Unaka Range facts for kids
The Unaka Range is a group of mountains located right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. These mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. They stretch from the Nolichucky River in the south up to the Watauga River in the north.
The Unaka Mountains are famous for their beautiful Roan Highlands. Here, some mountain tops reach over 6,000 feet high! To the north, you'll find the Iron Mountains, and to the south are the Bald Mountains.
The name "Unaka" comes from the Cherokee word unega, which means "white". Long ago, many American Chestnut trees grew here. These trees had lovely white blossoms in the spring. People say that when the chestnuts bloomed, the mountains looked white. This is why the local Cherokee people called them the "White Mountains."
Large parts of the Unaka Mountains are protected. They are part of the Cherokee National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest. The famous Appalachian Trail, a long hiking path, also goes right over the top of the Unaka mountains.
Sometimes, the name "Unaka Range" is used more broadly. It can refer to all the mountains along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. This includes the Great Smoky Mountains, the Bald Mountains, and the Unicoi Mountains.
Did you know that a special type of rock called Unakite was first found here? It was even named after the Unaka Range!
Exploring the Unaka Wilderness
The Unaka Mountain Wilderness is a special protected area. The U.S. Congress created it in 1986. This wilderness covers about 4,472 acres. It is managed by the United States Forest Service. This means the area is kept wild and natural for everyone to enjoy.
Tallest Peaks in the Unakas
The highest point in the Unaka Range is Roan High Knob. This peak rises to an impressive 6,285 feet (about 1,916 meters) above sea level. It's a great place to see amazing views!
Here are some of the other notable peaks in the Unaka Range:
- Roan High Bluff: 6,178 feet
- Cloudland Mountain: 6,267 feet
- Grassy Ridge Bald: 6,189 feet
- Round Bald: 5,807 feet
- Jane Bald: 5,807 feet
- Hump Mountain: 5,587 feet
- Little Yellow Mountain: 5,504 feet
- Hawk Mountain: 5,443 feet
- Big Yellow Mountain: 5,440 feet
