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The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Southern Appalachian Mountains
This region has the oldest river in
The Southern Appalachian Mountains blanket the western third of North Carolina, part of a chain of ancient peaks and valleys stretching more than 1,500 miles from Canada to central Alabama. TNC has worked to protect the tremendous natural diversity of this special place for more than 30 years.
Why so Special?
Towering mountain peaks, rock outcrops and waterfalls dot the landscape, creating specialized habitats and unique natural communities. This is a region of extremes, featuring the oldest river in North America (the New River) and the highest peak east of the Rockies (Mount Mitchell).
From bog turtles to black bears, peregrine falcons to ruffed grouse, the Southern Appalachians are home to a vast array of species. Steep mountainsides nurture a profusion of wildflowers, fissure caves provide habitat for endangered bats and rare salamanders and dense forests host vast numbers of migrating songbirds.
The Conservancy has helped preserve some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Southern Appalachians, places like Grandfather Mountain, the Joccassee Gorges and the Roan Highlands. Conservancy preserves at Bluff Mountain and Bat Cave are among our oldest projects in the state, and efforts continue to safeguard our state's most special natural places.
Places to Visit
Conservation Landscapes
New River Headwaters
Bluff Mountain Preserve
Elk Knob State Park
Paddy Mountain Preserve
Three Top Mountain Game Land
Stone Mountain State Park
Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest
Greater Roan Highlands
Big Yellow Mountain Preserve
Celo Knob
Mount Mitchell State Park
Plott Balsams Preserve
Richland Balsam Mountain Preserve
Needmore Game Land
Nantahala National Forest
Bonas Defeat Gorge/Balsam Area
Panthertown Valley
Standing Indian Mountain
Blue Ridge Escarpment Gorges
Green River Game Land
Gorges State Park
Silver Run Preserve
Hickory Nut Gorge
Bat Cave Preserve
Rainbow Falls
Rumbling Bald Preserve
Chimney Rock State Park
Things To Do
Plan Your Visit
The NC State Parks website is a great place to start planning your next outdoor adventure.
Directions
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
Read More
Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories
Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos
Keep NC's Special Places Free To Roam
When you donate today, you’ll help the Conservancy protect places in North Carolina and around the world.
