The Appalachian oak forest region lies to the east, north, and southeast of the mixed mesophytic forest. Geologically, it is characterized by a system of parallel valleys and ridges. Northern red oak and white oak are the two major species in the region. The ecologically similar red oak occupies sites which are usually slightly drier or wetter than those dominated by white oak.
White oak reaches its maximum development on deep, rich soils of coves and high bottom lands, but grows well on all but the driest and wettest sites in the region. The success of white oak is attributed to its ability to survive for long periods as an understory species, its quick and vigorous response to release from this suppression, and its great longevity which is usually reaching 400-600 years.