Albright Grove: TrailheadThis IPIX tour is a journey down the Albright Grove Loop, a trail on the northern end of the Geat Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cosby, Tennessee. Albright Grove has one of the largest stands of virgin poplar forest in Eastern Tennessee. Albright Grove is an example of a Cove Hardwood forest type. Cove Hardwood forests are typically found in rich soil at elevations below 4500 feet. These forests are cool, geographically sheltered, and are especially moist. They are the most diverse forest type in the Appalachian mountains, providing refuge habitats for wildlife species such as birds, salamanders, and black bears. Common flowering plants are Rhododendrons and lady's slippers. Cove Hardwood forests typically containing 25-30 species of trees, including many which are usually found farther north. The prominent species include yellow buckeye, basswood, yellow poplar, white ash, sugar maple, yellow birch, and black cherry. Another important Cove Hardwood forest tree which is currently threatened is the Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Links to further information can be found by clicking on the "hot spot" links of the iPIX™ picture below. You need the iPIX viewer installed to view these scenes. The viewer is available free from iPIX™.
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