List of mountains of the Appalachians facts for kids
The Appalachian Mountains are a huge system of mountains in eastern North America. They stretch for about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from Newfoundland in Canada all the way down to central Alabama in the United States. These mountains are some of the oldest in the world!
This article will introduce you to some of the many mountains and mountain ranges that make up the amazing Appalachians. You'll learn about their different types, where they are located, and how tall they are.
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What are the Appalachian Mountains?
The Appalachian Mountains are a very old mountain range. They formed hundreds of millions of years ago! Over time, wind and water have worn them down, making them generally lower and more rounded than younger, jagged mountains like the Rocky Mountains.
The Appalachians are made up of many smaller mountain ranges, like different sections of a giant puzzle. Some of the main parts include the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Allegheny Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, the White Mountains, and the Green Mountains. Each part has its own unique features and special places to explore.
Tallest Peaks in the Appalachians
While the Appalachians aren't as tall as some other mountain ranges, they still have some impressive peaks! Here are a few of the highest:
- Mount Mitchell in North Carolina is the tallest mountain in the entire Appalachian system. It stands at an amazing 2,037 meters (6,684 feet) high! It's part of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Mount Washington in New Hampshire is another very tall peak, reaching 1,917 meters (6,288 feet). It's famous for having some of the wildest weather on Earth! It belongs to the White Mountains.
- Mount Guyot in the Great Smoky Mountains (between Tennessee and North Carolina) is 2,018 meters (6,621 feet) tall. The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their misty, forest-covered peaks.
- Mount Le Conte also in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is 2,010 meters (6,593 feet) high. It's a popular spot for hikers.
- Mount Craig is another high peak in North Carolina, standing at 2,026 meters (6,647 feet). It's very close to Mount Mitchell.
Mountains by Region
The Appalachian Mountains cover a huge area, so let's look at some notable mountains in different regions.
Southern Appalachians
This part of the Appalachians includes states like Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- Blue Ridge Mountains: This is a major sub-range known for its blue haze. Besides Mount Mitchell, it includes:
* Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, which is 1,818 meters (5,964 feet) tall and has a famous "Mile High Swinging Bridge." * Brasstown Bald in Georgia, the highest point in that state, at 1,458 meters (4,784 feet). * Mount Rogers in Virginia, the state's highest peak, reaching 1,746 meters (5,729 feet).
- Cumberland Mountains: This range spans Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
* Black Mountain is the highest point in Kentucky, at 1,263 meters (4,145 feet).
Central Appalachians
This region covers states like West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
- Allegheny Mountains: A large section of the Appalachians.
* Spruce Knob in West Virginia is the highest point in that state, standing at 1,482 meters (4,863 feet). * Mount Davis is the highest point in Pennsylvania, at 979 meters (3,213 feet).
- Pocono Mountains: Located in Pennsylvania, these mountains are popular for skiing and outdoor activities.
* Camelback Mountain is 650 meters (2,133 feet) tall.
Northern Appalachians
This area includes states like New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, as well as parts of Canada.
- Catskill Mountains: Found in New York, these mountains are known for their beautiful forests and waterfalls.
* Slide Mountain is the tallest in the Catskills, at 1,270 meters (4,166 feet).
- Green Mountains: Running through Vermont, these mountains are famous for their lush forests.
* Mount Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont, reaching 1,339 meters (4,393 feet).
- White Mountains: Located in New Hampshire and Maine, these mountains are rugged and home to some of the highest peaks in the Northeast.
* Besides Mount Washington, there's Mount Adams at 1,766 meters (5,793 feet).
- Longfellow Mountains: A range in Maine.
* Mount Katahdin in Maine is 1,606 meters (5,268 feet) tall and marks the northern end of the famous Appalachian Trail.
- Notre Dame Mountains: This range extends into Quebec, Canada.
* Mont Jacques-Cartier is the highest peak in the Chic-Choc Mountains (a part of the Notre Dame Mountains) in Quebec, standing at 1,270 meters (4,167 feet).
Smaller but Interesting Mountains
Not all mountains are super tall to be interesting! Many smaller mountains and ridges are important for their unique geology, history, or local significance.
- Metacomet Ridge: This long, narrow ridge runs through Connecticut and Massachusetts. It's made of volcanic rock and has many interesting cliffs and rock formations.
* Sleeping Giant in Connecticut is a popular hiking spot, named because its shape looks like a giant lying down. It's 225 meters (738 feet) tall.
- Ramapo Mountains: Located in New Jersey and New York, these mountains are part of the New York–New Jersey Highlands.
* High Mountain is 337 meters (1,106 feet) high and offers great views.
The Appalachian Mountains are a truly amazing natural wonder, offering incredible beauty and a rich history across many different states and even into Canada!
See also
- List of mountains in Maryland
- List of mountains in Massachusetts
- List of mountains of New Hampshire
- List of mountains in North Carolina
- List of mountains of Vermont
- List of mountains in Virginia
- List of subranges of the Appalachian Mountains