Few things are as inspiring and beautiful as the centuries-old Angel Oak tree found on Johns Island in Charleston. Thought to be at least 400 (possibly even 500) years old, the tree and its gargantuan and gorgeous tangle of limbs are a must-see for any visitor to the Lowcountry.
For centuries Angel Oak thrived as a hidden secret only the locals knew about. It sat on the land of a local estate owned by the Angel family — thus, the name, Angel Oak.
Charleston SC
Then, in 1989, Hurricane Hugo ripped through the area and Angel Oak was badly damaged by the storm. At that point, it was wide open to visit and largely unprotected. Scores of locals and visitors alike had already begun to make the pilgrimage out to Johns Island to visit the tree. All were devastated by the storm’s toll on the landmark.
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The City of Charleston has owned the park and the tree since 1991, two years after Hugo wreaked havoc on its well-being. However, the tree has remarkably recovered over the ensuing 30 years since that big storm. And its popularity has increased exponentially.
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When it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, it stands to reason that Angel Oak has weathered quite a few of them in the last four centuries. Today, its trunk has a circumference measuring nearly 26 feet.
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Standing next to this giant southern live oak is an honor everyone should experience at least once.
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Fortunately, Angel Oak is open to the public seven days per week (with the exception of holidays).
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It’s now surrounded by a large park for visitors to enjoy views of the enormous tree from all angles. The park also provides some much needed protection from encroaching development in the immediate area.
Charleston SC
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When you visit, be sure to stop by the gift shop where you’ll find keepsakes about the Angel Oak and the Lowcountry. Admission to the park is free, but donations are accepted at the gift shop. Park hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The gift shop closes daily at 4:30 p.m. Learn more from this link on the Charleston, SC website.
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Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
