The most prominent feature of this system is the Great Appalachian Valley. The Great Appalachian Valley comprises the St. The Appalachian Mountains are regarded as the oldest system of mountain ranges on the planet.
They are believed to have been formed approximately million years ago during the Ordovician period. At this time, the ancient Iapetus oceanic plate began to subduct beneath the North American Plate , leading to a period of mountain-building Taconic orogeny that resulted in the formation of the mountains that we see today. Over the next million years, the region experienced a series of mountain-building activities including the Alleghenian, Acadian, Caledonian, Ouachita, and Hercynian orogenies.
The northernmost parts of the range were extensively glaciated during the Pleistocene Epoch. It is believed that the Appalachians were initially as high as the Alps and the Rocky Mountains, but natural erosion eventually led to a reduction in the height of the mountains.
The southern and central regions of the Appalachian Mountains are known for their coal deposits mainly bituminous and anthracite coal. Recently deposits of petroleum and natural gas and minerals like iron and zinc have also been found.
The Presidential Range and the Canadian ranges of the White Mountains experience arctic and subarctic climatic conditions. Mount Washington is well-known for having the harshest weather among all the mountains. In the north, the plateaus and low rounded mountains of the Gaspe Peninsula the Shickshock Range may exceed 4, ft 1, m in elevation. Seven peaks in New Hampshire's Presidential Range exceed 5, ft 1, m.
Mount Washington , at 6, ft 1, m , is the second-highest Appalachian peak. Elevations over 5, ft 1, m begin in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, like Mt.
The highest peak in the Appalachians and the eastern United States is Mt. Mitchell in the Black Mountains of North Carolina at 6, ft 2, m. The climate of the Appalachian Mountains varies with latitude and elevation.
Annual precipitation averages 35 in 89 cm in inland areas but may exceed 58 in cm along the coast. In the central and southern Appalachians, average annual temperatures may range from 50 to 64 degrees F 10 to 18 degrees C , respectively.
This ecoregion is dominated by balsam fir, black spruce, white spruce, and paper birch forests. Wildlife throughout the Appalachian Mountains includes an array of medium and large-size mammals, such as coyotes, foxes, deer, and even black bears, as well as a great diversity of bird life.
In the northernmost parts of the Appalachians, snowshoe hares, grey wolves, Canada lynx, moose, caribou, and northern bird species, such as eider ducks are more prevalent. The Appalachians cover a wide region that has been home to humans for thousands of years.
Countless groups called the mountains home, long before the arrival of European settlers. Although this settlement was somewhat short lived, it perhaps had some historical connection to the tales told in some of the Icelandic sagas.
Some centuries later, the establishment of various European colonies throughout eastern North America set the stage for the later settlement of the Appalachians in the 18th century. While much of the early European settlement of the continent focused on the more coastal areas, as the region became more heavily populated, many immigrated to Appalachia, though the more mountainous areas are still somewhat sparsely populated today. Logging was also an especially important industry in the northern parts of the range.
The region in and around Appalachia has seen a larger surge in tourism with the establishment of many popular outdoor recreation areas, such as national forests and national parks. Places within the Appalachians, such as the White Mountains in New Hampshire , have long been a popular tourist destination for visitors from major metropolitan areas, like Boston.
The establishment of the Appalachian Trail, which runs much of the length of the US part of the range from Springer Mountain , Georgia to Mount Katahdin , Maine , in the late s has also helped to drive recreation in the region.
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails in the range, but here are some of the most popular options to choose from:. Located along a prominent ridge, this hike boasts views of picturesque Pennsylvania farmland.
The Pinnacle is the highest local point in the region and is said to offer the best views in Pennsylvania. Standing at 6, ft in elevation, Clingman's Dome offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. This iconic protruding ledge is found atop Catawba Mountain at 2, feet. Located at elevation 4, feet, Mount Moosilauke is located at the southwestern end of the White Mountains. The highlight of hiking Mount Moosilauke is its degree views of the surrounding New England landscape.
From the treeless summit, hikers will appreciate views of the Presidential Range , Franconia Ridge , the rest of the White Mountains, portions of the Green Mountains , and the Adirondacks. Killington Peak is the second highest summit in the Green Mountains and is a popular hiking area and ski area. A portion of the Appalachian Trail also crosses Killington Peak. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains , Springer Mountain sits at 3, feet and serves as the southern terminus for the Appalachian Trail.
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