The Mature Hemlock Grove at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County

The rich flora and fauna of Laurel Hill State Park make it a great place to watch wildlife year-round. The mixed-deciduous forest is dominated by oak, maple, cherry and poplar trees with an understory of witch hazel, serviceberry, rhododendron and mountain laurel. Although most of the park was timbered in the early 1900s, for unknown reasons, the Hemlock Natural Area remains intact. The massive eastern hemlocks of this six-acre, old growth stand are now approaching the climax stage of succession.

Reference: The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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