Fairchild Oak
Stand in awe of the Fairchild Oak, a 400+ year old live oak, and explore the ancient forests of Bulow Creek State Park. A free, natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer bugs
Fairchild Oak
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand in awe of the Fairchild Oak, a 400+ year old live oak, and explore the ancient forests of Bulow Creek State Park. A free, natural wonder.
"Wow, what a tree! There is no fee to visit the tree, use a real bathroom, and eat a picnic."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the Fairchild Oak and park amenities without an entrance fee. Perfect for budget-friendly exploration!
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
Trails can have muddy patches, even in drier seasons. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fairchild Oak
Bulow Creek State Park
Stand in awe of Florida's largest live oak, a majestic tree over 400 years old. Its sprawling branches create a breathtaking natural canopy.
Bulow Creek Trail
Bulow Creek State Park
Wander through a dense, primeval forest on this scenic trail, encountering other ancient trees and diverse wildlife.
Picnic and Restroom Facilities
Near Fairchild Oak parking lot
Enjoy a relaxing break with convenient picnic tables and well-maintained restrooms, perfect for a family outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ancient Giant
Explore Beyond the Oak
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the Fairchild Oak and park amenities without an entrance fee. Perfect for budget-friendly exploration!
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
Trails can have muddy patches, even in drier seasons. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring.
Pack a Picnic 🧺
There are picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature.
Explore the Trails 🚶♀️
Beyond the main oak, discover various hiking trails offering different lengths and difficulty levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy the Fairchild Oak and park amenities without an entrance fee. Perfect for budget-friendly exploration!
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
Trails can have muddy patches, even in drier seasons. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring.
Pack a Picnic 🧺
There are picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature.
Explore the Trails 🚶♀️
Beyond the main oak, discover various hiking trails offering different lengths and difficulty levels.
Wildlife Spotting 🐢
Keep an eye out for local wildlife like small fish, armadillos, and various bird species.
Visit Early or Late ☀️
To avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photos, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the majestic Fairchild Oak, calling it a must-see natural wonder and a symbol of endurance. The surrounding park offers beautiful trails and a peaceful escape into nature, with many appreciating the free admission and convenient amenities like picnic areas and restrooms. Some trails can be muddy, requiring appropriate footwear.
"Awesome little find white driving the scenic drive. There is one pavilion with picnic tables. There are restrooms. Many trails to explore. Some easy, some difficult."
Tammi Voskuhl
"This review is for people like me, who are into discovering longer hiking trails and appreciate reviews with details about the trails. Feel free to reference the official park map alongside this review. The Fairchild Oak parking lot is adequate; it parks probably 20-25 cars. Restrooms were in good shape. When you arrive and walk around to find the 2 trailheads, you’ll see what looks like 3 trailheads, but the one on the far left is the trailhead for the Fairchild Oak Hiking trail and the two trail openings to the right are the entrance and exit for the Wahlin Trail. The hiking trail distance between the Fairchild trailhead and the Old Dixie Hwy parking lot is roughly 1.45 miles. The Old Dixie Hwy parking lot is a small “park just off the side of the road” kind of parking with no restrooms. I found information online saying this trail keeps going north until it hits Bulow Woods Trail and then you could reach Bulow Plantation Ruins, but unfortunately you will encounter a point in which you must turn back (around Korona Canal) because portions of the Bulow Woods Trail (beyond Korona Canal) were closed due to storm impacts at the time of this review. The distance between the Old Dixie Hwy parking lot and Korona Canal is roughly 1.13 miles. So the hike from the Fairchild Oak trailhead to Korona Canal and back was roughly 6 miles total. And the Wahlin Trail was really short, but good. We hiked this in January, which means cooler temperatures and less bugs. And it would usually mean less rain and muddy trails, but I will caution hikers that even in the “dry season” prepare to hike short portions of the trails that have roughly 2 inches of mud to get through. We saw small fish, armadillo, and birds throughout the day. Overall, it was a great day in nature and we plan to return!"
Molly Smith
"Beautiful. I loved this park. I walked around taking pictures and my son played with our dog. The tree is magnificent as well as the others. It's truly magical here.We stayed longer than expected."
Melissa G (Watergirl237)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fairchild Oak is located within Bulow Creek State Park, near Ormond Beach, Florida. You can access it via the Fairchild Oak parking lot. Many visitors discover it while driving the scenic route or exploring the park's trails.
Yes, there is a parking lot near the Fairchild Oak trailhead that can accommodate approximately 20-25 cars.
You can drive to the parking lot for Bulow Creek State Park, which is adjacent to the Fairchild Oak. From there, it's a short walk to the tree itself.
Public transport options to Bulow Creek State Park are limited. It is best accessed by car.
From I-95, take exit 88 for State Road 40 (West Granada Boulevard) east. Turn right onto Old Dixie Highway, and the park entrance will be on your left.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Fairchild Oak or Bulow Creek State Park. It's a free attraction!
Bulow Creek State Park is open daily from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.
Since there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required. You can visit anytime during park hours.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and stay on marked trails.
While the main area around the oak is generally accessible, some trails may be uneven or muddy. Check with park staff for the most current accessibility information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides the Fairchild Oak, you can explore hiking trails like the Bulow Creek Trail and Wahlin Trail, enjoy a picnic, and discover remnants of a historic sugar plantation.
You can see the Fairchild Oak in about 30 minutes, but many visitors spend longer to explore the surrounding trails and enjoy the park.
Yes, there are restrooms located near the Fairchild Oak parking lot that are generally well-maintained.
Dogs are generally allowed in Florida State Parks on a leash, but it's always best to confirm specific park rules.
Visitors have reported seeing small fish, armadillos, and various bird species, including Swallow-tailed kites.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere around the ancient tree.
Absolutely! The surrounding forest, trails, and potential wildlife sightings offer numerous picturesque moments.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full grandeur of the oak's canopy. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
The base of the oak, the surrounding trails, and any scenic overlooks within the park offer great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes as some trails can be muddy.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The Fairchild Oak itself is a marvel for nature lovers, representing incredible longevity and resilience.
Beyond the main attraction, the park's ecosystem is rich and varied, offering a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and anyone seeking to connect with nature. 📸 Photographers
The surrounding primeval forest also offers numerous opportunities for capturing atmospheric shots of dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Don't forget to explore the hiking trails for more photographic subjects, from unique flora to potential wildlife sightings.
Remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors while seeking the perfect shot.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Fairchild Oak
+1 It's a truly humbling experience to stand beneath its immense presence, a symbol of endurance and natural beauty. +1When you visit, take your time to walk around the base of the oak and appreciate its sheer scale. The area around the tree is generally well-maintained, with a pavilion and restrooms nearby, making it a comfortable spot for reflection. Many find it to be a grounding and unforgettable experience, a stark contrast to the fast pace of modern life.
The sheer age and size of the Fairchild Oak make it a must-see for anyone visiting the Ormond Beach area. A Living Monument
The Fairchild Oak is more than just a tree; it's a living monument to Florida's natural heritage. Its survival through centuries of storms, human activity, and environmental changes is a testament to its resilience.
+1 The park's efforts to preserve this natural wonder ensure that future generations can also marvel at its grandeur. The experience of standing beneath its ancient limbs is often described as magical and deeply connecting. Exploring Bulow Creek State Park Trails
For those seeking a longer hike, the Fairchild Oak Hiking Trail connects to the Wahlin Trail and can extend further north towards the Bulow Woods Trail, potentially leading to the Bulow Plantation Ruins.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
As you explore the trails, keep an eye out for the park's local wildlife. Visitors have reported spotting small fish, armadillos, and a variety of bird species, including the striking Swallow-tailed kite.
History and Plantation Ruins
Although some trails may lead to areas affected by storm damage, the park's historical significance is still palpable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit