One notable old-growth survivor is the 3,800-acre Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in western North Carolina, which boasts more than 100 tree species-some over four centuries old and 100 feet tall-and is maintained in its primitive state, only accessible by foot. And in the Appalachian Mountains, " mature " forests are sometimes mistaken for their old-growth counterparts. In North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest, the 175-acre Sosebee Cove boasts much of the same animal and plant diversity seen in old-growth woods, but is actually a " second-growth " or " mature " site. Since old growth takes so long to develop-generally several hundred years or more-most Blue Ridge residents won't be able to witness the evolution. Says Schneider, " It's my great-great-great-grandchildren who might see the results. " HUMPBACK BRIDGE JACKSON RIVER SCENIC TRAIL SCENERY SCENERY 3 3 IN THE ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS OF VIRGINIA They say good things come in threes. Don't miss the Instagram-worthy places that make us Uniquely Alleghany. Plan a scenic three-day getaway at VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com COVINGTON · CLIFTON FORGE · IRON GATE · ALLEGHANY COUNTY MAY/JUNE 2024 11 540-962-2178 · 888-430-5786 #UniquelyAlleghany x x VIEW FROM NORTH MOUNTAINhttp://www.VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com