Ironically very close to the other tree that I thought was Carpinus caroliniana but is actually Alnus serrulata -- the two of them along with some species of dogwood are in a little rocky place in the middle of the stream.
Muscly bark very apparent. Felt smooth (unlike most of the elms). Doubly serrate.
Found right beside a stream (in a place that probably gets some flooding).
Blurry pic but I think there were the circumferential stipule scar things? No auricles like in M. macrophylla
At first I thought this was Lirodendron tulipifera but now I am having second thoughts because the lobes of these leaves are deeper
I want to say this is part of the oak family but still need another opinion