Lancaster County’s Old Sycamore Tree

We found another Lancaster County hidden secret!! Did you know that Lancaster County, PA is the home of a 370 year old tree? This sycamore tree was here when the colony of Pennsylvania was known as Penns Woods. Wow! 😳

Lancaster County’s Old Sycamore (platanus occidentalis) is situated on land that was part of a 1718 Penn Grant, deeded by Penn to the early settlers.

Over the centuries it has been documented as “Pennsylvania’s most massive tree”, “the oldest sycamore in Pennsylvania” and “a more heroic sight would be hard to find in the world of trees”.

The state forestry department in Harrisburg, estimated the tree to be over 250 years old in the year 1900. Measuring 27 feet, in circumference, the main tree trunk has been visibly hollow since it was hit by lightning in 1957. The Pennsylvania Forestry Association recognized it as over 300 years old in 1982.

Monumental trees documented the girth as 25 feet in 2014.

The tree is still alive and has leaves on it during the summer. I suggest visiting the tree during different seasons, including wintertime to get a complete picture of this magnificent piece of history.

It’s mind-boggling to think about what was going on in America during the time it was just a sapling. If only it could talk. 🙂

Where is Lancaster County’s Old Sycamore?

To find the old sycamore tree, exit Route 30 at Centerville Road and head towards That Fish Place, That Pet Place, but turn left onto Old Tree Road (at Isaac’s Restaurant).

Drive down that road not very far, maybe a little less than a quarter mile and then turn left onto Plain Tree Drive. The tree is located at the end of that road.

Complete address is 265 Plane Tree Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.