US Major Mountain Ranges Quiz
Rockies, Appalachians, Cascades, Sierra Nevada, Alaska Range (10 questions).
US Major Mountain Ranges Quiz: Quick Study Notes
This quiz tests your knowledge of the major mountain systems shaping the geography of the United States, from the ancient eastern peaks to the rugged western heights.
Key Takeaways
- The Rocky Mountains host the Continental Divide.
- Denali (Alaska Range) is North America’s highest peak at 20,310 ft.
- The Cascades are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and contain active volcanoes.
- The Appalachians formed roughly 480 million years ago.
- The Sierra Nevada creates a rain shadow for the Great Basin desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in the US?
Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain in the US and North America, located in the Alaska Range.
Which US mountain range is the oldest?
The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest, formed roughly 480 million years ago during the Ordovician Period.
Where are the Great Smoky Mountains located?
The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.
Which range contains active volcanoes?
The Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest contains several active volcanoes, including Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier.
What divides the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds?
The Continental Divide generally follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains.

GeoQuizzy Editorial Team is a collective of geography educators, researchers, and quiz designers dedicated to creating accurate, engaging, and exam-relevant geography content. The team focuses on physical geography, human geography, maps, landforms, climate, and world regions, transforming core concepts into interactive quizzes that support students, educators, and competitive-exam aspirants. Every quiz published on GeoQuizzy is carefully reviewed for factual accuracy, clarity, and alignment with academic curricula and standardized exams.