Big Tree Park - Cross Seminole Trailhead

Small, beautifully maintained state park. The park was the home of "The Senator" a 3500 year old tree that was destroyed in 2012 a woman on Meth by setting the tree on fire. Playground, restrooms, and boardwalk are available.

Big Tree Trail is a short trail, but if walked slowly, it is a great place for a meditation walk. The grounds are sacred because it's is home to " The Senator and Lady Liberty" oldest cypress trees in the USA. For those who would want to sit and take in the sacredness, there are two benches at the end of the trail. Go and see them for yourself.

I love visiting this place,
To me there is something special, about standing next to a 2000+ year old giant.

Beautiful, shady, and peaceful walk along the well-maintained boardwalk that features an interpretive trail markers about the history of area's great trees. Many folks park here for the bike trail, playground, and picnic tables, too. There is also a restroom. I look forward to returning to this lovely spot.

I remember visiting this park when "The Senator" was still there. Sad to see that it had burned down because of humans. Still a nice place, they've planted a clone of the original tree in the playground area and another old cypress tree still stands. This park is also a trailhead for one of the nicer sections of the Cross Seminole trail where you can ride 9 miles east to Winter Springs or farther to connect with the Cady Way trail in Orange County.

Walking boardwalk trail is good for young children..playground is fun.

Love going here with my son. The playground is generally not busy and is completely fenced in. The “trail” is only a quarter of a mile there and back but is awesome with a toddler. It’s sad to see the tree that was burned down but the Lady Liberty tree is still very impressive. They even planted a clone tree called the “Phoenix”.

Beautiful and worth the visit. Bring blanket, snacks, water. Enjoy the beauty and shade.

This is a lovely park, with very long trails. Be prepared to walk a lot, dress properly, sneakers, wear shades, and bring water. I think a bike ride is better for this park. Had fun though..

Really nice park with a small board walk trail to the two oldest cypress in the area between 1500-2000 years old. Made me really sad that the oldest one was burned by arson in 2012. Humans truly ruin everything.
Came here when a rainstorm just blew by. Was nice and cool and we were the only people there.

My first time on the trail. I went with a couple more friends. Pictures attached were not shot by me. The trail is awesome. It's a good bike challenge.

Beautiful park. Fenced in playground keeps kids contained. My grand kid had a great time!

Big Tree Park in Sanford, Florida, is a hidden gem that beautifully showcases the best of nature in Seminole County. This park is a serene and peaceful oasis that often remains one of the best-kept secrets of the area.

One of the most striking features of Big Tree Park is its tranquility. It’s a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace in the midst of nature. The park exudes a sense of calm, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet retreat or a peaceful place to unwind. The quietude allows you to truly connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.

What sets Big Tree Park apart is its ability to reveal the finest aspects of Seminole County’s natural beauty. The park is a haven for those who appreciate the outdoors, with its lush greenery, scenic trails, and lovely water features. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or someone simply seeking a serene environment to connect with the natural world, Big Tree Park won’t disappoint.

One of the most charming aspects of the park is its hidden nature. It’s not the first place that comes to mind for many, which adds to its allure. This hidden gem remains a well-kept secret among locals, and that’s what makes it even more special. You can enjoy its beauty without the crowds and noise often associated with more popular destinations.

Overall, Big Tree Park in Sanford is a testament to the incredible natural beauty that Seminole County has to offer. Its quiet and hidden charm make it one of the best-kept secrets in the area. If you’re looking to connect with nature, find tranquility, and appreciate the serene beauty of the region, Big Tree Park is an absolute must-visit. It’s a place where the finest elements of nature come together to create a breathtaking and peaceful environment.

So sad that the Senator got burned down. They have added a big tree trunk to the playground. It is pretty cool. You can get inside and lool out. It is a really nice walk to Lady Liberty and what's left of The Senator.

Lovely park in Seminole County with great access. It's very peaceful place to visit or picnic.

This was really cool to see! I didn’t know the tree burned down until we got there. My 4 year old was pretty sad but but the park was beautiful. Go check it out!

Although the "big tree" was burned down buy some lady that went inside a hollow part of the tree and lit some debris on fire so she could see what drugs she wanted to do, true story, it's still a nice relaxing walk and a great place to have a picnic and the kiddos have a park to play around in.

We love the big tree park. It was home to one of the worlds largest cypress trees until a careless person burned it down a few years ago. The stump can still be seen and there's the Liberty tree in the trail that's still very impressive. We took our 2 year old nephew here just recently, but we used to take our daughter to play here years ago. It's one of the coolest short boardwalks in all of Florida and the playground is nice.

The park is very nice, clean and has restrooms. The trail back to the Senator tree is very well kept.

Very small walk but really good to take after lunch. Considering some of the trees fell to a hurricane the ones that are there are amazing. Definitely great for the family or if you want to work out.