  Home to Mark Twain and the famous Jumping Frog Jubilee, Calaveras County is rich in Gold Rush history, quaint historic towns, wine country and acres of scenic beauty. Blessed with almost perfect climate, giant sequoias, caverns, lakes, and rivers, Calaveras County is a worthy tourist destination. There are no exact figures on how much gold was removed from Calaveras County, however, $500 million has been settled on as a reasonable and conservative sum. The largest nugget ever found in the Western Hemisphere came from the Comstock Claim at Carson Hill. It weighed 214 lbs 8oz troy and measured 15 inches long by 6 inches wide, and is now on display at a local winery. Since 1928, the Jumping Frog Jubilee has attracted visitors from all over the world who gather on the third week in May to celebrate Mark Twain's story. Big Trees State Park has been attracting visitors for over one hundred years. Sequoia Gigantean are not as tall as the coastal redwoods, however, the trunks are approximately twice the size of the coastal trees. The county also boasts three caverns, Mercer, Moaning, and California, all offering guided tours with rappelling and spelunking also available. The wineries of Murphys are attracting national and international interest because of the fine quality wines produced by local vintners, and they offer friendly and uncrowded tasting rooms which are open daily to the public. An abundance of outdoor recreation such as white water rafting, house-boating, hiking, bicycling, and skiing is available. But perhaps the county's most desirable asset is a very special way of life. Come visit Calaveras County and see for yourself. |