The Adirondacks are not part of the Appalachian Mountains. While they are located in close proximity to the Appalachians, the Adirondacks are a distinct mountain range with a unique geological history. The Appalachian Mountains were formed over 480 million years ago during the Ordovician Period, while the Adirondacks were formed much later, around 10 million years ago, during the late Cenozoic Era. The Adirondacks are actually part of the Canadian Shield, which is a large area of exposed Precambrian igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks. This makes the Adirondacks geologically distinct from the Appalachians, which are primarily composed of sedimentary rocks. So, while they may appear similar in landscape, the Adirondacks and the Appalachian Mountains are separate mountain ranges with different origins.
Menu