Range of eastern hemlock (USDA) 

In the United States, the eastern hemlock grows naturally all throughout New England, the Mid-Atlantic States, and the Lake States. It then extends south to northern Georgia and Alabama. Its westward limit is Indiana, western Ohio and western Kentucky. It extends north into Canada from southern Ontario to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Eastern hemlock flourishes at in a humid, cool climate. 

The best growing location for eastern hemlock is in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, where massive old trees grow, such as the champion trees mentioned earlier. Specific soil requirements don’t have to be exact for an eastern hemlock to grow, although in general they prefer moist, sandy soil rich with decayed vegetation. In terms of elevation, eastern hemlock grows well from sea level to about 2,400 feet elevation. In the southern Appalachians, it can grow in elevations up to 5,000 ft. The eastern hemlock often occurs as a dominant species in coniferous and mixed-hardwood forests.