Discover the 14 States the Appalachian Mountains Run Through

The Appalachians are a mountain range in the eastern part of the United States that spans 13 states and around 2,000 miles. In the mountain range, there are several subregions that each have a distinct character. You can even traverse the entire mountain range and then some on the Appalachian Trail. In the early days of the United States, these mountains presented a challenge to travel from east to west. They came to symbolize the adventurous American spirit intent on westward expansion. Many of the gaps and valleys in the mountain range become important in both railroad and vehicular travel over the years.

This mountain range is over 1 billion years old, at least parts of it are. The very first processes that led to the formation of the Appalachians began roughly 1.2 billion years ago. Around 500 million years ago, the mountain range was much higher and more dramatic. But erosion over hundreds of millions of years led to the range that we are familiar with today.

The Appalachian Highlands is the term given to the area in the United States. Canada calls the same range on their side of the border the Appalachian Uplands. There are plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for recreation through the mountains. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile trail that appeals to through hikers and day hikers alike.

1. Alabama

The section that runs through Alabama is part of the Appalachian Plateau region of the mountain range. Chehea Mountain is the highest peak in the state at just over 2,400 feet. This is much lower than some other sections of the mountain range but still very impressive. There is a small fee to get into the park where Chehea Mountain Peak is located. You’ll need to pay between $2 and $5 for a day pass, although kids aged 3 and under get in for free. If you love exploring the mountains and plan to return frequently, an annual pass might be the best option for you.

2. Georgia

The Appalachians begin in Georgia on the southern end. This part of the mountain range is in the Blue Ridge region. Sometimes, these mountains are also referred to as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many hikers on the Appalachian Trail begin in Georgia and travel by foot all the way to the northern edge of the mountain range in Maine, although this takes months of hiking and preparation. Brasstown Bald is the highest peak in Georgia at 4,784 feet.

3. Kentucky

Kentucky also falls in the Appalachian Plateau. Black Mountain at 4,145 feet is the highest peak in the Kentucky portion of the Appalachians. Although the state may be known for its horse racing and genteel charm, the mountainous parts of the Appalachians are also a must-visit destination. Black Mountain and the mountainous region of the state are on the eastern side. Temperatures are pretty temperate, making this a good area to visit year-round.

4. Tennessee

Clingman’s Dome in Tennessee is one of the highest spots in the entire Appalachians. It is a whopping 6,288 feet high. It is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which includes land in Tennessee and North Carolina. This section of the Appalachians tends to have higher peaks and breathtaking views, which draw many visitors. You’ll have to hike up some steep terrain to the top, which is about a half mile from the main parking area. Unfortunately, it isn’t accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with mobility challenges. Fortunately, there are many other beautiful places and trails in the area that are more accessible. This area includes the highest sections of the Appalachian Trail.

5. South Carolina

This portion of the Appalachian Mountains is also in the Blue Ridge. This section is characterized by the deep blueish-green color effect that occurs when the dense forests of the mountains are in shadow. The highest peak in the South Carolina section of the Appalachians is Sassafras Mountain at 3,553 feet. Sassafras Mountain is right on the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. Although the peak is in South Carolina, the nearest town, Rosman, is in North Carolina. The peak doesn’t have stairs and is wheelchair accessible but has a steep incline, so it may not be an option for everyone. There is a survey marker on the peak.

6. North Carolina

This state is home to Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the Appalachian Mountains at 6,684 feet. It is also the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi River. The Appalachians in North Carolina have higher peaks and the spectacular views that come with them. If you want to see the mountainous parts of the state, head west. Asheville and the surrounding towns are widely considered some of the best to visit for a retreat in the mountains.

7. Virginia

The Appalachians run through Virginia in the Blue Ridge section. This mid-Atlantic state is dominated by this mountain range, especially in the western part of the state. Mount Rogers is 5,729 feet and the highest part of the Appalachians in Virginia. There are rock formations, spruce-fir forests, and other landscapes offering plenty of natural beauty in this area. George Washington and Jefferson National Forest include the Appalachian Mountains as well as 400 miles of trails, including 60 miles of the Appalachian Trail. There are also designated trails for mountain biking and horseback riding in this national forest.

8. West Virginia

West Virginia begins the Appalachian Plateau portion of the mountain range. Spruce Knob in West Virginia is the highest portion in the state at 4,863 feet. This area is popular for rock climbing and mountaineering. In fact, the state embraces the mountaineering and pioneering culture so much that it is the mascot of West Virginia University. The entire state of West Virginia is included in the Appalachian Mountains, giving it the nickname of The Mountain State.

9. Maryland

The Appalachians in Maryland are primarily in the western portion of the state. Backbone Mountain is 3,360 feet high and the tallest peak in the Appalachians in Maryland. It is near the Maryland-West Virginia border. Backbone Mountain is the highest point in the state of Maryland and part of the Eastern continental divide. This line marks the border between the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico watershed. Many consider Maryland the United States in miniature because the state includes the ocean to the east and mountains to the west, as well as everything in between.

10. Ohio

Another state within the Appalachian Plateau, Ohio has the lowest section of the Appalachians. The highest peak within the state is Campbell Hill, which is only 1,549 feet high. It is one of the most accessible state high points in the United States. A parking lot is on the edge of the hill and you can easily walk to the peak. It was formerly an Air Force Station during the Cold War but is now a well-maintained park and landmark.

11. Pennsylvania

The midpoint of the Appalachian Train is in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania. This section of the mountain range is part of the Appalachian Plateau. Many hikers who through-hike the Appalachian Trail are excited to get to the Cumberland Valley. Mount Davis in Pennsylvania is the highest peak in the state at 3,213 feet high. You can visit the Appalachian Trail Museum in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania to learn more about the trail, its history, and the impact the AT has had on culture in the states it passes through.

12. New York

The section of the mountains that run through New York is called the Adirondacks. Many people go to this area to enjoy the beauty of nature and the stunning Appalachian Mountains. The highest peak in the New York section of the mountain range is Mount Marcy, which is 5,344 feet high. To get to the top, you’ll need to hike 7.4 miles (one way), cross streams, scale rocks, and hike up steep terrain. It’s not a trail for inexperienced hikers. Attempting to make it to the top in winter requires snowshoes and extensive knowledge of winter hiking to be safe.

13. New Hampshire

This state is in the section of the Appalachians which is collectively called the New England region. Mount Washington in New Hampshire is a staggering 6,288 feet high. This summit includes an Observatory that studies and tracks weather patterns and phenomena. Because the weather at this peak can be so extreme, it is an interesting opportunity for researchers and visitors to see it first-hand. If you’d rather learn about the weather at the summit from the comfort and warmth of home, check out their live-streaming webcams to see current conditions.

14. Maine

Maine is an important state in the Appalachian Mountains, especially for those hiking the Appalachian Trail. Mount Katahdin is the northern end of the trail and those who through-hike the trail are excited to reach this peak, which stands 5,269 feet high. There are actually multiple peaks on this mountain, including the South Peak, Pamola Peak, Hamlin Peak, and Baxter Peak, which is the highest and the official terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

Summary of Appalachian States