Pine Mountain Plant Life

Pine Mountain and other isolated Appalachian mountain peaks serve as habitat islands for numerous endemic species, and when combined with countless northern Appalachian relic species, constitute one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world. Adding to this remarkable diversity are topographic anomalies that place high mountain peaks adjacent to deep river gorges. This wide range in elevation over a short geographical distance brings forth an exceptional ecosystem home to a variety and abundance of different and mostly unknown flora species. Upwards of 6,000 plant species have been identified, many thousands of fungi, hundreds of moss and ferns, and over a hundred species of trees dominate this temperate upland forest that provides a home for the Pine Mountain Trail and a memorable hike for all those who venture forth.