Angel Oak Tree | Charleston

Information

Landmark: Angel Oak Tree
City: Charleston
Country: USA South Carolina
Continent: North America

Angel Oak Tree, Charleston, USA South Carolina, North America

The Angel Oak Tree is a live oak located in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. It is one of the oldest living things in the southeastern United States.

Visual Characteristics

The Angel Oak is a mature Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana). Its trunk has a circumference of 25.5 feet (7.8 meters). The tree's canopy spreads 17,200 square feet (1,600 square meters), with branches reaching 187 feet (57 meters) in circumference. The lowest limb is 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the ground. The tree's height is approximately 65 feet (20 meters).

Location & Access Logistics

The Angel Oak Tree is situated at 3688 Bohicket Road, Johns Island, Charleston, South Carolina. It is approximately 12 miles (19 km) southwest of downtown Charleston. Access is via Bohicket Road, which is a paved public road. Parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the tree. No public transportation directly serves the site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Angel Oak is estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old. Its exact origin is natural, a result of seed dispersal. It is a specimen of a Southern live oak, a species native to the southeastern United States. The tree has survived numerous hurricanes and other environmental challenges.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the tree's scale and age is the primary activity. Visitors can walk around the tree on a raised wooden boardwalk. Interpretive signage provides information about the tree's history and biology. Photography is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Shaded areas are provided by the tree's canopy. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the site; nearest services are in the town of Johns Island.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct overhead sunlight and capture the tree's form. The best months for weather are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

Local legend suggests that the tree is named after the Angel family, who owned the land in the late 18th century. Another story claims that spirits of former slaves gather in its branches. The tree is a significant natural landmark and a focal point for local environmental preservation efforts.