Join the Hunt for Maryland’s Biggest Tree!
This summer, adventure meets conservation in the Maryland Big Tree Hunt, running from Memorial Day Weekend (May 24) through Labor Day Weekend (September 1). Whether you're a nature lover, hiker, or just looking for a fun challenge, this is your chance to explore Maryland State Forests in search of truly massive trees—those with a circumference over 15 feet!
Grab a measuring string, tape, and camera, and head out on the trail. If you find a giant, document it and submit your photos, measurements, and location to the Maryland Big Tree Program. Safety is key, so bring a buddy and take precautions against common forest hazards.
Winners will be chosen based on the largest verified tree circumferences, with cash prizes up to $500 for the top five finds. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to connect with nature, support citizen science, and maybe even make history by discovering one of Maryland’s biggest trees.
Start your search—there’s a giant out there waiting to be found!
The contest runs from Memorial Day Weekend (May 24, 2025) through Labor Day Weekend (September 1, 2025).
Any visitor to a Maryland State Forest is welcome to participate in the contest.
- Prepare Before You Hike:
- Bring a 15-foot marked string, measuring tape, and a marker.
- Find a Tree:
- While hiking in a
Maryland State Forest, look for a large tree.
- Measure the tree’s circumference at 4 feet 6 inches above the ground (about adult chest height) by wrapping your string around the trunk.
- If the Tree is a Big One:
- If the circumference is larger than 15 feet (past the mark on your string):
- Mark where the string ends around the tree.
- Take a photo of the string around the tree with a person standing next to it.
- Take four more photos of the tree—one from each side.
- If possible, take a photo of the tree’s leaves.
- Measure the marked length of the string with a measuring tape and photograph the measurement.
- Submit Your Entry:
- Email the following to John Bennett at
mdbigtreeprogram@aol.com:
- Tree circumference
- Location (GPS coordinates preferred)
- Photos
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Always put safety first.
- Let someone outside your hiking group know your plans.
- Inspect the tree and surrounding area for hazards.
- Protect yourself from ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and other environmental risks.
- Trees under 15 feet in circumference are not eligible.
- Trees with large ivy vines affecting trunk circumference are ineligible.
- Multi-trunk trees are only allowed if the trunks split above 5 feet from the ground.
- Standing dead trees are not eligible.
- If the tree is on a slope, measure from the uphill side.
- Measurements must be taken in English units (feet/inches).
- GPS coordinates (in decimal format) are preferred. If not available, clearly mark the tree’s location on a map and provide directions.
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Note: Two trees are already recorded and will not count toward this contest:
- Silver Maple at Green Ridge State Forest (N39.59281, W78.40800)
- Black Oak at Elk Neck State Forest (N39.54500, W75.94270)
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $400
- 3rd Place: $300
- 4th Place: $200
- 5th Place: $100
Entries will be verified and remeasured by the Maryland Big Tree Program after the contest concludes. Winners will be contacted directly.
