The Angel Oak Tree
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The Angel Oak, located on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina is a lovely place to visit with family.
Down a sandy road, outside of Charleston, SC, on John’s Island lives a majestic tree, the Angel Oak tree. It’s a huge tree. Thought to be one of the oldest things, if not the oldest – living or man made – east of the Rockies, the tree boasts nearly 25 feet around in girth, and is said to be possibly over 1500 years old.
Earlier this week we stopped by on our way out of town to see the old lady. I haven’t been for a visit under her welcoming arms since a child, and this was my children’s first visit.
It might be called Angel Oak, but I think it looks more like a wild sea creature that has crawled out of the Charleston Harbor to take a rest.
The long arms wind in and out, some even going into the ground to rise again. Below my mother is telling the children to try to see the wild shapes and faces in the trunk of the tree. They sure are trying hard enough.
The Angel Oak is a little crippled in places, being helped along like an old woman might be at the ripe old age of 1500, but she’s still beautiful nonetheless.
I wonder what stories she might tell. What storms she’s weathered. What droughts she’s thirsted through. She’s a tough old thing.
If you’re ever in the Charleston, SC area, plan a trip out to say hello (or “hey!” as we say in the South) to the old gal. There is no admission, but, because she is a protected treasure, as she should be, there are hours of operation.
For more information on this majestic old tree, visit The Angel Oak website.
Visiting the tree is like stepping back through time. Like you said it would have lots of stories to tell. I enjoyed the day trip with you and the kids. It WAS the face from Pocahantas that I was showing them. Love to all.
That is AMAZING! I swear I’ve seen that tree in a photo blog with a family under it. I sent it to my mom because I couldn’t get over how huge it was. I think it was the same but maybe there are more massive oaks out there!
My family and I live in Spartanburg, and Charleston is home away from home for us. I love the Angel Oak. It’s just beautiful. The last time I was there I was newly pregnant with our first child–10 years ago! My husband took a picture of me under the arms of the tree. It still remains one of mine and my daughter’s favorite pictures. The tree’s age and size really help put things into perspective!
We were in Charleston this weekend and saw this honkin’ big tree! Thanks for inspiring me to seek it out. It put on a lovely show for us.