If you are ever visiting Charleston, South Carolina, I highly recommend taking a short 30 minute detour to visit the formidable Angel Oak Tree. It is a magnificent Live Oak Tree whose limbs sprawl out wide and long reaching every which way. It looks like the Tree of Life with its overarching presence. I’ve mentioned before my love for old, giant trees (see my post about the Kvilleken Oak tree). This tree is one of the most beautiful that I’ve ever seen. It is humbling and awe inspiring to be around.
Angel Oak Tree
The Angel Oak Tree is a supreme example of a live oak. The long limbs are dripping with Spanish moss giving it a quintessential southern look. Local folklore says that the ghosts of former slaves have appeared at the tree, but that is not how it got its name. It was actually named after Justus Angel, a plantation owner who once owned the estate that the tree was located on.
The exact age of the tree is unknown. Though people have speculated that it is about 1,500 years old, it is more likely to be around 500 years old. Still formidable age for a tree this day and age! Its trunk is a whopping 28 feet in circumference.
Visiting
Visiting the Angel Oak Tree is a must when near Charleston. It’s located within its own little enclosed area which is owned by the city of Charleston. As a visitor, you are allowed to walk right up to the tree and any of its numerous branches resting on the ground. Of course, please treat the tree with the utmost respect. It was here long before us and will hopefully be here long after us.
Though it is free to visit, you can only see the tree during specific hours; 9 to 5 pm on Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 pm on Sunday. Go here for more information.
Where is it Located?
The Angel Oak Tree is located on Johns Island about a half hour drive from downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Its proper address is 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC 29455.