Discovering Pennsylvania’s Giants: A Guide to the Most Majestic Trees in the Keystone State

Estimated age: ~700 years
Species: White Oak (Quercus alba)

Tucked away near Friedensburg Road in Oley Township stands one of the most revered trees in the state: the Sacred Oak. Believed to be over seven centuries old, this ancient white oak is steeped in Lenape lore. Long before European colonists arrived, Native Americans considered the tree sacred, believing it held mystical powers and spiritual significance.

Despite centuries of storms and change, the Sacred Oak still thrives. To protect it from vandalism and environmental stress, it’s only accessible to the public twice a year, though it can occasionally be seen from afar. Efforts by its current caretaker—including fertilization and pruning—help preserve its impressive health and stature.

This isn’t just a tree—it’s a living link to pre-colonial Pennsylvania, and one of the oldest known trees in the northeastern U.S.

Estimated age: ~400 years
Species: Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

In the rural expanse of Bell Township, tucked between rolling farmland and quiet woods, stands a red oak of extraordinary size and rarity. With a height of 120 feet and a trunk circumference of 26 feet, this tree escaped centuries of logging and farming that claimed most of the surrounding forest.

Discovered only recently by a forester marking trees for cutting, the Giant of Bell Township was spared thanks to the awareness and stewardship of both the landowner and professionals. Though not in a public park, its sheer scale and survival make it a symbol of what Pennsylvania’s forests once were.

It is likely the biggest known tree by girth in the state—and a striking example of nature’s resilience.

Highlights: Longfellow Pine (Tallest tree in PA), Forest Cathedral Trail
Species: Eastern White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, and others

Often referred to as the “Black Forest of Pennsylvania,” Cook Forest State Park is home to some of the last remaining old-growth forests in the eastern United States. Towering conifers, some dating back to the 1600s, rise in dense groves along peaceful trails like the Forest Cathedral and Longfellow Trail.

The park’s crown jewel is the Longfellow Pine, which stands between 180 and 200 feet tall, making it the tallest known tree in Pennsylvania. Walking beneath these towering giants offers an almost spiritual experience—quiet, humbling, and deeply rooted in the region’s ecological heritage.

Cook Forest is open year-round, offering everything from snow-covered pine canopies to summer birdwatching and brilliant fall foliage.

Estimated age: 250+ years
Species: American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Overlooking the Susquehanna River in Columbia stands a majestic American sycamore, locally known as the Buttonwood Tree. With its distinct patchwork bark and wide-reaching limbs, this sycamore is more than just visually stunning—it’s a symbol of colonial Pennsylvania’s river towns.

Sycamores like this one often grew along waterways and were used as meeting places, boundary markers, and navigational guides. The Columbia Buttonwood’s riverside setting and longevity make it a striking reminder of the state’s early trading routes and natural river heritage.

Estimated age of trees: 300–500 years
Species: Eastern Hemlock, White Pine

A lesser-known but magically preserved corner of central PA, the Alan Seeger Natural Area is a quiet refuge of virgin forest. Within its mossy trails and rocky creeks stand ancient hemlocks and white pines, some believed to be over 500 years old.

The atmosphere here is hushed and almost otherworldly. Dense canopies block much of the sunlight, while large boulders, mountain laurel, and fallen trunks create a wild, unmanicured landscape. This pocket of ancient forest offers one of the most intact pre-settlement ecosystems still accessible today in Pennsylvania.

Estimated age: 250+ years
Species: White Oak (Quercus alba)

Located in Harrisburg, this enormous white oak stands on the grounds of the Londonderry School. While it may not be tucked away in a forest, it is a rare urban example of a pre-Revolutionary tree. Its vast canopy and thick limbs make it a beloved local landmark and an invaluable outdoor classroom.

The tree serves as a tangible connection between Pennsylvania’s natural and educational heritage—growing alongside generations of learners, literally and metaphorically.

Estimated age of some trees: 200+ years
Species: White Oak, Sugar Maple, Tulip Poplar, White Pine

Kings Gap may not be home to a single record-breaking tree, but it holds one of the most diverse and mature second-growth forests in the state. Its 2,500-acre forest includes tall tulip poplars, aging oaks, and impressive white pines—some reaching over 130 feet tall.

What makes Kings Gap special is not just its trees but the sense of scale and continuity you feel walking its trails. The forested ridge lines offer stunning views, while the educational center provides insight into forest history, conservation, and climate impact.