I had heard of the Angel Oak and we were going to go right by it on our way home from Kiawah Island. It was a Sunday afternoon and I thought it would be something we could drive right up to an enjoy by ourselves. Wait! We had to park about a quarter mile away on a narrow dirt road. Cars were trying to pass both directions and people crowded the road. There were a ton of folks out there. It even looked like there was a church service going on and many many people doing portraits and selfies.
Quercus Virginiana and a hell of a big one at that. Estimated to be 300 to 1500 years old. Those estimates didn't sound too scientific. Its shade covers 17,000 square feet. Longest branch is 187 feet. Only 66 feet tall but a robust 28 feet in diameter.
Legend is that the ghosts of former slaves appeared here as angels. However, it got its name from a former owner, Justis Angel.
There are several species of Live Oak. I bet this is the largest one but there are quite a few listed with the Live Oak Society.
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