The Appalachian Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, located along the eastern part of North America. The mountains stretch over 1,500 miles (2,414 kilometers), starting in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and ending in central Alabama in the United States.
The range passes through 14 U.S. states, including:
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Georgia
The Appalachian Mountains can be divided into three main sections: the Northern, Central, and Southern Appalachians.
Northern Appalachians
The Northern Appalachians stretch from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada down to the Hudson River in New York. This section is known for its rugged terrain, colder climate, and large forested areas. The White Mountains in New Hampshire are part of this section as are the Green Mountains in Vermont and the Long Range Mountains in Newfoundland.
Central Appalachians
The Central Appalachians span from the Hudson River down through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. This region is slightly less rugged than the northern section but still features steep ridges and deep valleys. The Allegheny Mountains is part of this section.
Southern Appalachians
The Southern Appalachians stretch from Virginia down to northern Alabama and Georgia. The climate is generally warmer and wetter than the northern and central sections. This is the most biodiverse and tallest section of the range. Here, you’ll find the highest peaks in the Appalachians. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains are part of this region.
Appalachian Subranges
The Appalachian Mountains consist of several prominent subranges.
- Blue Ridge Mountains – Stretch from southern Pennsylvania to northern Georgia. Known for scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway and home to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachians at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters).
- Great Smoky Mountains – Located on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, famous for mist-covered ridges and biodiversity. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters), and the region is a popular national park destination.
- Allegheny Mountains – Span from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, characterized by rugged ridges and valleys. Known for its history of coal mining and outdoor activities, with Spruce Knob being the highest peak at 4,863 feet (1,482 meters).
- White Mountains – Found in New Hampshire and Maine, these are rugged, high peaks with unpredictable weather. Mount Washington (6,288 feet / 1,917 meters) is the tallest and infamous for extreme wind speeds.
- Green Mountains – Run north to south through Vermont, known for rolling hills and ski resorts. Mount Mansfield is the highest peak at 4,393 feet (1,339 meters), with the Long Trail providing popular hiking routes.
- Catskill Mountains – Located in southeastern New York, they feature steep slopes and dense forests. Slide Mountain is the highest at 4,180 feet (1,274 meters), and the region is popular for outdoor recreation.
- Cumberland Mountains
Stretch along Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Known for deep gorges and coal deposits, with High Knob (4,223 feet / 1,287 meters) as the highest peak and the historic Cumberland Gap.
Geology and Formation
The Appalachians are ancient, estimated to be over 480 million years old. The range formed as a result of tectonic activity when the supercontinent Pangaea was still coming together, giving rise to these massive landforms. Compared to younger ranges like the Rockies or the Himalayas, their peaks have been weathered and softened over millennia. Therefore, the Appalachians aren’t as tall or dramatic as other mountain ranges.
