big Trees State Park remains accessible, offering a unique experience among the snow-dusted sequoias. Bear Valley Ski Resort provides extensive skiing opportunities with over 75 trails. Lake Alpine also offers various winter sports.


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