There’s No Other Historical Landmark In Arkansas Quite Like This 800-Year-Old Tree
By Carol Ann Carson|Published August 19, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
There’s a little corner in an Arkansas forest with a huge piece of history. The 800-year-old Bald Cypress Champion Tree is just at the end of a short trail in the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Let’s take a hike to explore a small part of the Big Woods.
There's a wildlife refuge in Arkansas that's anything but typical.
The White River National Wildlife Refuge is a popular retreat for hunters, bird watchers, and nature photographers; however, there's another reason to visit this quiet corner of the state.
Address: 57 S CC Camp Road, St Charles, AR 72140
The Champion Cypress Tree Trail is a pleasant stroll with a huge payoff.
The hike is only 1.2-miles long but each step will take you back in time. The ancient forest is one of the oldest in the country with trees over 800-years-old. For a map of the trail use this link.
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The Bald Cypress Champion Tree isn't the only titled tree in Arkansas but it is the biggest.
The Arkansas Champion Tree Program features the tallest trees of each species within the state. The program currently has 132 Champion Trees with more pending nominations as well. Each tree is quite a sight to behold but the Bald Cypress is definitely the most astounding.
The tree measures roughly 120-ft. high,14-ft. wide, and has about a 43-ft. circumference. It's one of those sights you need to see in person since pictures just never do enough justice.
Walking up to the tree will instantly make you feel small.
The tree is estimated to be between 800-1000 years old. This giant managed to outwit logging companies and be lucky enough to miss any disease or natural disaster. Besides predating the World Wars and Civil War, this tree was alive at the same time as Genghis Khan!
It doesn't matter who you are, anyone will immediately feel tiny when stepping up to this magnificent piece of living history.
Have you had to chance to feel small under the cypress? Have you ventured to any of the other Champion Trees in Arkansas? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Feel free to add your beautiful tree and nature photos to 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.
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