The Discovery Tree in US grew for 1,000 years but was cut down for profit

An approximately 160-year-old giant sequoia. Giant sequoias are among the largest trees in the world and can live to be around 3,000 years old. — Photos: dpa

Entering the colossal grove of giant sequoias in Calaveras Big Trees State Park to find the stump of the Discovery Tree is like creeping through a beautiful mansion, looking for a body.

From the parking lot off Highway 4 – where yellow school buses dusted with pine needles unload excited fifth graders – one of the most stunning hikes in California leads into the forest.