That Time I...
Found the National Champion Red Pine




Did you know the biggest Red Pine in the nation is located in the Sylvania Wilderness Area? It's out there if you know where to look! I can vouch that it is ENORMOUS! It will put all other red pines you've seen in your life to shame and will really mess with your head. Imagine a red pine that's the size of a fairly large white pine and you're about there. Maybe there were once thousands of giants like this one, but ever since the logging era of the late-1800s and early-1900s have they been prevalent. Now all that's left to tell their stories is this absolute giant of a tree.
I won't give its exact location, but if you're a keen adventurer and can do a little research, you'll be able to find it. Getting there is relatively simple, with fairly minimal bushwhacking needed. You'll need to hike a few miles into the backcountry though, so don't expect a paved path.
I went and found this big guy in early winter. There wasn't a soul around! Just me and the old growth, just how I like it.