Big Tree Park

This is a lovely park to take a stroll in and get out and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, the park just isn’t the same without The Senator. It breaks my heart that we lost such a national treasure to some a-​hole arsonist. The park does have some other lovely features such a nice park for kids to play and a lovely boardwalk to walk on (great for strollers and kids). You can see The Pheonix there (made from branches from The Senator) as well as the sister tree, Lady Liberty. The trunk of The Senator is still there and you can marvel at how big it once was.
Honestly I wish the trail were longer… it isn’t very long and as I mentioned above the main attraction is pretty much gone. There is a good amount of birds flying around so that’s nice to see.

The giant 3500 year old tree lost all its glory as hurricane and arson have destroyed it. Furthermore, it s fenced in. Was completely unimpressed. Hiking trails were super short. Not worth the drive. I’d recommend Wekiwa Springs for out of town visitors instead.

«Of all man’s works of art, a cathedral is greatest. A vast and majestic tree is greater than that.»
— Henry Ward Beecher
And what a majestic tree The Senator was! It towered more than 129 feet tall, making it the biggest and oldest pond cypress tree in the world, which makes its demise even more unfortunate. I never got to see The Senator in person as I am over 3 years late, but can only imagine how awe-​inspiring it was. I read an article that stated it was the Orlando area’s most visited tourist site, before Walt Disney World. Just to give you an idea of what a veteran this tree was, this tree witnessed the Magna Carta being enacted, saw the destruction of the ancient city of Pompeii, Christ’s birth, Cleopatra’s reign, and was a sapling at the time of Stonehenge’s construction. It was also a regional landmark for the Seminole Indians and other settlers in the area. If this tree could talk, what stories it would tell!
The Senator was the 5^th oldest tree in the world. People from all over the world came to see it. It was named for Senator Overstreet who donated the cypress and land around it to the people of Seminole County. On January 16, 2012, The Senator was burned down by a drug addict that was seeking some light in order to light up her meth pipe. The park was closed to the public while a memorial was built and a clone, named The Phoenix, was planted. They also rebuilt the boardwalk. It reopened on March 2, 2014. The charred remains of the tree now stand only 20 to 25 feet (6.1 to 7.6 m) tall. Since admission is free and you can still see The Senator’s companion tree named Lady Liberty, it’s still worth going. You can see the charred remains and try to imagine what The Senator looked like in its grandiosity, while taking a moment of silence in its memory. You can also check out The Phoenix clone, and Lady Liberty which is 89 feet (27 m) high 10 feet (3.0 m) in diameter, and is estimated to be 2000 years old; another one of the oldest trees in the world.
There is a small boardwalk that takes you through the trees, and there is also a children’s playground. Bike trails are also available, though they can be muddy depending on the time of year. While some might find it depressing to look at a burned stump, I think it’d be a great place to take kids, not only to enjoy nature and the playground at the park, but also to teach them a lesson about the dangers of drugs. People think the only ones they are affecting by using drugs are themselves, but as this story proves, that is not true. By following the example of Sara Barnes and vandalizing nature for selfish means, you’re robbing the world and future generations of a majestic sight.

I really want to give this place a rave review, but some drug addict burned the 2000 year old tree down. Still worth a quick stop.
There is a nice boardwalk leading to the tree, and we found each marker full of great information.

This park is beautiful. It is right near the seminal trail so you could go ahead and bike and rollerblade through the trail. I however did not make it in time to see the Senator but the other trees that are there are gorgeous. The best thing about this park is the stillness and quietness throughout the park. There is a sense of peace and calm which I like. I am sad about the drug addict burning down the tree. But the fact that the cloned it and started anew is great. At this park is a small playground for children and park benches. Just have a peaceful picnic here one day.

My wife and I really wanted to come here but never made time. We kept saying we were gonna come see this place, but always got too busy and would say «It’s been there for over 3,000 years. It’s not going anywhere.» Early January 2012, my wife and I finally made it here. The tree was amazing. So tall and sturdy. I couldn’t believe that a tree that tall wasn’t visible for miles around. We took lots of pics and left satisfied. Not even a week later we turn on the morning news and what do we hear? The tree burned down overnight. Wow. I am so glad we went when we did. The renovations since then are very nice. They gave it a new boardwalk. The old one was slightly decrepit so that’s a big plus. The burnt out hull of The Senator is still there. That’s sad. But they planted a clone of The Senator near the playground. The clone is named The Phoenix. Pretty fitting. We have only been back once since the fire in terms of actually using the park, but I come here regularly to park my car so I can run the Cross Seminole Trail. Also, no pets allowed on the boardwalk but when I run the trail with my dog, no one has given me problems for having her in the parking lot.

Its beyond sad that some meth head took out the senator who survived through hurricanes, the logging industry and probably even lightning strikes. The charred remains are still there, fenced off with an intimidating looking security fence. Although the senator is no longer with us, the park looks better than ever.
The park has new fencing, new decking, and the new tree, the Phoenix, a clone of the senator. Lets not forget about lady liberty. She’s still there and still an impressive old tree.

Once home to one the oldest and largest Cypress trees in the US, it has since been burned to death by a local yokel. A real shame, considering Seminole County is one of the few areas of the state that respects it’s natural beauty and this park is a showcase of that fact. Florida would be the trash can of the nation if it were stripped of it’s natural beauty. In essence, everything I love and hate about Florida can be found in a walk down the path at Big Tree Park.

Great trees
and
bad people
The ‘Senator” was a 3,500 year old cypress tree, one of the very largest and oldest cypress trees in the world. An incredible piece of nature that just took your breath away to look at.
It withstood hurricanes and everything time and the world could throw at it. However it could not withstand the stupidity and arrogance of one woman.
On Jan 16^th, 2012, a young fool decided the venerable old tree would be a pleasant place to smoke some methamphetamine. She decided to build a little fire to better see what she was doing and ended up burning down the great old tree.
Instead of doing the sensible thing of calling 911, she took pictures of the poor tree burning and sent them out to her friends, bragging about how she burned down a tree older than Jesus.
Fortunately one of her meth head buddies did have a conscience and reported her to the police. Of course she is pleading innocent and her trial is still pending.
The park was closed for over a year but reopened on March of 2013. The tree is just a burnt stump now but the «Lady Liberty», a youthful 2,000 year old gigantic cypress is still there and worth a trip to see.
Fortunately the grand old tree was cloned before it was destroyed and one of the young and relatively tiny clones of The Senator is now standing in the park.
It made me so sad to see the great old tree now just a stump, destroyed by some thoughtless fool with a meth pipe but it was nice to see the little cypress clone reaching for the sky. All we have to do is wait another couple of thousands years for it to reach it’s full glory. I wonder if the meth head is still bragging about her accomplishment.

So disgusted that our 3,500 year old cypress tree — fourth oldest In the WORLD was burned down by a crack addict. You can’t make this shit up. Someone needs to burn her down.
Lady Liberty — young and spry at 2,000 years old, still stands. I lived in Longwood for over ten years and kick myself that I only stopped by a couple times. I implore you to stop by here occasionally and pay your respects to the Senator, who made it thru every storm and natural event just to be disrespected by humanity. I am furious that people do not appreciate the natural beauty God surrounded us with. Please stop and spend a moment in silence or prayer and absorb what happened here. andy offer an wholehearted apology for me.

This is a trail head for the Cross-​Seminole Trail. I am happy I got to see the Senator before it got burnt down. When I am walking or running this is a nice spot to have quick snack or use the clean restroom.

Nice little park to visit now and then. It’s a trailhead for Cross Seminole Trail. This is usually my turning/​break spot on the trail when I go for a bike ride. I would bring my own water and snacks and sit at one of the picnic tables. Nice relaxing park to take a walk through an unwind or get away for a bit.
Park has been closed since the burning of the senator. It was one of the oldest cypress tree in the US.

I like that this little park is right in the middle of town. So, when you go on the path toward The Senator and Lady Liberty, it feels like you’re in another land :-)
I definitely felt like I was in the jungle or something. Granted, it was summer time so the humidity was pretty thick in the woods.
WARNING… put on bug repellant. Even though we only walked in and out and were there for about 10 – 15 minutes, we were eaten alive by the damn mosquitoes!
Another disappointment is that dogs are not allowed.
Otherwise, the playground is entertaining enough…

Park is tiny, yes… but The Senator & Lady Liberty are very impressive. It’s also the trail head for the Cross Seminole Trail, which is an awesome trail. Walk, run, bike, skateboard, however you like, well worth a visit. Bring plenty of fluids, there’s no fountains on the trail.

Largest cypress tree in the US. Nice park too with new playground.

Weird moment in my life. My dad and I are driving to sanford and he says «hey you wanna see a big tree.» I say «sure.» Then he wips into a little park takes me on a walk down a boardwalk and I say «wow that’s a big fricken tree.» This is a real simple story see.
The park is just what I said. It has (I believe) the two oldest and tallest cedar trees in the world, a few little historical signs, and a playground for kids to play. Worth the stop if you want to enjoy a very random moment with your freinds. Did I mention there was a big tree.

This little park (and I really do mean little) is worth checking out, but don’t expect to spend more than 30 mins here if all you’re looking to do is see The Senator (and its «bff» Lady Liberty).
I do appreciate the cleanliness and organization of the park, though. I might return some day with a few friends for a nice picnic.
Now I’m going to be annoying and say that even though The Senator is impressively tall, I had a little bit of a «wah-​wah-​waaaaaah» moment when I saw it because I was stupidly expecting it to be as tall the redwoods I’m used to in the West Coast. Nowhere near. At all.
But hey, it’s the tallest Cypress tree. Just remember that. Cypress does not equal Redwood. And when I got over my disappointment, I actually learned to appreciate it. Think about it… it’s been around long enough to see this sad world of ours go through just about the fastest changes ever in terms of technology, environment and population.
Moral of the story: don’t get your hopes up too high! (Hah!)

My husband and I stopped by the park one Sunday after lunch with friends.
I thought «Hey, let’s go see one of Earth’s oldest trees.» so in a snap decision we swung in.
The park itself is pretty small and the tree is near the end of the wooden path about 600ft in.
I’ve gotta say it was pretty darned impressive. Even the sister tree «Lady Liberty» at 2000 yrs old is kinda awesome as well.
If you’re into nerdy science-​y Earth stuff, this is certainly a fun way to waste a half hour or so on your way in or out of Sanford. Stop by and say «HI» to the Senator, for he is old and wise ;)

Big Tree Park is a great place to bring the family. It’s big, has plenty of places to run around, and, best of all, a 3,000 year old tree! Awesome!
The Good:
See The Senator: The Senator is a 3,000 year old cypress tree that is in the center of the park. It’s a pretty amazing tree, and the marshland surrounding it is truly beautiful. It’s a great place to bring the kids, and there’s plenty of stuff to learn about this old tree!
Bring a Lunch: There are plenty of places to picnic, and packing a lunch makes a nice day out of this otherwise short trip.
The Bad:
Not very big: big tree park is one of the smaller parks to go to, and there aren’t many facilities except for the picnic tables.
Big tree park is a great place to go to see the oldest tree in florida and take in some history. But there really isn’t much to keep you coming back…
Overall 6.7/10= Big Tree Fun!