Sipsey Wilderness Hiking Club at the Big Tree, 13 January 2007
The Big Tree is a yellow poplar (a/k/a tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera). Rising some 150 feet with circumference at the base of about 25 feet, this specimen is the largest poplar in the state of Alabama. Those who are anticipating something on the order of the California redwoods may wish to lower their expectations however.
Directions to the Big Tree from trailheads (approximate distances are one way, not round trip)
-
T4 - Braziel
(4 miles):
Follow trail 223 - Gum Pond south until it ends at
trail 208 - Northwest. Turn left (east) on 208 for about
a third of a mile. Watch for trail 224 - Bunyan Hill
on the right. Turn right (south) on 224 for another mile.
Trail 204 - Bee Ridge is on the right. Follow 204 south
for another mile until the path forks. The right fork goes to the Big Tree,
about a quarter mile further and down a steep hill.
-
T3 - Thompson
(4.5 miles):
Follow trail 208 - Northwest for about two miles to the
junction with trail 223. Continue on 208 for another third of a mile, watching
for trail 224 - Bunyan Hill on the right.
Turn right (south) on 224 for another mile.
Trail 204 - Bee Ridge is on the right. Follow 204 south
for another mile until the path forks. The right fork goes to the Big Tree,
about a quarter mile further and down a steep hill.
-
T6 - Borden
(5 miles):
Cross the bridge and follow trail 224 - Bunyan Hill
north for about four miles. Watch for trail
204 - Bee Ridge on the left. Follow 204 south
for another mile until the path forks. The right fork goes to the Big Tree,
about a quarter mile further and down a steep hill.
-
T3 - Thompson
(6 miles):
Follow trail 206 - Thompson Creek south for about three
miles until it turns to cross the Sipsey. Keep going straight. After about a
half mile, you will be on trail 209 - Sipsey River.
Follow 209 south and then east for about two miles to East Bee Branch. Turn left
(north) up East Bee Branch. The Big Tree is about three quarters of a mile up
the canyon. This route avoids the hill.
-
T6 - Borden
(7 miles):
Cross the bridge and follow the West Borden
trail down the creek until it runs into trail
209 - Sipsey River. Follow 209 west for about four
miles to East Bee Branch; this is about a half mile past the junction with
trail 204 (which you could also take). Turn right (north) up East Bee Branch.
The Big Tree is about three quarters of a mile up the canyon. This route avoids
the hill.