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.
We have a similar, albeit much younger, tree. Ours is a cottonwood and locals call it the Peter Pan tree. Thanks for introducing me to the Angel Oak.
That is the coolest tree ever!
Holy cow that is one big honkin’ tree. It’s incredible, beautiful and creepy all at the same time.
Thank you for sharing your Angel Tree. Big old oaks hold a special place in my heart :)I will have to make a trip over to see her when I go down to Summerville.
WOW..that is simply amazing and beautiful!!!
How beautiful and rustic. Very nice Pictures. Thank you
Awesome!! I have to go next time I’m there. That is one amazing tree!!
Hey, I recognize two those kids! 😉
Man! You ain’t kidding! Thanks for sharing “o)
Loved seeing these pictures of Angel Oak! We vacationed on Seabrook Island for many years and visited that treasure of a tree several times. It’s amazing!!
that is one stunningly beautiful tree! I always love trees that create interesting forms … I wrote a descriptive piece in high school about trees and the way their form made it look like they were dancing. These pics almost make me feel like posting it. Almost. I did write it when I was 16 after all! LOL
Girl, I’m going to have to email you before we go on our next Charleston vacation. To think I live in this state and don’t know half the things you post on here. It’s a shame. So, look for an email!
BEAUTIFUL. We have a few of those really old oaks here in Florida. One down off Old Dixie Highway just before Ormond Beach called Fairchild Oak that’s huge … there’s another at the Cummer Museum in downtown Jacksonville that’s also pretty gorgeous and old and supported by the metal braces. It’s amazing to see such beauty and it’s wonderful that we try so hard to take care of them! I haven’t been to Charleston in so long but when I go back I definitely want to visit this tree again! Have a wonderful weekend!
http://www.squidoo.com/mighty-oak-trees
thought that was kinda cool…
Amazing! I love trees, the bigger and older, the better. You have some fantastic photos, I’m in aw of the Bahama pictures.
That is fabulous.
I got married under a big ole oak similar to this in Airlie gardens in Wilmington NC. Lovely lovely tree.
That is one beauty of a tree! Wow…. imagine everything that has happened in the time since it has been growing.
LOVE this tree! I saw another big ol’ live oak in the cemetery behind the Circular Congregational Church, supposedly almost 500 years old!
There is a similar looking tree in Lahaina Maui. We loved walking through it’s branches. It made me think of the tree in Pocahontas. If it could speak I’m sure it would share a wealth of wisdom.
Dana
I live about 15 miles from Angel Oak and sadly have not paid a visit since middle school. living in Charleston I sometimes forget the beauty that we have!
Thanks for sharing.