There are over 60 summits in the area above 6000 feet, but only 40 were selected by the criteria for the South Beyond 6000. The criteria for selecting peaks are:
1. The summit elevation is above 6000 feet above sea level.
2. There is a drop of 200 or more feet to a saddle between one peak and another qualifying peak or, there is a distance between the peaks of .75 miles.
The 40 peaks are contained within 6 ranges: the Smokies, Plotts, Balsams, Craggies, Blacks, and Roans. The southwestern most peak is Clingmans Dome in the Smokies, while the northernmost is Grassy Ridge in the Roans. All 40 are in North Carolina or on the North Carolina-Tennessee border except Mt. Le Conte, which is within Tennessee.
I knew Western North Carolina is mountainous, but I didn’t fully realize the extent to which it dominates the list.
As far as I can recall, I’ve only hiked up one of the mountains: Mt. LeConte. I’ve also driven and cycled up Clingman’s Dome. Looks like I only have to do about 38 more to complete the list.
UPDATE: More on U.S. mountains here.