World’s tallest tree: Get ready for a $5,000 fine and be willing to spend some time in jail if you come anywhere near it!

Normally, a person faces punishment if he trespasses property that is out of bounds for visitors. Would that hold for breaching the area around a tree that has become a global attraction of sorts? If reports are to be believed, yes. And by the way, the fine is very, very steep.

The world’s tallest tree is in California: a 380-foot redwood in the state’s national park. It is believed to be about 500-600 years old. It has been named Hyperion, after the Greek deity of heavenly light.

But, and here is the sad part, you just cannot see this natural wonder. Coming near it would mean paying a whopping $5,000 fine and even jail!

The problem is the tree’s gargantuan appeal is so enticing that seeing it is on the bucket list of many thrill seekers and even travel bloggers.

Sixteen years ago, when this tree was ‘discovered,’ park authorities tried to keep its location a secret, but many adventurers found a way around. The park people feel that the flood of visitors to the site could damage not just the tree but also its environment, according to the Independent.

Officials aver that since the tree was found amid the dense vegetation, reaching it required plenty of bushwhacking, or hiking off-trail. A lot of poorly informed hikers have damaged the forest around Hyperion. Moreover, its roots are shallow, reaching just 12 feet. The forest therefore is a delicate ecosystem.

A lot of trash has also been littered in the area.

An official said if some adventure sports enthusiast got injured during his or her visit to the area, getting access to him or her would take quite a while before they can be rescued.