Trees, Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is home to over 150 species of trees, with oaks and hickories being the most prevalent.  Among this variety, the Tulip Tree stands out with its large, distinctive leaves and bright, tulip-shaped flowers, often found in the southern stretches of the trail.

 

The once-dominant American Chestnut, now rare due to disease, can still be found in some areas, charaterised by its massive trunks and serrated leaves.  The tree’s spiny round fruits, known as burrs, once contained edible chestnuts prized for their sweet, starchy taste.

  

The Red Pine is recognized by its tall, straight trunk, long, slender needles, and its egg-shaped, woody cones.  

The Shagbark Hickory, easily identifiable by its peeling bark, produces a sweet, edible nut within a hard shell.

In Autumn, the Sugar Maple bursts into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, alongside the Yellow Birch, with its shiny, golden bark, and the Scarlet Oak, known for its deep red leaves.  Together, these trees create a stunning display of fiery fall colours.