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Calaveras County

Avery

Attractions and Places To See around Avery - Top 17

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.

Best attractions and places to see around Avery

  • The most popular attractions is…

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor)

Highlight β€’ Natural Monument

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 …

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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 Historic Main Street 🏠

Highlight β€’ Historical Site

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 …

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Top Of The World

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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 …

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North Grove Trail loop

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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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Hiking around Avery

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July 11, 2025, Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park

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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Andrus
August 14, 2024, Top Of The World

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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Lisa
February 24, 2024, Top Of The World

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 trailβ€”not 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Avery?

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.

Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels near Avery?

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.

What historical sites can I visit around Avery?

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.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Avery?

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.

What is the significance of the "Big Stump - Discovery Tree"?

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.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Avery?

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.

What is the best time to visit the attractions around Avery?

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.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

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.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Avery?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Avery?

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.

Are there any short walks or loops for a quick exploration?

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.

What activities are available during winter near Avery?

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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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

ArnoldDorringtonVallecitoForest MeadowsAngels CampMurphysMokelumne Hill

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