The Appalachian cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus) is a species of cottontail rabbit in the family Leporidae. It is a rare species found in the upland areas of the eastern United States, inhabiting mostly mountainous regions ranging from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and being most prominent in the Appalachians. S. obscurus is better adapted to colder climates than its distant relative, S. floridanus, the eastern cottontail.