The Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a 32 mile scenic road that runs through the Redwoods State Park in Northern California, roughly following U.S. Route 101. The Avenue of the Giants is also referred to as State Route 254.
The southern entrance to the Avenue of the Giants is just north of Garberville, California, and the northern entrance is south of Fortuna, California. The highway is notable for the Redwoods that overshadow the road and surround the area. The Avenue of the Giants actually got its name from these towering trees. The two-lane road has a number of parking areas, picnic sites, and attractions for visitors. The nearby river provides many excellent swimming locations as well.
The Avenue of the Giants was once part of U.S. Route 101 until a freeway bypass was built along the Northern California coast. The bypass became what is now 101. There are several campgrounds along the Avenue of the Giants, but it is by car that most people view it.
The Avenue of the Giants is situated just off a major highway, and has many natural and man-made attractions for visitors. One of the most famous attractions of the Avenue of the Giants is the Immortal Tree. Although not the oldest redwood in the forest, this large tree is over 950 years old, and is currently around 250ft tall. Originally it was much taller, but it has survived not only the ravages of time but also the 1964 flood of the area, and a direct lightning strike which removed the top 45 feet of the tree. It is from its age and the perceived hardiness of the tree that it received its name.
Like many other redwood forests, the Avenue of the Giants features a tree that visitors can drive their cars through. The hollow base of this giant tree has an opening carved on either side that allows a car to travel through it, much like a traditional road tunnel. Although it is located off the main road of the Avenue of the Giants, this tree is well sign-posted when driving south to north.
The tree house attraction at the Avenue of the Giants is an actual house that is partially built within a giant redwood tree. The front door and windows are clearly visible to passers by, and the rest of the house adjoins the rear of the tree in a more traditional style.
If you love the redwoods, be sure to visit the Avenue of the Giants along the Northern California coast.
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