Mountains Region

The Appalachian mountain chain runs through the western part of the state, forming the lush landscape of the region. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the state, and at 6,684 feet, it is also the tallest mountain in the eastern United States.

Two-thirds of North Carolina’s mountains are covered with hardwood forests, and in autumn, the over 120 species of trees put on a brilliant display of color. There are hundreds of waterfalls, and cold mountain streams full of trout. Some areas of the region see over 30 inches of snow a year, so skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are popular activities.