Abstract:
In the remote mountains of Western Carolina, a combination of high local rainfall, steep river and stream gradients, and erosion have carved the Jocassee Gorges. The greatest waterfall concentration in eastern North America is found there. Biologists have been coming to explore the rare plant life since French botanist Andre Michaux visited the area in 1788. Although not as fully explored as the plants, a variety of animals inhabits the area, including sixteen species of salamanders.