The Tallest Mountains In The Eastern United States

The western United States is well known for its rugged and mountainous terrain, with shining examples like the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas, the Cascades, and several other ranges standing out and attracting millions of outdoor adventurers every year. This often leaves the eastern half out of the discussion when it comes to the country's greatest peaks. We feel this is unfair and that many mountains near the Atlantic coast deserve a little more attention. With "east" being anything east of the Mississippi River in this example, we will cover this side's greatest peaks, along with highlighting why they all make for great outdoor destinations to visit throughout the year.

10. Old Black - 6,370 ft - Tennessee/North Carolina

Despite its impressive height of 6,370 feet, Old Black is often overlooked due to its heavily forested summit, which limits clear views of the surrounding area but enhances its appeal for those seeking some peace and quiet in the forests of the Smoky Mountains. Access to Old Black is typically via the Appalachian Trail, with the closest approach being from the Snake Den Ridge or Cosby Campground trails. The hike to the summit is considered to be challenging, with steep inclines and rugged terrain, but the journey is well worth it for anyone who wants to conquer one of the largest peaks in the eastern United States.

9. Mount Love - 6,400 ft - Tennessee/North Carolina

Mount Love stands at 6400 feet and is a major peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Part of the Smokies’ high ridge, it sits in the greater Appalachian Range and lies between Kuwohi (the highest point in the park) and Mount Collins. Access to Mount Love is typically gained via the Appalachian Trail, which meanders through its slopes. The trail traverses lush spruce-fir forests characteristic of the Smokies’ higher elevations, providing hikers with a cool, shaded journey. Named in honor of Robert Love, a prominent figure in North Carolina’s early history, Mount Love's natural beauty and historical ties make it a meaningful point of interest within one of the eastern United States’ most celebrated mountain ranges.

8. Richland Balsam - 6,410 ft - North Carolina

Richland Balsam, standing at 6,410 feet, is the highest point along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The mountain is named after its prominent stands of balsam fir trees, which are found in abundance in the area. Located near milepost 431.4 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Richland Balsam Overlook, at 6,053 ft, provides very easily accessible panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Black Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. You can reach the peak via a relatively short, easy trail that begins at the Richland Balsam Overlook too, offering a simple hike with more beautiful views of the surrounding forests and valleys. It makes for a great day trip from the nearby town of Waynesville.

7. Mount Chapman - 6,427 ft - Tennessee/North Carolina

Located along the North Carolina-Tennessee border, Mount Chapman rises 6,427 feet and is one of the lesser-known high peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains. The mountain is named after Colonel David Chapman, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s.

Reaching Mount Chapman requires a backcountry trek, most commonly via the Appalachian Trail. Its remote location and challenging terrain make it a destination primarily for experienced hikers seeking solitude and unspoiled wilderness. The trail will give you multiple viewpoints to soak in views of other peaks, dense spruce-fir forests, and diverse wildlife, including black bears and various bird species.

6. Mount Buckley - 6,580 ft - North Carolina

Mount Buckley reaches 6,580 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. This mountain is part of the Black Mountains range and is situated near the higher-profile peaks of Mount Mitchell and Mount Craig. Though not as well-known as some of its neighboring summits, Mount Buckley presents an excellent destination for hiking and exploration in a less-traveled area of the park.

The mountain is accessible via a combination of trails, most notably the Mount Buckley Trail, which provides a moderately challenging route to the summit. The peak is mainly characterized by its steep slopes, rugged terrain, and dense forest cover, making it an especially nice spot to visit in the fall season when the foliage changes color. Regardless of when you go, visitors to Mount Buckley often enjoy a quiet, secluded experience compared to the more popular nearby trails.

5. Mount Le Conte - 6,593 ft - Tennessee

Mount Le Conte stands at 6,593 feet and is another prominent peak in the renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southeastern Tennessee. It is named after the famous geologist Arnold Guyot, who was also known as "Le Conte" in honor of his work in mapping the region.

Several hiking trails lead to the summit, with the Alum Cave Trail and the Rainbow Falls Trail being among the most frequented. The ascent to the top offers a range of ecosystems, from dense forests to rocky outcrops, and the views from the summit are some of the best in the park. The summit also features the Le Conte Lodge, a rustic mountain retreat that operates seasonally, providing a place for hikers to rest and enjoy the high mountain environment. Mount Le Conte’s varied habitats also support a huge variety of wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching and nature photography.

4. Mount Guyot - 6,621 ft - Tennessee/North Carolina

Mount Guyot, standing at 6,621 feet, is the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the second-tallest in Tennessee. Named after the Swiss geographer Arnold Guyot, the mountain is located along the North Carolina-Tennessee border and is a prominent feature of the Appalachian Mountains. Its summit is characterized by a large, flat, and forested plateau, which is unusual for the region’s typically rugged peaks.

While Mount Guyot lacks an observation tower like other nearby peaks, it remains a popular destination for experienced hikers due to its remote location and challenging trails. Like many entries on this list, the Appalachian Trail runs through the area and a series of other backcountry trails lead to the summit.

3. Kuwohi - 6,643 ft - Tennessee/North Carolina

Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, is the highest point in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rising to 6,643 feet. This peak lies on the North Carolina-Tennessee border and is a prominent feature of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses its summit. The name “Kuwohi,” meaning “Mulberry Place,” originates from the Cherokee language, reflecting the mountain's cultural significance as a major meeting for the Cherokee people in the heart of their traditional territory.

You can reach the top via a steep, paved half-mile trail leading to an observation tower. On clear days, the tower provides 360-degree views spanning over 100 miles across seven states. Kuwohi is also a hub for unique biodiversity, with its spruce-fir forests housing rare plant and animal species. Its high elevation often creates cool, misty conditions, adding to the mountain’s beauty even when the sun isn't shining.

2. Mount Craig - 6,647 ft - North Carolina

Mount Craig, with an elevation of 6,647 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Black Mountains of North Carolina, and the second-highest east of the Mississippi River. It is located within the boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest, and the mountain is named after Locke Craig, a former governor of North Carolina.

The summit of Mount Craig is accessible via the Mount Craig Trail, which is a moderate to strenuous hike that leads to the peak from the summit of Mount Mitchell. Its hikers are treated to an expansive viewpoint of the Black Mountains and, on clear days, can see quite far into the distance. Mount Craig is a key destination for those exploring the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a popular spot for both day hikers and backpackers seeking a more challenging adventure.

1. Mount Mitchell - 6,684 ft - North Carolina

Standing at 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the eastern United States and the crown jewel of the Black Mountains in North Carolina. Located within Mount Mitchell State Park, the mountain is named after Elisha Mitchell, a professor who studied its elevation in the 19th century and tragically died while exploring its slopes.

The peak is accessible via a paved road and a short walking trail, leading to a viewing platform with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes. The region’s unique high-altitude environment near the east coast also supports rare and interesting plant species, including Fraser firs and red spruce.

Here, you are free to explore numerous hiking trails, learn about the mountain’s history at the Mount Mitchell museum near the summit (which is accessible via an autoroute), or go camping at the Mt. Mitchell Campground. Visiting Mount Mitchel should be near the top of your to-do list if you find yourself in the nearby city of Asheville.

Explore More Of America's Eastern Mountains

Although many of the top ten tallest mountains in the eastern United States form up the rugged border between Tennessee and North Carolina, you can find some impressive peaks a little further north too. Mount Washington in New Hampshire (6,288 feet), Mount Rogers in Virginia (5,729 feet), Mount Marcy in New York (5,343 feet), and Mount Katahdin in Maine (5,269 feet), are just some other notable examples that are not just lofty but wonderful natural landmarks to explore. How many of these mountains can you summit this year?