I’ve heard of the Wolf Laurel basin but I’ve never been there. I definitely have to go now! Not sure what kinds of trees those are - do you have a photo of them? I might be able to identify them with a picture. I’d guess Hemlock, which means enjoy them while they last because the Adelgids are probably already eating them alive. I guess they could also be Fraser fir, but I don’t think the firs grow that far south. Could it also be white pine?

I recently stumbled on the Alarka Laurel Spruce Bog while exploring the Cowee Mountains. I am also fascinated with the high mountain valleys featuring plant species more typical of regions farther to the north. I just returned today from the Wolf Laurel Basin on the south slopes of Stratton Meadows (just west of the Cherohala Skyway). The high mountain basin is similar to the Alarka Laurel area, but the dark and majestic trees are not Red Spruce - the trees are either Fraser Fir or Carolina Hemlock? Have you visited this area?

Ron Miller