2022 update: Difficult to judge the health of the crown because of the heavy understory and mid-story vegetation that it towers over. Trunk and root flare are in good condition. The three-stem growth habit may eventually compromise the tree's structural integrity if decay gains entry to the bark inclusions between the stems.
Trunk comprises multiple leaders at 4.5' above ground line. There are three primary stems of similar size and a fourth small stem that appears to be an epicormic sprout that developed later in life. A composite circumference calculation is most suitable for this tree. The three main stems were measured for girth as close to 4.5' above midslope as possible, maybe slightly higher. They were: 133"", 112"", 112"". Peak of crown was difficult to see due to dense vegetation, so laser measurement was validated with 2017 LiDAR.
2013 update: The tree looks exceptionally healthy and sound. Measured 4' above downhill side below fork. Has been ruled ineligible for national champ status in the past due to forked trunk. Another large bitternut hickory (ID#2031) is about 0.5 mile east along the riverbank. Measured by Byron Carmean, Sherrie Shannon, Gary Williamson, Jeff Kirwan at 192"", 134', 76', respectively. 345 points.
G. Williamson 2013 (top) E. Wiseman 2022 (bottom)