The original 'Senator' was once the largest and oldest bald cypress tree in the United States, estimated to be 3,500 years old.
The current 'Phoenix' tree was propagated from a cutting of the original Senator tree taken in 1994.
The park's boardwalk protects the fragile, saturated soil of the cypress swamp from foot traffic erosion.
The Senator was historically used by the Seminole Tribe of Florida as a landmark and meeting point.
The site includes remnants of the original Senator tree, which were preserved and are on display for public viewing.
Big Tree Park is home to 'The Senator,' a bald cypress that lived for 3,500 years before being destroyed by fire in 2012. The park currently features a memorial to The Senator and a descendant tree known as 'The Phoenix,' which was cloned from the original. A wooden boardwalk trail winds through the swampy ecosystem, providing elevated access to the ancient cypress grove. The park serves as a primary trailhead for the Cross Seminole Trail, a paved multi-use path connecting various parts of Seminole County. Visitors can observe various bird species and local flora typical of Florida's freshwater wetlands. The site is managed by the Seminole County Natural Lands program. It offers a combination of historical educational markers and recreational trail access.
The viewing area surrounding the memorial of 'The Senator' and the adjacent 'Phoenix' tree.
Bring insect repellent, as the swampy environment attracts mosquitoes throughout the year.
Stay on the boardwalk at all times to avoid stepping into muddy, uneven terrain or disturbing local wildlife.
Check the Cross Seminole Trail map if you plan to cycle, as the trailhead connects directly to miles of paved pathways.
Attempting to walk off the boardwalk, as the ground consists of unstable, soft swamp soil.
Stay on marked trails, do not feed wildlife, and carry out all trash to maintain the wetland ecosystem.
