The opening in the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree was carved in the 1930's. To the right are Hazel and Charlie Underwood along with the foresters who helped carve the opening. At approximately 6' wide by 6'9" high there is ample space for the cars of today to pass through the tunnel.

    You will notice all of the roads in the Park are dirt roads, they are paved with "nature's speed bumps". Please heed the 5 mile an hour speed limit. If you drive slower you can enjoy the beauty and varied plants, or you might catch a glimpse of the deer hiding alongside the road.

   The Chandelier Tree derives it's name from the enormous branches balanced on either side of the trunk. These branches, which are the size of small trees, begin about a hundred feet up the trunk.
    Imagine a three-armed candelabra or, if you are more athletic, stand on your head for the chandelier effect.

   Along the "In-Road" is an opening in the tree canopy creating the filtered sunlight which is needed to grow the three-foot tall sword ferns, giant horsetails (ancient survivors of the Paleozoic Era), or the mossy carpet lining a tinkling brook.

   The creek which passes under the road provides the moisture needed by the plants that proliferate in this sunfilled fairyland. Springs inside the Park provide ponds for giant bullfrogs, as well as watering holes and resting spots for the varied wildlife.

    Through the tall trees you spy blue sky, you are about to enter the meadow where the Drive-Thru Tree awaits you. Here you find parking, picnic tables, rest rooms, and gift shop. To the right of the Drive-Thru Tree is a large meadow where tour buses, motorhomes and larger vehicles will find ample parking.

   Trails into the Park begin here. The picnic area behind the gift shop has a view of the duck pond. The Park's geese don't mind sharing their pond with the migrating ducks and geese who stop by to rest on their long journeys.

   Sit in the swing under the trees and reflect on this peaceful interlude in your trip. You might spy deer grazing under the apple trees at the far end of the meadow.