The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in the eastern United States. From towering tulip trees to ancient hemlocks, the park’s old-growth forests are a true natural wonder. In this blog post, we’ll explore the biggest and most impressive trees found in the Smoky Mountains.
Tallest Tree in the Park
The tallest tree in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a tulip tree (also known as a yellow poplar) that stands over 190 feet tall. This impressive tree is located in a remote section of the park, accessible only after a strenuous four-mile hike. Accurate measurement of the tree’s height required skilled climbers to scale the tree without causing any damage.
Albright Grove
One of the most remarkable old-growth forest areas in the Smoky Mountains is Albright Grove. This cove hardwood forest contains some of the oldest and tallest trees in the park, including Eastern hemlocks, tulip poplars, red maples, northern red oaks, birch, hickory, and Carolina silverbells.
Trail Details:
– Length: 6.7 miles round-trip
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Directions: From the intersection of Parkway and 321 in Cosby, TN, head west on 321 for 2.5 miles, then left on Baxter Rd. for 0.5 miles to the Maddron Bald Trailhead.
Other Notable Trees
In addition to the towering tulip tree, the Smoky Mountains are home to several other impressive trees:
- Boogerman Pine: This pine tree stood at 188.9 feet tall, previously the tallest eastern tree since 1995.
- Giant Poplar Tree: A giant poplar tree with a base circumference of approximately 24 feet.
Preserving Old-Growth Forests
Preserving entire areas of old-growth forests like Albright Grove is crucial for maintaining water quality and providing habitats for a diverse array of species. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains the most extensive old-growth forests in the eastern United States, with many tree species reaching exceptional heights due to the optimal growing conditions.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in exploring the Smoky Mountains’ biggest trees, there are several resources available:
- Native Tree Society: A group dedicated to exploring and documenting large trees in the Smokies.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The park’s website provides information on the park’s old-growth forests and notable trees.