Which US States Make Up Appalachia?

Appalachia is a region that stretches across the Eastern United States, weaving together rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a culture that is both proud and enduring. Many people associate the term with bluegrass music, coal mining, or the Appalachian Trail, but the region is far more complex and expansive than its popular image. Covering 13 states and more than 200,000 square miles, Appalachia is home to over 25 million people and has played a major role in shaping the nation’s history, economy, and identity.

So, which states make up Appalachia? How did this region get its borders, and what makes it unique? Let’s break it down.

The Origins of Appalachia

The name “Appalachia” comes from the Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The range stretches from southern New York to northern Mississippi, but not all areas touched by these mountains are considered part of the official region. In 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was established to define the boundaries and address the economic challenges that many Appalachian communities faced. Today, the ARC’s definition is the standard reference for which states belong to Appalachia.

The 13 States of Appalachia

According to the ARC, Appalachia spans 13 states. Some are included in full, while others only have portions within the official boundary. Here’s the complete list.

Alabama

• Portion included: Northern Alabama

• Key cities: Huntsville, Florence, Gadsden

• Highlights: This section of Appalachia features rolling foothills, part of the Appalachian Plateau, and a strong connection to early iron and steel production.

Georgia

• Portion included: Northwestern Georgia

• Key cities: Dalton, Rome

• Highlights: The region here includes Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga Battlefield, blending Civil War history with scenic mountain terrain.

Kentucky

• Portion included: Eastern Kentucky

• Key cities: Pikeville, Hazard

• Highlights: Known for its coal mining history, this part of Appalachia has a strong cultural identity shaped by music, mining, and mountain traditions.

Maryland

• Portion included: Western Maryland

• Key cities: Cumberland, Frostburg

• Highlights: A narrow stretch of mountains and river valleys that includes parts of the Allegheny Front and historic transportation routes.

Mississippi

• Portion included: Northeastern Mississippi

• Key cities: Tupelo, Corinth

• Highlights: The Appalachian foothills here are gentle and rolling, offering a different landscape from the dramatic mountains further north.

New York

• Portion included: Southern tier of New York

• Key cities: Binghamton, Elmira

• Highlights: Rich in natural gas and home to the Finger Lakes region’s edge, this area links Appalachia to the Northeast’s industrial past.

North Carolina

• Portion included: Western North Carolina

• Key cities: Asheville, Boone

• Highlights: The Blue Ridge Mountains dominate this part of Appalachia, known for its thriving arts scene, craft traditions, and outdoor recreation.

Ohio

• Portion included: Eastern and southeastern Ohio

• Key cities: Athens, Marietta

• Highlights: This portion includes the Appalachian Plateau, once rich in coal and now home to a growing network of parks and heritage trails.

Pennsylvania

• Portion included: Central and western Pennsylvania

• Key cities: Pittsburgh, Johnstown

• Highlights: The Allegheny Mountains and the historic steel belt fall within this boundary, marking the northern industrial heart of Appalachia.

South Carolina

• Portion included: Northwestern South Carolina

• Key cities: Greenville, Spartanburg

• Highlights: This corner of the state includes the Blue Ridge foothills and key routes used in colonial and Revolutionary War eras.

Tennessee

• Portion included: Eastern Tennessee

• Key cities: Knoxville, Johnson City

• Highlights: Home to the Great Smoky Mountains, Appalachian music heritage, and the birthplace of country music in Bristol.

Virginia

• Portion included: Southwestern and western Virginia

• Key cities: Roanoke, Abingdon

• Highlights: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail both pass through here, making it one of the most iconic stretches of the region.

West Virginia

• Portion included: Entire state

• Key cities: Charleston, Morgantown, Beckley

• Highlights: The only state fully within Appalachia, West Virginia is often considered the cultural heart of the region with its coal towns, forested mountains, and deep Appalachian roots.

What Defines the Appalachian Region?

The boundaries of Appalachia are not just about mountains. The ARC used economic, cultural, and geographic factors to set its definition. Here are a few elements that make the region distinct:

• Mountainous terrain: From the Blue Ridge to the Cumberland Plateau, steep slopes and narrow valleys shaped settlement patterns.

• Coal and timber industries: These industries drove the region’s economy for more than a century.

• Cultural heritage: Bluegrass music, storytelling, folk art, and traditional crafts remain strong here.

• Economic challenges: Many areas experienced persistent poverty after the decline of coal and manufacturing.

• Community resilience: Despite challenges, Appalachian communities are known for strong local ties and grassroots innovation.

Map of Appalachia

While a visual map best tells the story, here is a breakdown of how much of each state falls within the region:

A Region Rich in Culture and History

Appalachia is not a single culture, but a tapestry of influences. Indigenous tribes including the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Iroquois lived here for centuries before European settlement. Later, Scots-Irish, German, African American, and Eastern European communities added their traditions. Today, this blend is reflected in the region’s music, food, festivals, and folklore.

Historic railroads, logging camps, and coal towns dot the landscape. Many have transformed into heritage sites or outdoor destinations. The region also played a major role in American industrialization, supplying coal, timber, and labor for cities along the East Coast and Midwest.

The Modern Appalachian Identity

Today, Appalachia is undergoing a transformation. Outdoor tourism is thriving in places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the New River Gorge in West Virginia, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Small towns are reinventing themselves with craft breweries, music venues, and heritage trails. Renewable energy and sustainable forestry are beginning to replace older industries.

Education and technology are also making their mark. Colleges like Appalachian State University in North Carolina and Marshall University in West Virginia are centers of research and regional development.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the region has seen progress, it still faces challenges:

• Economic transitions from coal to diversified industries

• Health disparities in rural areas

• Infrastructure needs, especially in broadband access

However, many Appalachian communities are using their strong sense of identity to drive renewal. Tourism, cultural preservation, and outdoor recreation continue to attract investment and new residents.

The States That Shape Appalachia’s Soul

Understanding which states make up Appalachia reveals more than a set of borders. It uncovers a region that spans from Mississippi to New York, weaving together parts of 13 states under a shared story of history, culture, and resilience.

Each state adds something unique. West Virginia holds the heart of the mountains. Kentucky and Tennessee bring deep roots in coal, music, and folklore. Pennsylvania and Ohio blend industry with tradition, while Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas offer southern charm shaped by rugged terrain. Even New York and Maryland carry their own stretches of the Appalachian spirit.

When you travel through these states, you experience a region tied together not just by ridges and valleys, but by a cultural landscape that has shaped generations of Americans. Knowing which states form Appalachia helps you see how this region continues to influence the nation, from its music and crafts to its enduring sense of community.