This park is located in Longwood, FL. It was quite the tourist attraction until someone burned the Big Tree in 2012. The Bald Cypress tree, affectionately named “The Senator,” stood 160 feet tall and was estimated to be 3,500 years old. A sister tree named “Lady Liberty” is nearby and is 2,000 years old.

A boardwalk with signs about the “The Senator” tree run through a ‘natural hydric hammock swamp,’ a term referenced along the way. Since we haven’t had much rain in Florida, there is not much water in the swamp either. It is a beautiful short walk on the boardwalk to the two trees. There are families with small children enjoying the wonder of the tall trees; of course one is just a stump while the other is standing tall.

When you arrive at “The Senator” (Beg Tree) and “Lady Liberty,” they are surrounded by high fencing. Sadly, one person ruined the sight for everyone.

“The Senator” Bald Cypress tree had been cloned previous to the fire. A clone of the tree, named “The Phoenix” is planted near a playground in the front of the park. This is a great place to park if you want to bicycle or walk the Cross Seminole Trail, too.

Big Tree Park is worth the visit if you are ever in the area. Seminole County is a gem for parks. Their slogan is “Seminole County, Florida’s Natural Choice.”