The Fourche Mountain salamander is medium-sized species with a black background color and varying amounts of small brassy or cream colored spots and two rows of larger, irregular blotches along the dorsum (back).

Between May and September when the weather is hot and dry, it may aestivate underground, emerging to forage during any wet periods that may occur.

The eggs are laid in underground chambers and brooded by the female, no aqueous larval stage exists and direct development takes place into juvenile salamanders.

[1][3] Once considered part of P. ouachitae, Plethodon fourchensis was described in 1979 based on genetic differences and geographical distinction.

Within its range, it is often locally abundant, but its restricted distribution make it susceptible to disturbance and habitat degradation.