We conducted lichen surveys on mixed broadleaf-conifer plots along an elevation gradient in a northern hardwood forest to test whether current community patterns were more indicative of a gradient in atmospheric inputs of sulfur and nitrogen or a gradient of moisture availability with elevation gain. Our lichen surveys of 12 0.38-ha plots throughout the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in north-central New Hampshire revealed four new species records for the state: Heterodermia squamulosa, Hypotrachyna afrorevoluta, Parmelia fertilis, and Parmotremaarnoldii. Lichen composition was related to elevation, tree basal area and size of the largest tree. The percent of fruticose lichen species was significantly, positively related to elevation. Species richness also increased with elevation, but was only significantly related to aspect, particularly southness. Species abundance is related positively to tree basal area. The pollution indices were mainly correlated to each other though the sulfur index was correlated to the second ordination axis. Overall, the Hubbard Brook valley appears to have a relatively diverse lichen assemblage related more strongly to plot characteristics than to pollution indices.