This tall red spruce near the bottom of Bald Knob Ridge seems to have struck it lucky and grown up into an opening in the hardwood overstory, giving it enough sunlight to thrive. It could be enormous someday. Although Red Spruce actually grow faster at lower elevations, they struggle to compete with the hardwood trees, largely relegating them to the highest peaks and ridges where wind, snow, and ice take a toll on the less-sturdy hardwoods. A large number of young ones grow on Bald Knob Ridge, however.