Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains are a large mountain system in eastern North America that extends from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to central Alabama in the United States.

The Appalachian Mountains are a large mountain system in eastern North America that extends from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to central Alabama in the United States. They are among the oldest mountains on Earth and form a long natural barrier between the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the interior of the continent. The northern end of the range lies in Newfoundland and Labrador, and parts of the broader mountain system extend through eastern Canada.

Geography

The Appalachian Mountains run in a long northeast-southwest chain across eastern North America. They pass through parts of Canada, the United States, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and they strongly influence regional landscapes and travel routes.

Geology

The Appalachians are among the oldest mountains on Earth and were formed through ancient tectonic collisions. Over immense spans of time, erosion has worn them down from much higher elevations.

Subregions and notable ranges

The system is usually divided into northern, central, and southern sections, with many named subranges. Well-known examples include the Blue Ridge Mountains, the White Mountains, the Catskills, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Human significance

The range served as a major barrier to westward movement in colonial and early national history in North America. It also supports forestry, mining, recreation, tourism, and long-distance hiking.