Black Mountains, Mountain range in western North Carolina, United States
The Black Mountains are a mountain range in western North Carolina, covering Yancey and Buncombe counties. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, rises to 2036 meters (6684 feet) here and forms the central point of the chain.
Native tribes lived here for thousands of years, until European explorers reached the region in the sixteenth century. Hernando de Soto arrived in the area in 1540 during his expedition through the Southeast.
The name comes from the dark conifers on the slopes, which make the ridge appear almost black from a distance. Hikers and locals often use the viewpoints as meeting spots in the early morning, when fog hangs over the valleys.
Trails often start at lower elevations and climb gradually, with temperatures dropping noticeably with each gain in altitude. Visitors should wear layers and be prepared for changing conditions, especially above the tree line.
Firs and spruces on the upper slopes often grow crooked and wind-shaped, because the summit wind blows constantly from the west. These trees look as if they are permanently ducking away from the wind.
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