MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. \u2014\u00a0In Martin County, some of the most breathtaking roads come with a natural roof overhead.<\/p>\n
Towering banyans, sprawling live oaks and tropical greenery create the county\u2019s famous tree tunnels \u2014 shaded corridors that have become symbols of Old Florida charm and attractions for visitors year-round.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you visit Martin County, you may want to take a drive through Stuart\u2019s famous tree tunnel,\u201d said Marc\u00a0Aveni, deputy director of Public Works for Martin County. \u201cIt\u2019s unique.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, it\u2019s wonderful,” Aveni added. “There\u2019s nothing like it in the entire county. Maybe the entire state.”<\/p>\n
The best-known canopy stretches are along\u00a0SE St. Lucie Boulevard\u00a0in Stuart<\/a>, where massive banyan trees arch over the roadway for about a quarter mile.<\/p>\n \u201cThe roots are growing down from the top of the trunk,\u201d said Martin County horticulturist Samantha Smith. \u201cThey reach the earth and then they harden off to create the actual centralized trunk structure.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith said the banyans are likely around 150 years old and are not native to Florida.<\/p>\n She said that as the aerial roots expand and harden into new trunks, the trees slowly shift their growth pattern over time.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are 47 individual trees,\u201d Smith said. \u201cBut each of the trees has started to walk in a horizontal direction.\u201d<\/p>\n The twisting branches and hanging roots create a whimsical, almost storybook-like setting that draws photographers and curious visitors alike.<\/p>\n \u201cJust one of our favorite trees,\u201d said Steve Moorhouse, who was visiting from Clermont. \u201cWherever we go in South Florida \u2014 not too many of them in Central Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n There are two ways to experience the Stuart banyan tree tunnel: You can walk along the sidewalk or drive in a vehicle.<\/p>\n Another famous tunnel can be found along\u00a0South Beach Road\u00a0near Jupiter Island and Hobe Sound.<\/p>\n