January 14, 2017 - ARNOLD, Calif. — A portion of the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park reopened this morning. Visitors will have limited access to the fallen Pioneer Cabin Tree as well as the Big Stump, but the remainder of the trail is closed. The storms over the last week have created a public safety concern for visitors on several areas of the trail as limbs have fallen and debris continues to run through small streams.

More than two feet of snow fell in the latest storm. The combination of snow and rain has damaged the trail and some areas remain extremely flooded and muddy. Trail crews are out daily repairing and clearing the trail for use. The park plans to reopen the entire trail as soon as it is safe to do so. Visitors to the park this weekend should plan to wear tall waterproof footwear as cold water runs through sections of open trail. Park staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the history of the cabin tree, the state park and the importance of protecting and conserving California’s rare native giant sequoias.

Worldwide media attention was given to Calaveras Big Trees State Park this week as the Pioneer Cabin Tree, one of California’s oldest tourist attractions and a beloved specimen of a rare California native species, fell Sunday.  A combination of trunk and root decay and storm water runoff appears to have brought the giant sequoia down at its base, shattering it and a nearby cedar tree. California State Parks will be evaluating what to do with the fallen tree.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park and its new visitor center remain open during daylight hours with an entrance station on State Route 4, north of Arnold. 
Source: CA. State Parks

Read More: Heavy Rains Topple Iconic Pioneer Cabin Tree at Calaveras Big Trees State Park