The Appalachian Mountains, often called the Appalachians, are a major mountain system in eastern North America. They extend approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States to central Alabama.
Overview
The Appalachian Mountains are among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth and have played a significant role in the geography, history, and settlement of the eastern United States. The range forms a natural barrier between the Atlantic coastal plain and the interior regions of North America.
In the United States, the Appalachians pass through states including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Geology
The Appalachian Mountains were formed through a series of continental collisions over hundreds of millions of years, beginning more than 480 million years ago. These geological events shaped the folded and eroded landscape that characterizes the range today.
Due to their great age, the Appalachians are generally lower and more rounded than younger mountain systems such as the Rocky Mountains.
Major regions
The Appalachian Mountains consist of several distinct regions, including:
Each region has unique geological and ecological characteristics.
Highest peaks
The highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, rising to 6,684 feet (2,037 m) above sea level.
Climate
The climate of the Appalachian Mountains varies by latitude and elevation. Lower elevations experience humid continental or humid subtropical climates, while higher elevations have cooler temperatures and increased precipitation.
The mountains influence regional weather patterns and serve as an important watershed for eastern North America.
Rivers
Numerous rivers originate in or flow through the Appalachian Mountains, including:
These rivers have historically supported transportation, agriculture, and settlement.
Ecology
The Appalachian region is one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America. Its forests support a wide variety of plant and animal species, including hardwood forests, mixed forests, and high-elevation ecosystems.
Protected areas such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park help preserve this biodiversity.
Human history
Indigenous peoples lived in the Appalachian region for thousands of years before European settlement. During the colonial and early national periods, the mountains influenced migration patterns and westward expansion.
The region later became associated with coal mining, timber production, and distinctive cultural traditions.
Recreation
The Appalachian Mountains are a major destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic tourism. The Appalachian Trail, one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, runs through much of the range.