The natural area includes the remains of the largest bald cypress tree in the United States and largest known tree of any species east of the Mississippi River for which it is named. The stately cypress, historically referred to as the "Tennessee Titan" stood at 175 feet tall, 40 feet in circumference, 13 feet in diameter, and was estimated to be 1350 years old. Unfortunately, the tree was struck by lightning in July 1976, leaving only a stump.

The bottomland and the sloughs surrounding the MFOR provide abundant habitat for wildlife and opportunities for bird watching. Swainson''s warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii), a bird deemed in need of management in Tennessee, is known to occur in the natural area and surrounding bottomland forest. Persistent wet conditions have closed the Big Cypress Tree trail. The MFOR must be crossed to reach the site of the big cypress tree and at this time no bridge or trail exists. Crossing the MFOR is not recommended. Contact the Division of Natural Areas or Tennessee State Parks for access information. Future trail development is pending.