Bulow Creek State Park - Tenaya Creek Bridge
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Bulow Creek State Park

4.6
·2k reviews·Ormond Beach, United States

Discover Florida's ancient past and natural wonders at Bulow Creek State Park, home to the majestic Fairchild Oak and historic sugar plantation ruins.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
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Bulow Creek State Park - Tenaya Creek Bridge

Bulow Creek State Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Florida's ancient past and natural wonders at Bulow Creek State Park, home to the majestic Fairchild Oak and historic sugar plantation ruins.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A piece of history like the Fairchild Oak tree was saved, so majestic and welcoming."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the park's natural beauty and historic sites without an entrance fee! Parking is available but can fill up .

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary in difficulty, so sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the park's diverse terrain .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fairchild Oak

Fairchild Oak

Bulow Creek State Park

Stand in awe of Florida's ancient giant, a 400+ year old live oak tree. Truly majestic!

Bulow Plantation Ruins

Bulow Plantation Ruins

Bulow Creek State Park

Explore the hauntingly beautiful remnants of a 19th-century sugar mill, a testament to Florida's past.

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Bulow Creek State Park

Wander through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to scenic waterways, spotting wildlife along the way.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ancient Oaks & Historic Ruins

Bulow Creek State Park boasts the majestic Fairchild Oak, a 400+ year old live oak, and the remnants of a 19th-century sugar plantation. Plan for both natural beauty and historical exploration. Note that while the park itself is free, access to the plantation ruins may have a separate fee.TikTok

Trail Conditions & Wildlife Encounters

Trails range from easy strolls to moderate hikes, perfect for connecting with nature.TikTok Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including deer and various birds.Reddit Some visitors have also reported seeing wild boar.TikTok Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for Florida's natural elements.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Popular for picnics and hikes
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Most people drive right past this place... but Bulow Creek State Park is home to one of the oldest trees in Florida 🌳 and ruins of a forgotten sugar plantation. Haunted history, wild nature, and NO entrance fee. This is the real Florida they don’t show in travel ads. #BulowCreekStatePark #HiddenFlorida #FloridaHistory #OldFlorida #HauntedFlorida #NatureTok #TravelFlorida #UnderratedDestinations #H...
@reessroots
855 likes • 6.8K views

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the park's natural beauty and historic sites without an entrance fee! Parking is available but can fill up.Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary in difficulty, so sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the park's diverse terrain.TikTok

Bulow Creek state Park, Ormond Beach #bulowcreekstatepark
@authentik4wd
1 likes • 196 views
Fairchild Oak at Bulow Creek Fairchild Oak is one of the largest live oak trees in the South at over 400 years old. #fairchildoak #oak #liveoak #grandoak #forest #oaktree #bulowcreekstatepark #florida #statepark #tree #volusia @fl.stateparks
katy_did_what
11 likes • 530 views

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and even wild boar! Early mornings or late afternoons are best for sightings.TikTok

Picnic Ready

Pack a lunch and enjoy it at the picnic tables available. A perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.Reddit

Ventured into the surreal beauty of Bulow Creek State Park through the infrared lens on April 12, 2025. The ancient Fairchild Oak, standing for over 400 years, reveals a ghostly elegance under this spectrum. Infrared light transforms the familiar into the extraordinary, highlighting the park’s ethereal landscapes and timeless serenity.🎥: Captured in infrared at Bulow Creek State Park, FL 📍: Fairc...
tyfihi
24 likes • 294 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy the park's natural beauty and historic sites without an entrance fee! Parking is available but can fill up.Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary in difficulty, so sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the park's diverse terrain.TikTok

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and even wild boar! Early mornings or late afternoons are best for sightings.TikTok

Picnic Ready

Pack a lunch and enjoy it at the picnic tables available. A perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.Reddit

Capture the Magic

Infrared photography offers a unique perspective of the Fairchild Oak and park landscapes.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the majestic Fairchild Oak and the intriguing Bulow Plantation Ruins, appreciating the park's free entry and natural beauty. Many enjoy the diverse trails and wildlife sightings, finding it a peaceful escape. Some note limited parking and that the ruins might have a separate fee.

"So grateful a piece of history like the Fairchild Oak tree was saved. The tree is so majestic and welcoming at it has survived over 400 years. Not a ton of parking, but enough. There is a bench and a pavilion with picnic tables as well as bathrooms. We have hiked some of the trails and seen wildlife like deer and some really cool mushrooms. Fairchild Oak would make a great wedding ceremony location."

Joanna Bernhardt Voss

"I really love this location. The bike trails the walking trails. I really connected with Earth and grounded myself. Got to see woodpecker's dears all the of birds and ground myself. It was really an amazing experience.
Great location to get away from the madness of the city life. I'll be still"

Conrad Rochester

"Found this park while doing the scenic drive. One pavilion with picnic tables. Restrooms. Several trails, some easy, some more difficult."

Tammi Voskuhl

What People Like

Majestic Fairchild Oak
Historic plantation ruins
Free park entry

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Potential fee for ruins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bulow Creek State Park is located in Ormond Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors discover it while taking scenic drives along the coast.TikTok There isn't a specific public transport option directly to the park, so driving is recommended.

Yes, there is parking available at the park, particularly near the Fairchild Oak and the plantation ruins. However, it can fill up, especially on weekends or during peak times, so arriving early is a good strategy.Reddit

Absolutely! Paddling on Bulow Creek offers a unique perspective, taking you back to a wilder Florida. It's a fantastic way to explore the park's waterways.Instagram

Bulow Creek State Park is situated near Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, offering a great addition to a coastal Florida itinerary. It's also relatively close to other historic sites like Bulow Plantation Historic Ruins.Reddit

The Fairchild Oak is a central feature of the park. Follow signs within Bulow Creek State Park to reach the designated parking area for the oak. It's a short walk from the parking to the tree itself.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Bulow Creek State Park itself is free to enter and explore. This makes it an accessible destination for all visitors looking to experience Florida's natural and historical treasures.TikTok

While the park is free, some sources indicate there might be a separate fee for accessing the Bulow Plantation Ruins area. It's advisable to check current park information for any associated costs.TikTok

Bulow Creek State Park generally follows typical state park hours, usually from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to confirm specific hours with the Florida State Parks service before your visit.

Guided tours are not commonly advertised for Bulow Creek State Park. However, the park's self-guided trails and interpretive signs offer a great way to learn about its history and ecology.

The Fairchild Oak is a protected natural landmark. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths and avoid touching or damaging the tree to ensure its preservation for future generations.Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park offers a variety of trails, from easy, flat paths perfect for a leisurely stroll to more moderate hiking trails that wind through the natural landscape.TikTok Some trails lead to the historic plantation ruins.Reddit

Visitors often report seeing deer, various bird species, and even wild boar.TikTok The park's diverse habitats make it a great spot for wildlife observation.

Yes, the park provides public restrooms and picnic areas with tables, making it a convenient spot for a day trip or a relaxing picnic.Reddit

Absolutely! The ancient Fairchild Oak, the historic ruins, and the natural landscapes offer incredible photographic opportunities. Infrared photography has also been used to capture unique perspectives.Instagram

While Bulow Creek State Park itself is primarily a day-use park, nearby Tomoka State Park offers camping facilities, which can be a great option for those looking to extend their visit.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Fairchild Oak is a must-photograph subject, offering a sense of scale and history.Instagram The Bulow Plantation Ruins also provide dramatic and atmospheric shots.TikTok The natural trails and waterways offer beautiful landscape photography opportunities.Instagram

Infrared photography has been used to capture the ethereal beauty of the Fairchild Oak and the park's landscapes, revealing a ghostly elegance.Instagram Experimenting with different lighting conditions, especially during golden hour, can also yield stunning results.

A versatile lens, such as a wide-angle for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife, would be beneficial. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the grandeur of the Fairchild Oak. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!

Drone usage in Florida State Parks is generally restricted. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Bulow Creek State Park and the Florida Park Service regarding drone operation before flying.

The Bulow Plantation Ruins are a significant historical element, offering a glimpse into Florida's past. The textures of the old brickwork and the surrounding nature create compelling photographic narratives.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bulow Creek State Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for an educational and engaging outdoor experience. The Fairchild Oak is a natural wonder that will captivate children's imaginations, offering a chance to learn about ancient trees and Florida's natural history.Instagram The park's easy trails are perfect for little legs, allowing for safe exploration without overwhelming them. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated tables, making it a full day of family fun. The chance to spot wildlife like deer and birds adds an extra layer of excitement for kids.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers

For those who love to walk and hike, Bulow Creek State Park offers a rewarding experience. The trails vary in difficulty, from gentle paths to more challenging routes, ensuring there's a suitable option for every hiker.TikTok You can explore the ancient Fairchild Oak, wander through the historic plantation ruins,Reddit or simply enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. The park's natural beauty and the opportunity for wildlife sightings make it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.

📸 Photographers & History Buffs

Bulow Creek State Park is a dream for photographers and history buffs alike. The Fairchild Oak provides a majestic subject, especially with unique techniques like infrared photography capturing its ethereal beauty.Instagram The Bulow Plantation Ruins offer a dramatic and atmospheric backdrop, perfect for capturing the essence of Florida's past.TikTok The park's natural landscapes, from dense forests to waterways, also present numerous opportunities for stunning landscape and wildlife photography.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Fairchild Oak

The Fairchild Oak is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Bulow Creek State Park. This magnificent live oak tree is estimated to be over 400 years old, making it one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Florida.Instagram Standing beneath its sprawling branches is a truly humbling experience, offering a tangible connection to centuries of history and natural resilience. Visitors often describe it as majestic and welcoming, a testament to its enduring presence.Reddit The area around the oak is well-maintained, with benches and a pavilion, making it a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or even a unique wedding ceremony location.Reddit

The sheer scale of the Fairchild Oak is breathtaking. Its massive trunk and widespread canopy create a natural cathedral, filtering sunlight and providing a cool, shaded respite. The park's commitment to preserving this natural wonder is evident, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur without disturbance. Many find themselves drawn to its ancient energy, feeling grounded and inspired by its longevity.Reddit

Echoes of History: Bulow Plantation Ruins

Beyond its natural splendor, Bulow Creek State Park holds significant historical importance with the Bulow Plantation Ruins. These remnants are what's left of a once-thriving sugar mill that was a major operation in the 1820s.TikTok The plantation was tragically burned during the Second Seminole War, leaving behind these evocative structures that whisper tales of a bygone era.TikTok Exploring the ruins allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the lives of those who worked and lived on the plantation.

The ruins offer a stark contrast to the vibrant nature surrounding them, creating a poignant historical landscape. Visitors can walk among the brick structures, envisioning the machinery and the bustling activity that once defined this site. The historical significance, coupled with the natural beauty, makes the ruins a compelling part of the park's appeal. It's a place where nature and history intertwine, offering a unique educational and reflective experience.Reddit

Exploring the Trails and Wildlife

Bulow Creek State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a network of hiking trails that cater to various fitness levels. From easy, flat paths perfect for a leisurely stroll to more moderate routes that delve deeper into the park's diverse ecosystems, there's an option for everyone.TikTok These trails wind through lush forests, alongside waterways, and offer opportunities to immerse oneself in Florida's natural beauty.

The park is teeming with wildlife, making every hike an adventure. Visitors frequently spot deer grazing peacefully, a variety of colorful birds flitting through the trees, and even the occasional wild boar.TikTok The chance to connect with nature and observe these creatures in their natural habitat is a significant draw for many. The park's commitment to preserving these natural spaces ensures that these wildlife encounters remain a special part of the Bulow Creek experience.Reddit

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