Burn Up the Road: Week Two: Angel Oak Tree and Cypress Gardens, SC

Located on John's Island, about 20 miles south of Charleston, the Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be around 400 to 500 years in age, and is one of the oldest living trees in the United States. The oak tree is 65 feet tall and its trunk has a circumference of over 28 feet. Its longest branch is is over 128 feet.

Standing before it, one cannot help but to be in awe of its sheer size and beauty. Angel Oak Tree is a must see for anyone visiting the Charleston, South Carolina region. A word of caution though, the dirt road leading to the tree may be closed. Visitors will have to find parking along the side of the Bohicket Road.

Angel Oak Tree, estimated to be about 400 - 500 years old, and one of the oldest living trees in the United States.

Angel Oak Tree's longest branch extends over 128 feet.

After visiting the Angel Oak Tree, I headed back up north to Cypress Gardens, a 170-acre swamp garden. The swamp was once part of a large rice plantation, and the water from the swamp was used to flood the adjoining rice fields. Today, the swamp remains mostly in its natural state. I couldn't pass up the chance to rent a rowboat and paddle through the swamp among the bald cypress and tupelo trees. By chance, an alligator swam across my boat's path about 20 - 30 feet away.

The Cypress Swamp. The tupelo and bald cypress trees grow right out of the water. The water is actually clean. The blackish tint is actually from the release of tannin in the water from decayed matter over many years.

My wife Michelle doing a great job looking for alligators.

Alligator crossing our intended path. We kept the rowboat about 20-30 feet away while he went about his way.

A close up of the alligator. He went on to camouflage himself under some lily pads.

Spotted this turtle keeping a close eye on us as we passed. The swamp is abundant with wildlife, but most do not want to be seen, so visitors must keep a vigilant lookout for them.