I'm so confused. I'm a flat lander now living in Hickory NC, east of Asheville and SE of Boone. Would a local please explain the name of the beautiful mountains I see. I hear Great Smokey's; Appalachian's; Blue Ridge; etc. They all seem to be used interchangeably. Thanks in advance.

Appalachians, they extend from north Georgia at up into New Hampshire and I guess Maine. Worlds oldest mountain range they where once as high as the Himalayas:"The range is mostly located in the United States but extends into southeastern Canada, forming a zone from 100 to 300 mi (160 to 480 km) wide, running from the island of Newfoundland 1,500 mi (2,400 km) southwestward to Central Alabama in the United States"from WikiThey are roughly 500 million years old. And are worn down to nubs.

^^^^Correct.Great Smokies, Blue Ridge, White Mountains (in New England) are names for segments of the Appalachians.

Those are the Blue Ridge mountains you see off in the distance. While they are in the Appalachian Mountains. They are the largest chain. They are just called the Blue Ridge mountains just to separate them from the other smaller sections included in the Blue Ridge chain. like the Smokey Mountains. Pisgah, and Shenandoah. I know I am biased. But the truth is. the Blue Ridge Mts are the coolest in the summer, and coldest in the winter. The highest peak East of the Mississippi is located in the Blue Ridge MT. And if you want to camp. There is a Campground every where you look up there. But you got to be ready to climb the hill. No interstates lead you there from Hickory. Best way to go is 321, or 16. You live less than an hour from the BRP and some of the prettiest views in the world. A day trip to go ride the Parkway is such a relaxing getaway. Close enough just to go camp for the weekend, and be there, and setup by dark on Friday after work. Go explore.

IMHO the Blue Ridge Mountains are the prettiest part of the Appalachian chain.(And yes, it IS confusing.)

You are looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains We live up here in "God's Land" Take a ride up right now and drive along the Parkway. In the thirty years we have lived here , right now has the most beautiful colors I have every seen. Go up 321 and turn south on the parkway. Head toward Grandfather Mountain, and ooh and aah as you come to the viaduct! No pictures or paintings in the world can do it justice! We were up there in Price Lake on Sunday paddling our solo canoesjack L

What is the name of the NC mountain chain where I am at?

tatest
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2015
Sets and subsets of geographic names. Great Smoky Mountains at the south end of the Blue Ridge are part of the Appalachian Mountains which extend from Georgia into Maritime Canada.

Like wondering whether you are from Cedar Island, or North Carolina, or the United States of America, or North America. The answer is yes.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2015
Belgique wrote:
OP here. The earlier suggestions to go peep at leaves this week was spot on. We started the climb out of Morganton and ended up in Blowing Rock. Beauty around every turn. We did notice that it depended on which side of the mountain as to the degree of color. Our guess is that there will be a great show for another 2 weeks (unless a storm comes through). Thanks for all the comments on the names of the ranges.

IF you like apples. You should go up 16 to Sugarloaf out past Taylorsville. The BEST Winesap apples you will ever taste. tart, and fresh this time of year. They also have cider, and locally made jellies, Jams, Preserves, Apple butter, AND sugar Free apple butter, jellies, and preserves. Also have all kinds of candy and such. Well worth the trip.
Belgique
Explorer
Oct 15, 2015
OP here. The earlier suggestions to go peep at leaves this week was spot on. We started the climb out of Morganton and ended up in Blowing Rock. Beauty around every turn. We did notice that it depended on which side of the mountain as to the degree of color. Our guess is that there will be a great show for another 2 weeks (unless a storm comes through). Thanks for all the comments on the names of the ranges.
tragusa3
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Guess I say it wrong...can't argue with that logic.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2015
Well since I was born it has been Appa-latch-an. And when DD graduated from App. The Chancellor pronounced it Appa-latch-an, and since there is not a y in it, or any thing that even looks, or sounds like a y. And since the Indians named them, and a Hatchet is called a hatchet, and not a lay chet. I'm going with Appa-latch-an
RedRocket204
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Terryallan wrote:
Can't understand why any one would travel overseas before they have done the US, and that will take years. This has got to be the prettiest Land in the world.

I have traveled to almost all 50 states and for scenery Alaska has got to be my favorite. I have also been fortunate enough to travel to a number of international locations. So to answer why one would travel overseas... to experience the vast cultural differences and see how others live in this diverse world.

But you are right, the US has amazing natural beauty all over the place and is very diverse... one of the reasons the US is very high on a lot of foreign tourist's lists. Something I hear a lot when visiting other countries.
NanciL
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2015
beemerphile1 wrote:
Now that we have determined they are the Appalachian chain of mountains, how do you pronounce the name?

Up here in Ohio I often here it pronounced appa-lay-shun

During my time in the Southern Appalachians I learned to pronounce it appa-latch-un

Up north it is pronounced Appalay--
Down south it is pronounced Appalatch--

jack L
Pawz4me
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Appa-latch-un
beemerphile1
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Now that we have determined they are the Appalachian chain of mountains, how do you pronounce the name?

Up here in Ohio I often here it pronounced appa-lay-shun

During my time in the Southern Appalachians I learned to pronounce it appa-latch-un
Terryallan
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2015
ken56 wrote:
For those who of us have been fortunate enough to be able to travel from one coast to the other, the stunning beauty of this land we live in is so diverse its hard to find words to do it justice. Nuff said.

I have been lucky enough to drive coats to coast. I have sat with my toes in the Atlantic, and sat on a cliff 1000' over the Pacific. I have seen it snow on a mountain beside of us from above. Looks like God shaking salt. I have looked down roads that are straight as a stick until they fade out of sight. America has EVERYTHING to offer. Can't understand why any one would travel overseas before they have done the US, and that will take years. This has got to be the prettiest Land in the world. God has truly blessed US.