Big Tree...or for some reason known also as Big Tree Wayside is a worthwhile stop while driving along 10 mile Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
Big Tree is located sort of hidden along the road. There weren't any significant signs for it, but if you go slow...you'll turn into a secluded parking lot area. To be more precise...Big Tree is situated about 2 miles away from Prairie Creek State Park.
From the parking lot area, it's a short stroll over to Big Tree. I visited here in the morning time back over the summer. I arrived about 9am and had Big Tree mostly to myself. This was good because I was afforded uninterrupted time and picture moments with this giant redwood!
For those interested in knowing...Big tree is "286 feet in height, 23.7 feet in diameter, 74.5 feet in circumference and about 1500 years old!"
There is a wooden deck with a few stairs leading up to Big Tree. I sat down on the steps and grabbed a few photos looking up at Big Tree. But...from this point of view...I couldn't even capture the entirety of Big Tree. It was too tall, lol. I actually had to take steps back to soak up the magnitude of how gigantic Big Tree appeared.
After hanging out at Big Tree I then went on to explore along the 1.4 mile loop called Cathedral Trees Trail. This was a very worthwhile hike that really captured the essence for being among the magnificent redwood trees! I absolutely enjoyed Cathedral Trees. The trailhead is located right behind Big Tree. I'd definitely recommend after taking pictures with Big Tree, to leisurely walk this trail. Combined...both Big Tree and Cathedral Trail were a perfect pairing for spending time within Redwoods National Park.
By the way...after I completed Cathedral Trees Trail Loop and returned back to the parking lot around mid morning, I couldn't believe how crowded Big Tree was with tourists completely surrounding it!
I was grateful that I arrived here early before everyone else jam packed this eventful attraction. So yeah...my advice is to visit Big Tree as early as possible.
From Big Tree, I then went to Prairie Creek State Park and enjoyed the rest of my day hiking James Irvine and Miners Ridge Trails. read more