Containing one of the largest stands of southern live oak remaining on the east coast of Florida, the park's "star" is the Fairchild Oak. Over four centuries old, it is among the largest of its kind in the southern United States. It was a seedling around 1600-1620 CE when the Spanish were colonizing La Florida, and when the Timucua lived along the Tomoka River and the marshes and creeks later named Bulow. Known locally as the Ormond Oak for at least a century, the tree was christened Fairchild on December 11, 1955, in honor of Dr. David Fairchild, a world-famous botanist and naturalist who was fond of the tree.
It is said James Ormond II and the future Seminole leader Coacoochee, or Wildcat as he also was called, were childhood friends who spent endless hours playing under the Fairchild Oak and climbing its highest branches. Later, they would fight against each other in the battle of Dunlawton during the Second Seminole War. James Ormond II is laid to rest in a tomb not far from the Fairchild Oak, and atop what many believe to be a Timucua burial mound.
After you visit the Fairchild Oak you can hike or bike one of several trails built and maintained in order to provide visitors a glimpse of unique habitats and wildlife. The longest trail is the Bulow Woods Trail, a 6.8 mile hiking trail that runs from the Fairchild Oak to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. If the entire 6.8 mile hike seems a little daunting you may choose to park at a second entrance off of Walter Boardman Lane and hike a short distance North or South.
Bulow Creek and its surrounding tributaries are accessible through a parking area off Walter Boardman Lane, High Bridge Road and other areas along Old Dixie Highway. The park has three neighboring state parks that are each unique and offer various types of outdoor recreation. Please be sure to visit Tomoka State Park, Addison Blockhouse State Park and Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park while you’re in the area. On the East side of Old Dixie sits the ruins of the Dummett Sugar Mill. This sugar mill was constructed out of coquina stone and brick but like so many other plantations and mills in the area it was burned and partially destroyed during the second Seminole war in 1836.
When visiting the park, take time to walk the Wahlin Trail that winds down into the small ravine that lies behind the Fairchild Oak where fresh water flows out of the ground. The trail is a short 0.3-mile loop that explores the Bulow Woods behind the Fairchild Oak. Listen to the water as it flows under the bridge and see if you can imagine the people that once stood here long before you and walked away into history.
An interpretive kiosk is available in the parking area, providing information on the history of the area including the legendary Fairchild Oak, local wildlife, and the unique ecosystems within Bulow Creek. Activities include hiking, canoeing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and primitive camping. Bulow Creek State Park is a picturesque location for wedding ceremonies and receptions that can be held at our 24-person pavilion.
page information credit: Florida State Parks, Friends of the Tomoka Basin State Parks, City of Ormond Beach, Florida, "Fairchild Oak A Sturdy Witness To Much History" By Dana Ste. Claire
photos from the sources listed above, as well as publicly posted online sites with thanks to the contributors