Appalachians

The Appalachian Mountains, commonly called the Appalachians, are a major mountain range in eastern North America. They extend roughly 1,500 miles from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to central Alabama in the United States, passing through numerous states and provinces. They are among the oldest mountains on the continent and have been considerably shaped by erosion.

Geologically, the range formed during the Paleozoic Era through multiple continental collisions, followed by long-term erosion that produced broad ridges and valleys. Today the Appalachians are lower and more rounded than younger mountain systems, reflecting their great age.

The range comprises several subranges and a variety of landscapes. The highest peak in the United States portion is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters). The mountains influence climate, hydrology, and regional biodiversity.

Ecologically, the Appalachians host deciduous and mixed forests with oaks, maples, pines, and birches, and support wildlife such as black bears and white-tailed deer. Humans have used the region for coal, timber, and tourism; the Appalachian Trail spans about 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine and remains a notable recreational and cultural feature.

Conservation and development efforts seek to protect watersheds, forests, and cultural heritage while addressing resource extraction and rural economic needs. The Appalachians are a defining geographical and cultural feature of eastern North America.