Elevations of the Appalachian Mountains: From Mount Mitchell to the Coast

The Appalachian Mountains span ~2,400 km with elevations ranging from sea level (coastal plain) to 2,037 m (6,684 ft) at the summit of Mount Mitchell, North Carolina—the highest point east of the Mississippi River.

🏔️ Notable Peaks by Region

📉 Elevation Trends

• Northern Appalachians (ME–NY): Rugged, glaciated, 1,200–1,900 m.
• Central (PA–VA): Long parallel ridges (Ridge-and-Valley), 600–1,400 m.
• Southern (Blue Ridge, NC–GA–TN): Highest, most rugged, 1,500–2,037 m.
• Cumberland Plateau (KY–AL): Dissected tableland, 300–1,000 m.

🗺️ Vertical Relief

Local relief (valley to peak) often 600–1,200 m—impressive for "old" mountains. Linville Gorge (NC): 600 m relief. New River Gorge (WV): 300 m.

The Appalachians are not high by global standards (Himalaya >8,000 m), but their ancient, eroded grandeur and ecological richness make them a world-class mountain system.