Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and beech (Fagus grandifolia) are the dominant tree species in the relatively undisturbed community in Bee Branch Gorge. Cat briers (Smilax spp.), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) are the dominant shrub canopy species, and a sedge (Carex picta) and partridge berry (Mitchella repens) are the dominant herbaceous canopy species. Analysis of sub-samples from the total sample of 234 points shows that hemlock has its highest importance percentages in the lower two-thirds of the gorge, especially at the base of the bluffs and along the stream. High importance percentages for hemlock saplings and seedlings indicate its persistence in this relatively stable community. The majority of 20 soil samples were acidic sandy-loams.