Rhododendrons are blooming in this old-growth forest
Yesterday morning I visited Alan Seeger Natural Area in Pennsylvania's Rothrock State Forest. It's been about 15 years since I was last there and unfortunately some of the site's oldest trees have died and one that was dead but still standing has disappeared. Whatever remnants might remain are hiddden by the dense growth of rhododendrons. I was saddened by the losses, but as can be seen in the photos below, Alan Seeger NA remains an enchanted forest.
Alan Seeger Natural Area - Rothrock State Forest
This 390-acre area along Standing Stone Creek includes virgin white pine and hemlock. Towering above the trail as it winds through 20-foot-high rhododendrons is a hemlock forest bypassed by the loggers at the end of the 19th century. Here are magnificent trees, some over 4 feet DBH and reaching several hundred years old. Other tree species in the area include white oak, red maple, white pine, pignut hickory, black gum and black birch. A mature mixed-oak forest with many large specimens is located on the mountain slope to the southeast. A nature trail leads into the heart of the remnant old-growth forest while winding along Standing Stone Creek, and continuing through a younger forest of oaks, white pine and red maple. - Old-growth Forest Network
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You absolutely captured the essence of a forest hike.
It’s mind boggling to think of how long these trees have been standing. I’m glad the loggers spared them so you could share them with us.
I love 'em all!
A little creek, with fish! The towering trees. The flowers and the fungi!
Thank you so much.
There's great beauty in the Northeastern US. I used to travel to the national parks and forests in the West, but lately enjoy staying closer to home and exploring lesser-known sites.
Fabulous collection of shots! 
I want to walk down that path so much.
Your pictures are like being there. Thank you so much.
