Wye Oak State Park
🌳 Memorial to Maryland’s State Tree — Once Home to America’s Largest White Oak — A small but historically significant park on the Eastern Shore where the legendary 460-year-old Wye Oak stood until 2002 — Talbot County, Maryland
Wye Oak State Park occupies a quiet piece of Maryland’s Eastern Shore where the legendary Wye Oak once stood — a white oak tree that was, for decades, the largest white oak in the United States. Estimated at 460 years old when it fell during a thunderstorm on June 6, 2002, the tree had a trunk circumference of 31 feet 10 inches, stood 96 feet tall, and its crown spread 119 feet across. The Wye Oak was Maryland’s most famous tree and the reason white oak was designated the state tree in 1941.
Today, the park preserves the site of the original tree along with a young clone — grown from the Wye Oak’s own acorns — that carries on its genetic legacy. The park is small (29 acres) but deeply meaningful for Maryland history, serving as both a memorial and a living laboratory for conservation. Adjacent is the Old Wye Church (c. 1721), one of the oldest Episcopal churches still in use on the Eastern Shore.
What to See
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wye Oak Clone | Growing on original site | Genetically identical offspring from original acorns |
| Memorial Site | Where original 460-year tree stood | Interpretive signage, preserved stump area |
| Old Wye Church | c. 1721 Episcopal church | Adjacent historic landmark, open to visitors |
| Historic Schoolhouse | One-room schoolhouse | Preserved 19th-century education building |
| Picnic Area | Tables and open lawn | Quiet setting under mature oaks |
The Wye Oak — By the Numbers
| Measurement | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Age (estimated) | 460 years | Germinated c. 1540 — before Jamestown |
| Height | 96 feet | Roughly 10-story building |
| Trunk Circumference | 31 ft 10 in | Largest white oak in the U.S. |
| Crown Spread | 119 feet | Wider than most houses are long |
| Fell | June 6, 2002 | Thunderstorm — natural causes |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 55–75°F | Clone tree leafing out, wildflowers, Eastern Shore blooms |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 80–90°F | Shade under mature oaks, combine with Eastern Shore trip |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 50–65°F | Fall foliage, acorn season, golden light |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | 30–45°F | Quiet reflection, bare tree silhouettes |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | FREE | No entrance fee |
| Parking | FREE | Small lot |
| Typical Visit | $0 | 30 minutes – 1 hour |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the original Wye Oak still standing?
No. The Wye Oak fell during a thunderstorm on June 6, 2002, after approximately 460 years. A genetically identical clone tree now grows at the site.
What happened to the wood?
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources preserved the wood and commissioned commemorative items including gavels and bowls. Some wood is displayed at the park and in state buildings.
Is the clone tree big yet?
The clone tree is still young — white oaks grow slowly. It will take centuries to approach the size of the original, but it carries the same genetic material.
Is it worth the trip?
Wye Oak is a quick stop, not a day trip destination. Best combined with an Eastern Shore visit (Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford). History buffs and tree enthusiasts will appreciate the significance.
Can I visit Old Wye Church?
Yes. The church (c. 1721) is adjacent to the park and is one of the oldest continuously used Episcopal churches on the Eastern Shore. Check for service times or contact the parish.
Is there camping?
No. Wye Oak is a small day-use park (29 acres). Camping is available at nearby Tuckahoe State Park.
How far from Easton?
About 8 miles (15 minutes) northeast of Easton, MD via MD-662.
Why was white oak made Maryland’s state tree?
The Wye Oak inspired the 1941 designation. White oaks are deeply connected to Maryland’s colonial history — the state’s founding charter was literally signed under oak trees.
🌳 Visit Maryland’s Most Famous Tree
460 years of history, America’s largest white oak, and a genetic clone carrying the legacy forward. A quiet memorial on the Eastern Shore worth a stop.
Wildlife & Nature
Wye Oak SP — the former site of the Wye Oak — which was the largest white oak tree in the United States (460 years old) until it fell in a 2002 storm. Seedlings from the original tree now grow on the site. The park’s grounds and forest support songbirds and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Wye Mills — adjacent — home of the oldest continuously operating grist mill in Maryland (1671). Talbot County — surrounding.
