Common Name: American sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Category: Community tree
Comments: Growing in Sugar Hollow at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Albemarle County, Virginia, is a grand old sycamore tree well-known to all travelers to the area. Called The Dancing Tree by some and The Old Man by others, this stately sycamore lifts its arms skyward, welcoming hikers, bikers and motorists to this picturesque Shangri-La. ****************** Sugar Hollow is also a very popular access point for hikers wanting to explore this southern region of Shenandoah National Park. One may access the area by turning onto Rt. 614 (Sugar Hollow Road) from Rt. 810 (Browns Gap Turnpike) in White Hall, VA. A series of three bridges along Sugar Hollow Road cross the Moormans River, one of only two designated scenic rivers in the state of Virginia. This very special tree is easily spotted mid-way between the 2nd and 3rd bridges, alongside the roadway near the rivers bank on the property of Michael (Nick) Nichols, a distinguished photographer for the National Geographic Society
Nominator: Robert Gilges and Phil James
This tree is not on public or publicly accessible property. The owner's name, address, and the exact location of the tree are not displayed to protect the privacy of these individuals. If you are the owner and wish to make this information public, please let us know.
County/City: Albemarle