The next time you’re in the Charleston area, there’s a little park over on Johns Island that’s worth the drive. From Charleston’s famous Market Street it’s 11.8 miles away, and it showcases one of the most incredible natural wonders in the Palmetto State.

From some angles, it may look like you’re entering a grove of oak trees. But…

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…step through the canopy and you’ll discover the biggest live oak tree in the whole state. Some believe it’s the oldest live oak tree East of the Mississippi.

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Her name is “Angel Oak,” and she’s believed to be at least 400 years old. Although some argue that’s a conservative number and that she’s closer to 1,500!

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Angel Oak is quite a marvel. Her longest branch measures 187 feet. Additionally, she has a 28-foot circumference and throws shade onto 17,200 square feet.

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Signs of her age and the stress on her branches are evident in the wooden braces and wire tethers you’ll find around and on the tree.

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You’re free to wander around the park, take photos - and just gawk at how amazing this natural wonder truly is.

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Our beloved Angel Oak is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the Palmetto State. It’s easy to see why!

Yelp/Erika G See more of this fantastic tree in this YouTube video from user Vive Media.

The park and the tree are owned and maintained by the City of Charleston. Admission is free.

TripAdvisor/travelsafer Have you checked this one off your bucket list already? We’d love to know and see your photos in our comments!

Angel Oak Tree 3688 Angel Oak Rd Johns Island, SC 29455

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TripAdvisor/Hallie D

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TripAdvisor/Anna Marie J

Yelp/Erika G

See more of this fantastic tree in this YouTube video from user Vive Media.

TripAdvisor/travelsafer

Have you checked this one off your bucket list already? We’d love to know and see your photos in our comments!

To see another South Carolina natural wonder up close, watch this amazing drone footage of Table Rock.

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