Location and Features of the Appalachian Mountains

Eastern North America's Ancient Range

The Appalachian Mountains extend ~2,400 km (1,500 mi) from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada southwest to central Alabama, USA. Width reaches ~320 km.

Major Subregions

• Northern Appalachians: Long Range (NL), Chic-Chocs (QC), White Mountains (NH/ME), Green Mountains (VT).
• Central Appalachians: Catskills (NY), Poconos (PA), Blue Ridge (PA/MD/WV/VA), Ridge-and-Valley (PA to AL).
• Southern Appalachians: Great Smokies (NC/TN), Blue Ridge (GA/SC/NC), Cumberland Plateau.

Ecology & Recreation

• Mixed deciduous/coniferous forests: oak, maple, hickory, spruce, fir.
• Wildlife: black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, salamander diversity.
• Appalachian Trail (3,500 km), Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous parks (Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains).
• Ski resorts (e.g., Snowshoe WV, Sugarloaf ME).

The Appalachians are a biodiversity hotspot and cultural corridor shaped by 480 million years of geologic history.