Arkansas' Champion Cypress Tree Is One Of The Oldest Living Things In America

In one of the oldest, untouched parts of Arkansas resides a tree. This particular tree is a towering giant with a history much older than Arkansas’ statehood as well as the entire United States! We’ll need to head deep into the White River National Wildlife Refuge to take the trail to meet this champion tree.

Facebook/Arkansas Forestry Division

The National Wildlife Refuge is the second oldest of its kind in Arkansas. The refuge protects well over 100,000 acres of old-growth forests, wetlands, and bayou. It's a popular retreat for hunters, bird watchers, and nature photographers; but, those aren't the only reasons to visit the area.

Facebook/White River National Wildlife Refuge- Friends

The trail is an easy 2.3-mile out-and-back hike with a larger-than-life highlight. The Bald Cypress Champion is a quiet giant among the rest of the forest.

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AllTrails/Ross Paul

Thanks to the latest dendrochronology (the study of tree rings) it's evident that the tree germinated around the year 50 BC (± 300 years)! Not only did this tree manage to outwit logging companies but it also dodged any natural disaster or disease.

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Wikimedia/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters

Although its age is definitely worth an award! However, Arkansas Champion Trees are designated trees that are the biggest of their species both for girth and height. This giant is roughly 120-ft. high,14-ft. wide, and has about a 43-ft. circumference. It's difficult to photograph in the entire tree but seeing in person is just jaw-dropping (not to mention neck-craning)!

Facebook/Arkansas Wildlife Federation/Brad Harris

This is definitely one of those sights you need to see in person. You can learn about all of Arkansas' Champion Trees by visiting this website.

Have you taken the Champion Tree Trail to meet this ancient tree? We’d love to hear about your experience and see your photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.