Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Big Oak Photos

    Recommended Reviews - The Big Oak

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Gazebo added in 1968
    Lori S.

    Beautiful...just beautiful. My favorite poem is The Tree, by Joyce Kilmer. I recalled every word standing underneath this beast!

    Yep.  It's the big oak tree.
    Sarah G.

    This is a really big.... and old .... oak tree. The sign on it says it's age is 337 years old. Someone has been painting over the last number (now "7") for a couple of years. An interesting feature is that the tree is videotaped and they have a phone number to call where it will take a photo of YOU and your group! Just dial the number and follow the directions. I heard that some people can watch the tree on the internet. I guess if you like watching moss... or ferns ... grow on trees then you're in luck. In fact, Fern is growing on nearly the entirety of the branches which is quite beautiful. Not sure why there isn't Spanish moss hanging off the branches, and it's on other oak trees so that was curious. We spent a few minutes there during a welcome break from an otherwise rainy day. Thomasville is a cute historic town but nothing was open on memorial day. (Good thing trees don't close. )

    One of the oldest living documented trees in the country!!!
    Richard R.

    THE BIG OAK An enormous Quercus Virginiana that is among the largest of its species in the Southern United States. That in itself is quite an accomplishment considering almost half of these majestic giants were wiped out in the late 1700's to early 1800's for the purpose of ship building. The destruction of these trees was so epic that the first three forestry laws passed by American Congress were aimed at protecting Live Oaks. The term 'live" comes from the fact they retain their leaves in the winter. The Big Oak is approximately 339 years old with a canopy span of over 169 feet and a total height of around 72 feet. The circumference of its trunk is just under 28 feet, so picture this: If a group of people about 5'8" tall each (the average height of an American man) stood hand in hand around the trunk of the tree, it would take about 6 to fully surround it or 5 of the tallest NBA basketball players... less if fingertip to fingertip. Which basically means The Big Oak requires a BIG HUG! One of her mighty branches alone could hold two entire classrooms of seated children and their teachers, but please do not climb! As one of the signs say: "Respect her age". As you walk around her, you may notice several metal support braces helping to keep her strong. Located on the corner of Crawford Street and Monroe Street in Thomasville, GA... she is easy to find. While there you can call (229) 236-0053 from your smart phone and listen to the voice prompts for the perfect souvenir photo. How? There is a camera mounted on a light pole kitty-cornered to the tree that is activated by your call. You can then go to Big Oak Cam website to download your free picture! [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] Some of the branches of this tree are actually thicker than the trunks of many of the trees I pass when hiking in the forests of North Georgia. Spectacular in scale and only fuels my desire more to see the Redwoods in California someday! Enjoy your visit! PS - Don't miss Angel Oak near Charleston, SC, Seven Sisters Oak in Mandeville, Louisiana or The Senator in St. Augustine, FL. if you love big majestic Oak trees. Also not to be missed are Wormsloe Plantation in Savannah, GA, Oak Alley & Laura Plantation in NOLA and the Oak Tunnel on Magnolia Avenue in St Augustine, Florida. 2016/61

    The Big Oak, over 300 years old
    Angela F. W.

    The Big Oak is so awesome! It's a must-see when you come to historic Thomasville, GA. This oak tree is massive and hella old! I mean seriously it's 334 years old!!! Every time I bring new ppl here with me, they are always amazed by it. One neat thing I recently discovered was that you could have your pictures taken by a camera installed on the telephone pole across the street! Just stand by the white sign facing the camera, dial the number listed on the Big Oak brochure, and smile! In 8 seconds, you will have your picture to view and download on the Big Oak website. How cool is that?!?! Come on, come all! Check out and adore the Big Oak!

    The age and dimensions of the tree.

    SO SACRED, SO PRECIOUS! What can I say about a spectacular oak tree that is more than three hundred years old? Nothing, because there are literally no words that can express what I felt when I saw this tree up close and in person. I simply stood in awe as I took it all in! This tree was once privately owned by a family who lived on the property. However, the property was purchased in 1966 and turned into a park. There is a well placed gazebo on the property that allows you a direct view of the tree should you desire to gawk at it for hours! The tree is set apart on a corner and there is a deep line marked in the grass. I assume that this is a barrier for visitors to maintain a safe distance. It is currently surrounded by solar lights that probably provide a nice soft glow and are great for helping you to locate the tree after sunset. As you walk around the tree, you will notice that some of its limbs and branches are being lifted by support cables to add strength. What you don't see is the underground water system and the above ground sprinkler system and all of the expert man-hours that go into preserving this tree. Keeping this tree alive and healthy has been a labor of love and that is certainly appreciated by those of us who value history. Pictures simply do not do this tree justice and there is no describing it. You absolutely must see it for yourself! This was without question, my "best in show" for local landmarks in the city of Thomasville! Applause!! ***There are two specific markers on the property, one records the age (336 years) and specific dimensions of the tree while the other one certifies that the tree was standing during the signing of the Constitution.

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lori S.
    113
    356
    1407

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Richard R.
    4995
    1572
    25885

    7 years ago

    Helpful 188
    Thanks 0
    Love this 189
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike P.
    18
    17
    0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Madelyn A.
    1168
    2425
    11295

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Analia C.
    33
    217
    525

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda F.
    50
    198
    33

    8 years ago

    Such a beautiful old tree, kudos to Thomasville for taking care of this treasure! Easy to get to and no reason not to visit while in town.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - The Big Oak

    Review Highlights - The Big Oak

    There's a brochure on the back of the oak tree statistics plaque with information on the Big Oak Cam.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Thomasville Visitors Center - An attention grabber from the word GO! A Thomas County government building.

    Thomasville Visitors Center

    4.3(3 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Brochures, gifts, postcards and lots of personal info on Thomasville from a lovely lady (ex of PCB,…read moreyou know who you are). A good pitstop.

    THE GREAT CITY OF THOMASVILLE, GA…read more The purpose of our visit to this area of Georgia was expressly for the purpose of attending the Victorian Christmas Festival. We arrived early on Thursday evening in order to get the lay of the land. We started walking toward the downtown area and BAM!! Suddenly everywhere I look I see these beautifully appointed historic buildings that just take my breath away and it just kept coming! Eventually, I was so distracted by my surroundings that I could not even focus on the festival. Yet, I still had a great time! If you love and appreciate historic architecture, this is one town you MUST visit. We took several pictures of the buildings and explored the downtown area as the workers continued to set up for the festival. When it comes to festivals, there are two things I need to see, a large banner at a primary entrance and an information booth or table that has t-shirts and souvenirs. I was disappointed because there was no banner, they simply had display boards that had the festival logo and social media symbols in very small print. I prefer the banner because when I arrive I photograph it and Yelp it in real time and it is also the primary photo for my review. So, where's my banner! The information table offered a visitor's guide but no souvenirs. When we attended a previous Victorian festival, I had an opportunity to purchase a commemorative mug to add to my collection. If not a mug, I love a t-shirt that is connected to my specific experience. I did not see anything available and just feel that this was certainly a missed opportunity to have visitors take a part of this great city with them. The downtown proprietors were ready for the visitors and put their best foot forward. There are a variety of shops downtown and I found myself drawn in by the beautiful buildings, great décor and overall ambiance. I am always drawn in by those shops that are different and unique: Enter the taxidermy shop. It was easily my favorite downtown shop due to its uniqueness and tasteful presentation. The employees were great as well. *** Not so great, the owner or employee standing in the doorway of "Kevin's" on Thursday night. I am going to need him to brush up on his "visitor's etiquette". In a city of roses, he was the only thorn! Bah Humbug! Prior to our trip, I bookmarked Jonah's as the place to stop for lunch or dinner. I was glad to see that they had an outside "Festival Table" so that we did not need to go into the restaurant. We wanted to continue to enjoy the festival atmosphere and eating outside on one of the benches was an ideal way to do so. The shrimp and grits served in a bowl were great and left me wanting more. On my next visit, I will definitely take time to further explore their menu. I would love to see a healthy casual restaurant, (Mediterranean, elevated Mexican), in the downtown area because much of what we saw was just too heavy and not quite casual enough. When I am shopping, I need to get it to go quickly so that I can keep it moving. Yet, I don't want to have to settle for a sandwich or something mediocre because I love prepared vegetables. Also, I believe that every small town should have a fine chocolate shop or a French bakery just to keep the people happy! If you are visiting, you must see the Old Oak Tree which is incredible and definitely my favorite landmark in Thomasville. Overall impression: This is a great city and that greatness is directly related to its residents and local visitors. I love a kind, engaging and well-mannered people and this town delivered in spades! Everywhere we went, we encountered nothing but kindness and politeness and that was certainly appreciated. Thomasville can be very proud of the great impression left with these visitors. In addition, I really appreciate all of those businesses and individuals who work so hard to preserve the historic buildings and homes that are a unique part of this community. When we visit small towns, we don't just stay in the common areas, we like to drive around and explore all areas of the community. Going off the beaten track tells us a lot about a community and we just loved driving around Thomasville and the surrounding areas, (Cairo, Tallahassee). Thanks Thomasville for a nice little "get-away" to help us refresh and gear up for the holidays. Merry Christmas to you all and may you all have a wonderful and prosperous New Year! *** A special shout out to the little Mennonite boy from Greigs Mennonite church. He was 10 years old and I believe his name was Joshua. This kid was adorable and a great ambassador for the city and his church.

    Photos
    Thomasville Visitors Center - Another beautiful historic building in downtown Thomasville.

    Another beautiful historic building in downtown Thomasville.

    Thomasville Visitors Center - The crew setting up one of the stages  prior to opening night.

    The crew setting up one of the stages prior to opening night.

    Thomasville Visitors Center

    See all

    Jack Hadley Black History Museums

    Jack Hadley Black History Museums

    4.6(5 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Didn't realize there was a Black History Museum in Thomasville! A planned trip to some museums in…read moreMontgomery was canceled and I was looking for something closer to home - and voila! I called to verify the hours of operation and Ms. Wills was so very pleasant. In calling back to inform them that a group would be coming, we were informed that there is a scavenger hunt available for the kids - which they loved! Before we started the self-guided tour, there was a video to explain how Mr. Hadley's passion came to life via the museum. Then we were told of the various sections, with some history given on a few of the exhibits. There are loads of paraphernalia packed in the space; so many sentimental items. Good news - the museum is moving to a larger space soon, which is great because everything will be more spread out to view. This tour would be wonderful for student/school related field trips (small groups). Kudos to Mr. Hadley and his staff for sharing this history and keeping us reminded. If we don't know the history, however "ugly" it may be, we will certainly repeat it - horrors and all. Of note, only $5 entrance fee for adults, $3 for kids (discount applied if there is a group).

    Thomasville's First Black History Museum is established to educate individuals about the history…read moreand culture of African Americans locally and nationally. One African-American historian, James "Jack" Hadley, has preserved over 4,669 pieces of African American artifacts with emphasis on Thomasville's First Black Achievers, state and national achievers that commemorate their lives and accomplishments.

    Photos
    Jack Hadley Black History Museums
    Jack Hadley Black History Museums
    Jack Hadley Black History Museums

    See all

    The Big Oak - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...