big tree park

nice and beautiful! There, you can see many big trees.Sad news about the burnt down Senator. It is a shame. Her sister seems strong.

Big Tree park is a great stop on the bike trail. Its a shame someone burnt down the senator, but they still have big trees.

Such big, much trees, many nature, wow. A 3,500 year-old bald cypress tree gives this park its name and its claim to fame. The tree sports the moniker of "The Senator" in honor of Senator H.G. Overstreet who donated the land where the tree stands. The massive tree reaches 126 feet into the air and measures 47 feet in diameter. Picnic tables available on park grounds.

As others have said, the Biggest Tree that was in the park ("The Senator") was burned to the ground by a crackhead who needed some light to see her crack while she was doing her thing inside the tree. Sweet. Though she torched "The Senator" in early 2012, she only received her "sentence" of a few years' probation a couple of months ago."Lady Liberty"- a smaller and younger Bald Cypress Tree remains on the park. It's believed to be 2,000 years old and it's still one of the oldest trees on the planet. "The Phoenix" is a virtual clone of "The Senator", and it sits in the park as well in hopes it'll one day soar as high as "The Senator" itself.Good trip to reflect on things- though admittedly a bit sad and infuriating knowing that a 3,500-year-old tree that was just minding it's own business fell at the hands of a crackhead. Disgusting.

This is a nice park. There is a playground area that is fenced- which I appreciate as a parent. Playground equipment works for a variety of ages. The only thing I did not like- they have a man-made 'tree stump' big enough for the kids to crawl in- but the designers put a fake coiled up snake inside- so my kids were to scared to play near it. Some kids might love that. There is also a board walk leading to a couple of huge cypress trees. Sadly, the oldest and biggest tree was destroyed in a fire started by a meth user. Anyway- there are also bathrooms, a paved trail and a picnic area.

We were shocked to learn of the death of this majestic tree. Its memory will live on in all those who visited it. I want to share some pics from our visit when the tree was alive.

The attraction was one of the oldest trees on planet earth. Some druggie messed up her pipe/smoking kit and wound up burning this tree, The Senator, to the ground. What is left in this park isn't very much so don't waste your time. They should rename it!

In March 2013 we attended the dedication of "The Phoenix" which is a clone of the oldest and largest bald cypress destroyed by fire in 2012. The ceremony replete with state dignitaries, school bands and chorus was awesome! We are growing a sapling given to attendees. It's now about 4.5 feet tall and my grandson is the gardener responsible for its survival. The park offers playground equipment, boardwalks through the woods, information boards and markers to make the trail interesting and informative. A great place to escape the heat and sun. The Phoenix is an inspiring story!

The Senator, once the oldest cypress tree in the western hemisphere was burnt by an admitted crackhead. That said, it is still a nice park and a look at how some parts of Florida existed prior to the Spanish explorers arrived. I would recommend it as a day trip.

It was about twenty five years ago. I took my now gone father and toddler daughter to view Big Tree. I don't remember many details, but certainly won't forget the impression Big Tree left in my father who appreciated the wonders of nature. He would take all who visited him in Central Florida to this park after that. The enthusiasm in his face and pride in showing Florida history will always be in my heart. He lived to be 96 and reviewing this old experience filled my heart. <3 This site would not accept my review unless I chose a date of visit, so let's say it was 25 years ago today.

This park used to be a wonderful place, however, someone burnt down the tree and it is no more. Need to wait another 100+

If you can care less about trees, I don't recommended going. If this park was 50 miles away from Orlando then it wouldn't be worth it. The Giant Seqoua's in California are far better, but being in Florida & Orlando this park was a good stop. My kids got to see a huge and old tree and also how stupid people are burning down the main Senetor tree (was Oldest & Largest in Park).There's another 2000+ old tree right next to it. There is a boardwalk to both trees so it's easy and not so dirty. You can get to both trees within a 100-200 yard walk from your car...no stairs or hills to climb. Thy have pinic tables, other trails, & bathroom's.The senator tree has sprouts at its base, is it still alive?

All kidding aside though, it is still a beautiful, small park located in the very dense area of Metro Orlando. I would still recommend visiting the place for a little walk to appreciate Mother Nature and to see Lady Liberty the only surviving Bald Cypress tree remaining in the park.

This is a great place to go with your mate for a romantic little stroll but it is also great for exercising. I have done both and I can tell you that the romantic stroll was more fun. :-)

I have been to this park numerous times over the years and I actually visited the park 1 day before the woman set fire to the "Senator" kind of a strange feeling to know that she was plotting to destroy the tree only hours after I was their. Anyway I probably have the most recent photo of the tree in tact and very alive. I have posted the article published in our Orlando Sentinel about the re-opening of the park.Seminole County reopen Big Tree Park, and name The Senator's clone on March 1, 2013.Before burning down on Jan. 16, 2012, The Senator, considered the oldest and largest Bald Cypress in the world, which burned down in January 2012. Sara Barnes is accused of setting the fire, which spread to the 3,500-year-old tree.The entire park was closed for a number of months so extra security fencing and other measures could be taken to improve the safety of the remaining Bald Cypress named Lady Liberty. The picnic area of the park reopened in November.Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/seminole-county/Entire-Big-Tree-Park-reopens-Saturday/-/17597106/19140702/-/11ck20i/-/index.html#ixzz2NeVBMj00… (ASHLEY SCHMIDT )