SITE DESCRIPTION:
In autumn, the forest slopes and ridgetops of Poor Mountain are brightened by the brilliant yellow foliage of
piratebush. Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve protects the world's largest population of this globally rare
shrub, which is restricted to only a handful of sites in the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
The mountain is named for its impoverished soils derived from metamorphosed sandstone bedrock. The ridgetop,
3,000 feet in elevation, is predominantly a xeric Table Mountain pine and oak woodland. Piratebush is a dominant
understory shrub in this community along with huckleberry and blueberry. Piratebush is also found with mountain
laurel in the hemlock ravines and mesic pine forests of the lower elevations.
VISITATION:
Public access facilities include a small parking area and a short hiking trail.
A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and or print this factsheet.
Also, part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities. Please call before visiting.
