Pennsylvania State Park Big Tree Program

What is the Big Tree Program? Pennsylvania's State Parks house many green giants, some of which are found here in the Big Tree listing. The Big Tree program is a record of the largest trees found in Pennsylvania's State Parks. Each species is recognized, allowing for a wide variety of big tree champions, from the 125-foot tall Red Oak at Cook Forest State Park to the 15-foot tall Witchhazel at Clear Creek State Park.

How Does a Tree Become Listed as a Big Tree?

The process begins with a nomination by a park visitor or employee. This nomination can be based upon visual inspection of the tree and some simple measurements. Once a tree is nominated for the Big Tree program, the score must be determined by a forester.

There are three criteria for determining the score of a tree. Circumference is a measurement taken in inches at 4.5 feet above the base of the tree (circumference at breast height). One point is given for each inch of circumference. The second measurement is height, and is the distance in a straight line from the ground to the highest point of the tree. One point is awarded for every foot of height. The final criterion, average crown spread, requires two measurements. The first measurement is taken at the widest point of crown spread, the second from the narrowest point. The two values are added and divided by two to give the average crown spread. One point is awarded for every four feet of average crown spread. The points awarded for the three criteria are then added to produce a final score, which is used to determine a tree's rank among other Pennsylvania State Park Big Trees.

What if I find a Big Tree?

When visiting a Pennsylvania State Park, keep an eye out for these giants. There are undoubtedly big trees that have yet to be found in Pennsylvania's State Parks. If you see a tree that might be eligible for the Big Tree program, write down the location and give it to the park manager to begin the nomination process.

Where to Find Big Trees?

See if there is a big tree near you. Select the region below to go to a graph of the parks in that region.
If you can't use the map, use the text links below.

Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains
Pittsburgh and Its Countryside   -   Philadelphia and the Countryside
Pennsylvania Wilds   -   The Alleghenies and Her Valleys
Dutch Country Roads

Pennsylvania Wilds

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Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains

* indicates non-native species

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Pittsburgh and Its Countryside

* indicates non-native species

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The Alleghenies and Her Valleys

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Dutch Country Roads

* indicates non-native species

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Philadelphia and the Countryside

* indicates non-native species

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