Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains are a large mountain system in eastern North America that extends from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to central Alabama in the United States.

The Appalachian Mountains are a long mountain system in eastern North America, extending from Newfoundland and Labrador to central Alabama. They are among the oldest mountains on Earth and form a natural barrier between the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the continent's interior.

What it is

The Appalachians run roughly northeast–southwest for about 2,000 miles (3,200 km) across eastern North America. They pass through Canada, the United States, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France). The range includes well-known subranges such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, White Mountains, and Catskills. Its highest peak is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, at 6,684 feet (2,037 m).

Why it matters

The Appalachians helped shape settlement and transport routes by acting as a major east–west barrier in colonial and early U.S. history. They also support forestry, mining, recreation, and tourism. The Appalachian Trail is a famous long-distance hiking route along the range.

Key details

The mountains are older and generally lower than the Rocky Mountains, formed through ancient tectonic collisions and heavily eroded over time. The northern end of the system lies in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with parts extending through eastern Canada. The range is divided into northern, central, and southern sections with many named subranges.