Angel Oak Park

The Angel Oak Tree west of the coastal city of Charleston is one of the most unique living things on the planet. The giant Virginia oak is estimated to be 400-500 years old and has survived numerous earthquakes, storms and floods. Planned construction projects in the vicinity of the oak are viewed critically, as the clearing of the surrounding forest could destroy its root system and construction development could significantly disrupt the groundwater flow.

On a walk, you can get very close to the giant tree and marvel at it. The oak is 20 metres high, has a circumference of 8.5 metres and casts shade over 1,600 m². Its branches are as large and thick as normal trees, they rest on the ground and grow upwards again from there as if a new tree had grown. Its longest branch measures 57 metres and looks like a giant squid. Physically, this is not a strenuous trip, but mentally and emotionally it is all the more overwhelming.