Trinity Oaks

On the Muir Trail, between the entrance to the Lake Trail and the entrance to the Muir to Meadow Loop Connector, there is a short side trail to the east that leads to the Trinity Oaks, three huge oak trees growing from one base trunk. The trees are estimated to be over 200 years old.

As trees germinate and grow, genetics encourages apical dominance by the strongest stem, but sometimes two or more stems will establish this apical dominance. Some species, like fruit trees, often are genetically predisposed to multiple stems instead of one. As you walk through the woodlands, you may notice where one trunk of a multiple trunk tree has died or fallen while the other trunks are alive and well.