Snake Mountain (North Carolina – Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snake Mountain |
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Snake Mountain, viewed from Trade, Tennessee
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,564 ft (1,696 m) |
| Prominence | 2,240 ft (680 m) |
| Geography | |
 Snake Mountain
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Watauga County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Zionville |
Snake Mountain is a cool mountain that sits right on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern United States. It's part of the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains. This mountain has two main peaks, like two high points! The tallest one reaches about 5,564 feet (1,696 meters) into the sky. The slightly lower peak, at 5,518 feet (1,682 meters), is the highest spot in Johnson County, Tennessee.
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Where is Snake Mountain Located?
Snake Mountain is found east of a community called Zionville. It stretches across parts of Watauga County, North Carolina, and Johnson County, Tennessee. Imagine a giant snake winding its way across the landscape – that's how the main ridge, Snake Mountain Ridge, forms the border between these two states!
What Rivers and Streams Start Here?
This mountain is super important for water! Many small streams, called feeder streams, begin on Snake Mountain. These streams flow into bigger rivers. Some go to the North Fork New River (through Maine Branch), others to the South Fork New River (via Meat Camp Creek), and some feed into the Watauga River (through Cove Creek). It's like the mountain is a giant water fountain for the area!
What are the Ridges and Gaps Around the Mountain?
Besides the main Snake Mountain Ridge, there are other smaller ridges that branch off. These include Sugartree Ridge and Hessian Ridge, which are to the west of the mountain. There are also several "gaps" around the mountain. Gaps are like low points or passes that make it easier to travel through the mountains. Some of these gaps are Elk Horn Gap, Pottertown Gap, Rich Mountain Gap, and State Line Gap.
A Bit of History: Old Trails
Did you know that Snake Mountain has a cool history with old trails? Two very old and important trails, the Old Buffalo Trail and the Daniel Boone Trail, both met up at the base of the mountain, near Zionville. These trails were used by animals and early explorers, showing how important this area was for travel long ago.
