A striking change in vegetation occurs on the mountainous ascent. Forests of maple, beech, and birch are present in the valley floors, extending up to about 3500 feet. Spruce and fir enter in, gradually taking over. Timberline, where trees are less than 8 feet in height, occurs lower on exposed western slopes than on warmer eastern slopes due to prevailing winds. Above timberline is the spectacular and easily damaged alpine zone.
Soil here is very thin.
Plants found here have adapted for survival in these harsh conditions but have little resistance to human trampling. Help preserve rare and fragile alpine vegetation by staying on the trail, which concentrates damage to a narrow strip. Protecting the alpine zone is very important because once destroyed, the soil becomes highly vulnerable to erosion and revegetation is very slow. All rights reserved.