All mountains have advantages and disadvantages, so I will try to stick to those specific to the Appalachian Mountains.
One major advantage of the Appalachian Mountains is their beauty. Many national, state, and local parks preserve the landscape, including the famous Appalachian Trail, or the AT. The AT runs from Springer Mountain, GA to Mount Katahdin, ME, roughly 2,200 miles (3,500 km). It passes through Great Smokey Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.
Another advantage is the natural resources. Timber and coal are abundant, giving the mountains a reputation for industry. However, these have also turned into a disadvantage, particularly the latter. The impact of coal mining, both locally and globally, is very negative. This dependence on coal has led to poor economic performance, particularly in West Virginia.
Another disadvantage is the inaccessible people. Many live in "hollows," valleys that are often only reachable by one lane roads. This helps perpetuate the depressed economic conditions. Since school, work, and medical care are harder to access, illiteracy and unemployment remain high.
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