The Geography of North Carolina, a state of the United States, falls naturally into three divisions or sections -- the Appalachian Mountains formed mostly by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, the Middle or Piedmont Plateau, and the Eastern or Tidewater section, also known as the Coastal Plain. North Carolina covers 53,821 square miles (139,396 km²) and is 560 miles (900 km) long by 150 miles (240 km) wide. The physical characteristics of the state can be pictured as a surface spread out upon a vast declivity, sloping down from the summits of the Smoky Mountains, an altitude of near seven thousand feet, to the ocean level. The Appalachian Mountains are a vast system of mountains in eastern North America. ... Blue Ridge Mountains, Shining Rock Wilderness Area Appalachian Mountain system The Blue Ridge is a mountain chain in the eastern United States, part of the Appalachian Mountains, forming their eastern front from Georgia to Pennsylvania. ... A rainy day in the Great Smoky Mountains, Western North Carolina Appalachian Mountain system The Great Smoky Mountains are a major mountain range in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains, the second ridge line forming a north-south running mountain chain from the Eastern United States and bordering the... The James River winds its way among piedmont hills in central Virginia. ... The Atlantic Coastal Plain is the rather flat stretch of land that borders the Atlantic Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico). ...

Blue Ridge/Appalachian mountains

The Western North Carolina mountains as seen from Sunset Rock in Highlands, North Carolina.

The mountains of North Carolina may be conveniently classed as four separate chains: Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2560 × 1920 pixel, file size: 899 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)The skyline of Highlands seen from Sunset Rock. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2560 × 1920 pixel, file size: 899 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)The skyline of Highlands seen from Sunset Rock. ... The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina. ... Mount Cook, a mountain in New Zealand A mountain is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain in a limited area. ... Highlands is an incorporated town located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, in Macon County, North Carolina (a small annexed portion also being in neighboring Jackson County). ...

• The Great Smoky Mountains. Also called the "Smokies", they form the western boundary of the state and are the second-highest range in North Carolina. The highest point in the Smokies in North Carolina is Mount Guyot at 6,621 feet (2,018.1 m) above sea level.
• The Blue Ridge Mountains. North Carolina's largest mountain range, the Blue Ridge run across the state in a very tortuous course and often shoot out in spurs of great elevation over the surrounding terrain. The Black Mountains, a subrange of the Blue Ridge, are the highest mountains in the eastern United States, and culminate in Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037.3 m) above sea level.
• The Brushy Mountains. A much smaller and lower mountain range, the Brushy Mountains are located entirely within the state's borders. Often called the "Brushies", they divide, for the greater part of their courses, the waters of the Catawba River and Yadkin River. The Brushy Mountains begin at Hibriten Mountain in Caldwell County and terminate in Pilot Mountain and the Sauratown Mountains in Stokes County. The highest point in the Brushy Mountains is Pores Knob at 2,680 feet (817 m) above sea level.
• The Uwharrie Mountains, which are named after a Native American tribe which once lived in the region. The Uwharries are North Carolina's easternmost mountain range; they are the oldest mountain range in North America and are the lowest mountain range in the state. The Uwharries begin in Montgomery County, North Carolina and terminate in the hills of Person County, North Carolina. The highest point in the Uwharries is High Rock Mountain, which is only 1,119 feet (341.1 m) above sea level. However, the Uwharries still rise several hundred feet above the surrounding terrain, which averages only 500 feet (150 m) above sea level.

Each of these mountain ranges is marked by distinct characteristics. The Smoky Mountain chain (as contrasted with the Blue Ridge) is more continuous, more elevated, more regular in its direction and height, and rises very uniformly from 5000 to 6,621 feet (2,018.1 m). A rainy day in the Great Smoky Mountains, Western North Carolina Appalachian Mountain system The Great Smoky Mountains are a major mountain range in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains, the second ridge line forming a north-south running mountain chain from the Eastern United States and bordering the... Hills and mountains named Guyot, after geologist Arnold Guyot (1807–1884): Mount Guyot (Great Smoky Mountains), on the Tennessee/North Carolina border Mount Guyot (New Hampshire) Mount Guyot (California) Mount Guyot (Colorado) Guyot Hill (Colorado) Guyot Hill (New York) USGS GNIS: Guyot, summit Category: ... Blue Ridge Mountains, Shining Rock Wilderness Area Appalachian Mountain system The Blue Ridge is a mountain chain in the eastern United States, part of the Appalachian Mountains, forming their eastern front from Georgia to Pennsylvania. ... There are several mountain ranges named the Black Mountains. ... Mount Mitchell can refer to: Mount Mitchell in Jasper National Park of Canada Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, the highest point in eastern North America Mount Mitchell in Oregon Mount Mitchell in Washington Mount Mitchell in Queensland, Australia This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other... The Brushy Mountains are a mountain range located in northwestern North Carolina. ... The Catawba River is a tributary of the Wateree River, approximately 220 mi (354 km) long, in the U.S. states of North Carolina and South Carolina. ... The Yadkin River at Elkin, North Carolina The Yadkin River is the second longest river in North Carolina, surpassed only by the Cape Fear. ... Hibriten Mountain as seen from Lenoir in late autumn Hibriten Mountain, located in Lenoir, North Carolina, marks the western end of the Brushy Mountains range. ... Caldwell County is the name of several counties in the United States: Caldwell County, Kentucky Caldwell County, Missouri Caldwell County, North Carolina Caldwell County, Texas Caldwell Parish, Louisiana This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The distinctive Big Pinnacle of Pilot Mountain. ... The Sauratown Mountains are an isolated mountain range located within Stokes and Surry counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Stokes County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Pores Knob is a mountain peak located in Wilkes County, North Carolina. ... The Uwharrie Mountains are an ancient coastal mountain range located in present day North Carolina. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... }}}}}} Location in the state of {{{state}}} Formed 1779 Seat Troy Area  - Total  - Water 1,299 km² (502 mi²) 26 km² (10 mi²) 2. ... Person County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ...

The Blue Ridge is composed of many fragments scarcely connected into a continuous and regular chain. Its higher summits range from 5000 to nearly 6,700 feet (2,040 m), however, its average elevation is from 3000 to 4,000 feet (1,200 m). The eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge rise sharply from 1500 to 4,500 feet (1,370 m) above the terrain to the east; to observers they often appear as a vast, lofty wall running across the state's western horizon. The Brushy Mountain range presents, throughout the greater part of its course, a remarkable uniformity in direction and elevation, many of its peaks rising above 2,000 feet (600 m), and a few rising above 2,500 feet (760 m). The last, the Uwharrie range, sometimes presents a succession of elevated ridges, then a number of bold and isolated knobs, which often appear higher than they actually are, due to the relative flatness of the surrounding terrain.

The mountain section consists of the tallest peaks east of the Rocky Mountains. The tallest of the Appalachian Mountains being Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037.3 m). Mount Mitchell is the tallest point east of the Mississippi River. The section enclosed within these limits is in shape somewhat like an ellipse. Its length is about one hundred and eighty miles; its average breadth from twenty to fifty miles. It is a high plateau, from the plane of which several high mountains rise, including the Roan, the Grandfather, and the Black. Between the mountains are scenic fertile valleys, plentifully watered by streams. The mountains themselves are heavily forested and often feature thick underbrush, except a few which have prairies on their summits, locally distinguished as "balds." For individual mountains named Rocky Mountain, see Rocky Mountain (disambiguation). ... A view from the observation tower. ... For the river in Canada, see Mississippi River (Ontario). ... For other uses, see Ellipse (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Plateau (disambiguation). ... The Appalachian Trail (foreground) crossing Round Bald, with Jane Bald (lower left) and the massive Grassy Ridge Bald in the distance. ... Fljótsdalur in East Iceland, a rather flat valley In geology, a valley (also called a vale or dale) is a depression with predominant extent in one direction. ... Butchers Creek, Omeo, Victoria A stream, brook, beck, burn or creek, is a body of water with a detectable current, confined within a bed and banks. ... Underbrush is a term used to describe the low shrubs and young trees that grow on the floor of a forest. ...

Piedmont Plateau

The major socioeconomic regions of North Carolina and their approximate areas.

The Piedmont plateau, a succession of hills and dales, forms the central portion of the state. It is the remnants of high mountains that have been worn down "to the roots." The Piedmont consists of gently rolling countryside frequently broken by hills and valleys formed by rivers and streams. The plateau ranges from 200-300 feet elevation in the east to over 1000 feet elevation in the west. The terrain tends to consist of thin, stony clay-based soils over granitic gneiss and other metamorphic rocks. At the eastern margin of the piedmont are sandy hills which represent an old ocean shoreline and its beaches and dunes. The well drained soils of this region are known for peaches and melons. Like the mountains, the Piedmont has historically consisted of thick forests with dense underbrush, with occasional fields of wild grass or hay. With the advent of large-scale agriculture in the 1800s, the forests of the Piedmont were cleared in many areas and replaced with croplands and grazing fields for livestock. Since the 1970s the rapid urbanization and suburbanization of the Piedmont has led to forests and farmland being transformed into large shopping centers, housing developments, and other modern facilities. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Plateau (disambiguation). ... Hills redirects here. ... Fljótsdalur in East Iceland, a rather flat valley In geology, a valley (also called a vale or dale) is a depression with predominant extent in one direction. ... For morphological image processing operations, see Erosion (morphology). ... For other uses, see Clay (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see granite (disambiguation). ... Gneiss Gneiss (IPA: ) is a common and widely distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from preexisting formations that were originally either igneous or sedimentary rocks, which most commonly forms on ancient seabeds. ... Binomial name (L.) Batsch Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... For the political designation, see Eco-socialism. ... For other uses, see Hay (disambiguation). ... Suburbanisation is a term used by many to describe the current social urban dynamic operating within many parts of the developed world and is related to the phenomenon of urban sprawl. ...

Coastal Plain

The Coastal Plain is the largest geographic area of the state, and covers roughly 45% of North Carolina. The Coastal Plain begins along the fall line, a line of hills which stretch from the Sandhills region along the South Carolina border, through Fayetteville, then Raleigh, and finally through Henderson, North Carolina near the Virginia border. The fall line marks where the Piedmont plateau drops down to the coastal plain; it also where waterfalls begin to appear on streams and rivers in the state. The hills of the fall line drop 150-350 feet in an eastward direction; while noticeable, the drop is quite gradual and occurs over a width of 1-3 miles. East of the fall line the coastal plain is relatively flat, with sandy soils ideal for growing tobacco, cotton, soybeans, and melons. The rivers of the coastal plain are much wider and deeper than those of the Piedmont or mountains, and flow more slowly. The coastal plain encompasses the two largest landlocked sounds in the United States; Albemarle Sound in the north and Pamlico Sound in the south. Pamlico Sound is larger than the State of Connecticut. The coastal plain is covered by thick forests of pines and other evergreens; due to the sandy soils it is difficult for many decidious trees to grow. The easternmost portion of the state contains the Outer Banks, sandy islands that do not have coral reefs to attach to and thus are constantly shifting their locations. The Outer Banks are known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the fact that numerous ships have been wrecked along their beaches and shoals due to storms and strong tides. The Coastal Plain is host to three capes: Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, and Cape Fear. Despite the fact that North Carolina has hundreds of miles of beachfront territory, due to the Outer Banks and swampland along the coast the state lacks a good natural harbor. As such North Carolina never developed a major port city as did neighboring states such as Georgia (Savannah), South Carolina (Charleston), and Virginia (Norfolk). Wilmington, located 15 miles (24 km) up the Cape Fear River, remains the state's only major port; the river often has to be dredged to keep it open to large merchant ships. The fall line has meanings in both geographical features and the sport of alpine skiing. ... Fayetteville is the name of several places in the United States of America. ... See also Raleigh, North Carolina and Sir Walter Raleigh. ... Henderson is a city located in Vance County, North Carolina. ... Tower Fall in Yellowstone National Park A waterfall is usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the form of a stream, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation that forms a sudden break in elevation. ... This article is about compression waves. ... Albemarle Sound with the northern Outer Banks. ... Pamlico Sound with the southern Outer Banks. ... Official language(s) English Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport[3] Largest metro area Hartford Metro Area[2] Area  Ranked 48th  - Total 5,543[4] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ... Deciduous means temporary or tending to fall off (deriving from the Latin word decidere, to fall off). ... North Carolinas Outer Banks separating the Atlantic Ocean (east) from Albemarle Sound (north) and Pamlico Sound (south). ... For other uses, see Reef (disambiguation). ... The bay at San Sebastián, Spain A headland is an area of land adjacent to water on three sides. ... An aerial view of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse prior to its 1999 relocation. ... Cape Lookout appears left of center near the bottom of this view of North Carolina Coast. ... Cape Fear is a prominent headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean from Bald Head Island on the coast of North Carolina in the southeastern United States. ... The Cape Fear River, shown highlighted, with its tributaries The Cape Fear River is a 202 mi (325 km) long river in east central North Carolina in the United States. ...

Agriculture

The cultivated productions of the Mountain section are sweetcorn, wheat, oats, barley, hay, tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Cattle are also reared quite extensively for market, and large numbers of chickens are raised for market in the northwestern mountains and foothills. A prominent new industry in the mountains is the raising and selling of Christmas Trees. In the Piedmont region of central North Carolina are found all the products of the mountains, although over the southern half cotton appears as the staple product. In the deep, loamy soils of the coastal region, cotton, corn, and oats are the staple crops, and truck farming (growing fruits and vegetables for northern markets), constitutes a flourishing industry. Formerly longleaf pine forests produced tar, pitch and turpentine, and more recently lumber. Little old growth longleaf area is left; much has been replanted in loblolly pine, which is used for paper pulp, plywood, and lumber. Four of the grape varieties of America are native to North Carolina; the Catawba, Isabella, Lincoln, and Scuppernong. Husked sweetcorn Young sweetcorn The same rows of corn 41 days later at maturity. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 Wheat Wheat For the indie rock group, see Wheat (band). ... Binomial name Avena sativa Carolus Linnaeus (1753) The Oat (Avena sativa) is a species of cereal grain, and the seeds of this plant. ... For other uses, see Barley (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Hay (disambiguation). ... Shredded tobacco leaf for pipe smoking Tobacco can also be pressed into plugs and sliced into flakes Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the fresh leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. ... Popular Japanese fashion magazine throughout the 1990s; the photography of which has recently been reissued in two collections from Phaidon press. ... Vegetables on a market Vegetable is a nutritional and culinary term denoting any part of a plant that is commonly consumed by humans as food, but is not regarded as a culinary fruit, nut, herb, spice, or grain. ... For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ... Alternate uses: Chicken (disambiguation) Binomial name Gallus gallus (Linnaeus, 1758) A chicken is a type of domesticated bird which is usually raised as a type of poultry. ... A Christmas tree in a German home One of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas, the Christmas tree is normally an evergreen conifer tree that is brought in the house or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the... For other uses, see Cotton (disambiguation). ... In agriculture, market gardening is the relatively small-scale production of fruits, vegetables and flowers as cash crops, frequently sold directly to consumers and restaurants. ... ... Binomial name Pinus taeda L. The Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) is one of the pines native to the southeastern United States. ... Pulpwood refers to timber stocks that are cut for paper production. ... Towers of Hanoi constructed from plywood. ... Timber in storage for later processing at a sawmill Lumber or Timber is a term used to describe wood, either standing or that has been processed for use—from the time trees are felled, to its end product as a material suitable for industrial use—as structural material for construction... Catawba grapes, a variety of the grape species Vitis labrusca, was introduced to wine-growers in the 1850s by Major John Adlum of Georgetown. ... Isabella grapes must The Isabella grape is a cultivar derived from the grape species Vitis Labrusca or fox grape which is used for table, juice and wine production. ... Categories: Stub | Fruit | Grape varieties ...

Flora/fauna

Main article: Wildlife of North Carolina

The flora of the state varies from those found in alpine regions to those found in subtropical regions. This article seeks to serve as a field-guide, central repository, listing, and tour-guide for the flora and fauna of North Carolina and surrounding territories. ... Alpine may refer to: Alpine, a breed of goat. ... Subtropical (or semitropical) areas are those adjacent to the tropics, usually roughly defined as the ranges 23. ...

Due to its considerable elevation gain and ample precipitation, North Carolina is notable for its botanic biodiversity. Nearly all the species of trees found in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, are found in North Carolina. There are more species of oaks in North Carolina than in all the states to the north, and only one less than in all the Southern States east of the Mississippi. The wide range of elevation also provides a great variety of medicinal herbs. The mountains of North Carolina have sometimes been called a 'storehouse' of the United States for botanical medicines. Rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth Biodiversity is the variation of taxonomic life forms within a given ecosystem, biome or for the entire Earth. ...

River systems

There are three distinct systems of rivers in the state: those that find their way to the Gulf of Mexico through the Mississippi, those that flow through South Carolina to the sea and those that reach the sea along the North Carolina coast. The divide between the first and the second is the Blue Ridge chain of mountains; that between the second and third systems is found in an elevation extending from the Blue Ridge, near the Virginia line, just between the sources of the Yadkin and the Roanoke, in a south-easterly direction some two hundred miles, almost to the sea-coast below Wilmington. In the divide between the first and second systems, which is also the great watershed between the Atlantic slope and the Mississippi Valley, a singular anomaly is presented, for it is formed not by the lofty Smoky range, but by the Blue Ridge -- not, therefore, at the crest of the great slope which the surface of the state presents, but on a line lower down. On the western flank of this lower range the French Broad and the other rivers of the first section, including the headwaters of the Great Khanawha, have their rise. In their course through the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi they pass along chasms or "gaps" from three thousand to four thousand feet in depth. These chasms or "gaps" are more than a thousand feet lower than those of the corresponding parts of the Blue Ridge. Gulf of Mexico in 3D perspective. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Official language(s) English Capital Columbia Largest city Columbia Largest metro area Columbia Area  Ranked 40th  - Total 34,726 sq mi (82,965 km²)  - Width 200 miles (320 km)  - Length 260 miles (420 km)  - % water 6  - Latitude 32° 2′ N to 35° 13′ N  - Longitude 78° 32′ W to 83... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Yadkin may refer to: Yadkin County, North Carolina Yadkin River Yadkin Indians This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Colony of Roanoke was the first English colony in the New World, founded at Roanoke Island. ... Wilmington is a city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. ... The French Broad River flows from near Rosman in Transylvania County, North Carolina, into Tennessee. ...

The rivers of the second system rise on the eastern flank of the Blue Ridge. These rivers -- the Catawba and the Yadkin, with their tributaries stretching from the Broad River, near the mountains in the west, to the Lumber near the seacoast -- water some thirty counties in the state, a fan-shaped territory, embracing much the greater portion of the Piedmont section of the state, thence passing into South Carolina before reaching the seacoast.

The rivers of the third system are the Chowan, the Roanoke, the Tar, the Neuse and the Cape Fear, which were important travel routes prior to the development of the railroads, being navigable some for fifty and others to near one hundred miles for boats of light draught. Of these the last three have their rise near the northern boundary of the state, in a comparatively small area, near the eastern source of the Yadkin. The Chowan has its rise in Virginia, below Appomattox Court House. The principal sources of the Roanoke, also, are in Virginia, in the Blue Ridge, though some of its head streams are in North Carolina, and very near those of the Yadkin. Only one of these rivers, the Cape Fear, flows directly into the ocean in this state; the others, after reaching the low country, move on with diminished current and empty into large bodies of water known as sounds. The Yadkin is extensively dammed for hydroelectric power and flood control. Below the last dam, just before flowing into South Carolina it is renamed the Pee Dee River. Chowan County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... The Colony of Roanoke was the first English colony in the New World, founded at Roanoke Island. ... The Tar River is a river that is approximately 346 kilometers (215 miles) long, of northeast North Carolina flowing generally southeast to an estuary of Pamlico Sound. ... Neuse may refer to: Neuse River Neuse Township, Wake County, North Carolina This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Cape Fear River, shown highlighted, with its tributaries The Cape Fear River is a 202 mi (325 km) long river in east central North Carolina in the United States. ... Hydroelectric dam diagram The waters of Llyn Stwlan, the upper reservoir of the Ffestiniog Pumped-Storage Scheme in north Wales, can just be glimpsed on the right. ... Official language(s) English Capital Columbia Largest city Columbia Largest metro area Columbia Area  Ranked 40th  - Total 34,726 sq mi (82,965 km²)  - Width 200 miles (320 km)  - Length 260 miles (420 km)  - % water 6  - Latitude 32° 2′ N to 35° 13′ N  - Longitude 78° 32′ W to 83... Shad Fishing in February Pee Dee River, Yauhanna, South Carolina The Pee Dee River, also known as the Great Pee Dee River, is a river in South Carolina. ...

The rivers of these three systems, with their tributaries afford a generous water supply. Flat lands border the streams, mostly forested with hardwoods and cypress. In their course from the high plateaus to the low country all the rivers of the state have a descent of many hundred feet, made by frequent falls and rapids. These falls and rapids afford all unlimited motive power for machinery of every description; and here many cotton mills and other factories were established from colonial times, and gave rise to many of the cities and towns.

The sounds, and the rivers which empty into them, constitute a network of waterway for steam and sailing vessels of eleven hundred miles. They are separated from the ocean by a line of sand banks, varying in breadth from one hundred yards to two miles, and in height from a few feet above the tide level to twenty-five or thirty feet, on which horses of a small breed, called "Bank Ponies," are reared in great numbers, and in a half wild state. These banks extend along the entire shore a distance of three hundred miles. Through them there are a number of inlets from the sea to the sounds, but they are usually too shallow except for vessels of light burden. Along its northern coast the seagoing commerce of the state has, in consequence, been restricted; Beaufort Harbor and the Cape Fear River, however, furnish excellent ports.

The sounds, and the rivers in their lower courses, abound with fish and waterfowl. They riversides are favorite sites for hunters of canvas-back ducks and other waterfowl. Fishermen visit for herring, shad and rock-fishing, especially along Albemarle Sound.

See also:

• List of North Carolina rivers

This is a partial list of rivers in the state of North Carolina in the United States: Allgator River Black River Board River Cane River Cape Fear River Cashie River Catawba River Cheoah River Chowan River Cullasaja River Deep River French Broad River Great Pee Dee River Haw River Linville...

Climate

The climate of North Carolina is mild and equable. This is due in part to its geographical position; midway in the northern hemisphere. Also the high Appalachian chain offers, to some extent, a shield from cold winter winds of the northwest. On the ocean side, in winter, is the moderating influence of the warm Gulf Stream, the current of which sweeps along near its shores. For the album by Ocean Colour Scene, see North Atlantic Drift (album) The Gulf Stream is orange and yellow in this representation of water temperatures of the Atlantic. ...

The result of these combined causes is shown in the character of the seasons. Fogs are frequent, especially during the summer; frosts occur not until the middle of October; ice forms on raised surfaces at least once a winter; snows are frequently light, seldom remaining on the ground more than two or three days, except in the higher elevations. The average rainfall is about fifty-three inches, which is pretty uniformly distributed throughout the year. For other uses, see Fog (disambiguation). ... This article is about water ice. ... Snow is a type of precipitation in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. ... In meteorology, precipitation is any kind of water that falls from the sky as part of the weather. ...

References

• North Carolina Manual, published biennially by the Department of the Secretary of State since 1941.
• William S. Powell and Jay Mazzocchi, eds. Encyclopedia of North Carolina (2006) 1320pp; 2000 articles by 550 experts on all topics; ISBN 0-8078-3071-2
• James Clay and Douglas Orr, eds., North Carolina Atlas: Portrait of a Changing Southern State (University of North Carolina Press, 1971).

	v • d • e State of North Carolina Raleigh (capital)
Topics	Culture | Economy | Geography | History | Music | North Carolinians | Wildlife Image File history File links Flag_of_North_Carolina. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      A U.S. state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Largest metro area Charlotte metro area Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (900 km)  - % water 9. ... For other uses of this name, see Raleigh. ... Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, site of first U.S. capital. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Largest metro area Charlotte metro area Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (900 km)  - % water 9. ... History of North Carolina For the state today see North Carolina // Bibliography Surveys James Clay and Douglas Orr, eds. ... North Carolina is known particularly for its tradition of old-time music, and many recordings were made in the early 20th century by folk song collector Bascom Lamar Lunsford. ... It has been suggested that List of famous North Carolinians be merged into this article or section. ... This article seeks to serve as a field-guide, central repository, listing, and tour-guide for the flora and fauna of North Carolina and surrounding territories. ...
Regions	Western | High Country | Foothills | Piedmont | Metro Charlotte | Piedmont Triad | Triangle | Sandhills | Coastal Plain | Southeast | Inner Banks | Outer Banks This list of regions of the United States includes official (governmental) and non-official areas within the borders of the United States, not including U.S. states, the federal district of Washington, D.C. or standard subentities such as cities or counties. ... The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina. ... The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina. ... The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina. ... The James River winds its way among piedmont hills in central Virginia. ... Counties most commonly associated with the Charlote Metro area are in dark red, counties often included are light red, and counties sometimes included are in orange. ... The Piedmont Triad, Triad, or North Carolina Triad is a region of North Carolina in the Piedmont that consists of the area centered around the cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Burlington. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section can be improved by converting lengthy lists to text. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Atlantic Coastal Plain is the rather flat stretch of land that borders the Atlantic Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico). ... Southeastern North Carolina (also known as the Wilmington metropolitan area or Wilmington urban area) is the region/metropolitan area within and surrounding the city of Wilmington, North Carolina, United States. ... Red marks the area most commonly associated with the Inner Banks and yellow shows the area seldom included. ... North Carolinas Outer Banks separating the Atlantic Ocean (east) from Albemarle Sound (north) and Pamlico Sound (south). ...
Larger Cities	Asheville | Cary | Charlotte | Durham | Fayetteville | Gastonia | Greensboro | Greenville | High Point | Jacksonville | Raleigh | Wilmington | Winston‑Salem List of incorporated municipalities (cities, towns, and village) in the United States state of North Carolina: Municipalities in North Carolina larger than 5,000 in population (according to the 2000 U.S. Census): Charlotte - 558,549 Raleigh - 281,915 Greensboro - 224,035 Durham - 201,726 Winston-Salem - 185,779 Fayetteville... Not to be confused with Ashville. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Charlotte redirects here. ... Nickname: Location in North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State Counties Durham, Orange, Wake Government  - Mayor Bill Bell Area  - City  94. ... Nickname: Location of Fayetteville, North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State County Cumberland Settled 1762 Government  - Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne  - City Manager Dale E. Iman Area  - City  60. ... Gastonia is a city in Gaston County in North Carolina, a state in the southeastern United States. ... Greensboro redirects here. ... Nickname: Location of Greenville shown within North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State County Pitt County Settled 1771 Founded 1774 (Martinsborough) Founded 1786 (Greenville) Government  - Mayor Ted Hendricks Area  - City  26. ... Nickname: Location in Guilford County and the state of North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State Counties Guilford, Davidson, Randolph, Forsyth Government  - Mayor Rebecca Smothers Area  - Total 95. ... Nickname: Location of Jacksonville within North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State County Onslow County Founded 1757 Incorporated 1842 Government  - Mayor Jan B. Slagle Area  - City  45. ... For other uses of this name, see Raleigh. ... Wilmington is a city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. ... Nickname: Motto: Youre Something Special in Winston-Salem Location in North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State Counties Forsyth County Founded Consolidated 1766 Salem 1849 Winston 1913 Government  - Mayor Allen Joines (D) Area  - City  132. ...
Smaller Cities	Albemarle | Asheboro | Burlington | Concord | Eden | Elizabeth City | Goldsboro | Graham | Havelock | Henderson | Hendersonville | Hickory | Kannapolis | Kings Mountain | Kinston | Laurinburg | Lenoir | Lexington | Lumberton | Monroe | Morganton | New Bern | Newton | Reidsville | Roanoke Rapids | Rocky Mount | Salisbury | Sanford | Shelby | Statesville | Thomasville | Wilson List of incorporated municipalities (cities, towns, and village) in the United States state of North Carolina: Municipalities in North Carolina larger than 5,000 in population (according to the 2000 U.S. Census): Charlotte - 558,549 Raleigh - 281,915 Greensboro - 224,035 Durham - 201,726 Winston-Salem - 185,779 Fayetteville... The old train depot, now used as a farmers market, in Albemarle. ... Asheboro is a city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. ... Nickname: Motto: Ill Tell The World Location of Burlington within North Carolina Coordinates: Country United States State North Carolina County Alamance County Founded 1857 (Company Shops) Founded 1886 (Burlington) Incorporated February 14, 1893 Government  - Mayor Stephen M. Ross Area  - City  21. ... Concord is a city located in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. ... Eden is a city in Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. ... Nickname: Location in Pasquotank and Camden counties in the state of North Carolina Coordinates: Country United States State North Carolina Counties Pasquotank and Camden Government  - Mayor Rev. ... Location in North Carolina Coordinates: , Founded / Incorporated 1787 / 1847 Government  - Mayor Alfonzo Al King Area  - City 64. ... Graham is a city located in Alamance County, North Carolina. ... Havelock is a city in Craven County, North Carolina, United States. ... Henderson is a city located in Vance County, North Carolina. ... Hendersonville is a city in Henderson County, North Carolina, USA, 22 miles (35 km) southeast of Asheville. ... Nickname: Location in the U.S. state of North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State County Catawba County, North Carolina Government  - Mayor G. Rudy Wright, Jr. ... The Kannapolis logo contains a Colonial Williamsburg architectural style cupola. ... Kings Mountain redirects here. ... Website: http://www. ... Laurinburg is a mid-sized city in Scotland County, North Carolina, United States, that consists of a Wal-Mart, Golden Corral and a few other fast food resturaunts. ... Lenoir is a city located in Caldwell County, North Carolina. ... Lexington is the county seat of Davidson County, North Carolina, United States. ... Lumberton is a city located in Robeson County, North Carolina. ... Monroe is a city in Union County, North Carolina, United States. ... Morganton is a city in Burke County, North Carolina, United States. ... “New Bern” redirects here. ... Newton is a city located in Catawba County, North Carolina. ... Reidsville is a city located in Rockingham County, North Carolina. ... Roanoke Rapids is a city located in Halifax County, North Carolina. ... Nickname: Location of Rocky Mount within North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State Counties Nash, Edgecombe Founded Circa March 22, 1816 Incorporated February 28, 1867 Government  - Mayor Frederick E. Turnage Area  - City 35. ... Image:Dtsalisbury1. ... Sanford is a city in Lee County, North Carolina, United States. ... Shelby is a city in Cleveland County, North Carolina, United States. ... Statesville is a city in Iredell County, North Carolina, United States. ... Thomasville is a city in Davidson County, North Carolina, USA. The population was 19,788 at the 2000 census. ... Wilson is a city in Wilson County, North Carolina, United States. ...
Towns	Apex | Boone | Carrboro | Chapel Hill | Cornelius | Garner | Hope Mills | Huntersville | Indian Trail | Kernersville | Matthews | Mint Hill | Mooresville | Morehead City | Smithfield | Southern Pines | Tarboro | Wake Forest Apex is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, a suburb of Raleigh. ... Boone is a town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. ... City nickname: The Paris of the Piedmont Incorporated 1911 County Orange County Mayor Mark Chilton Aldermen Joal Hall Broun (mayor pro tem) Dan Coleman Jacquelyn Gist Randee Haven-ODonnell John Herrera Alex Zaffron Town Manager Steven E. Stewart Area  - Total  - Water 11. ... Nickname: Location in North Carolina Coordinates: , Country State Counties Orange, Durham, and Chatham Founded 1793 Government  - Mayor Kevin C. Foy Area  - City  19. ... Cornelius is a town in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. ... Garner is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States. ... Hope Mills is a town located in Cumberland County, North Carolina. ... Huntersville is a town in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. ... Indian Trail is a town located in Union County, North Carolina. ... Kernersville is a town located in Forsyth County, North Carolina. ... Matthews is a town located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and a suburb of the city of Charlotte. ... Mint Hill is a town located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. ... Mooresville is a town in Iredell County, North Carolina, U.S.A. The population was 18,823 at the 2000 census. ... Morehead City is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. ... Smithfield is a town located in Johnston County, North Carolina. ... Southern Pines is a town located in Moore County, North Carolina. ... Historic Downtown Tarboro, NC Tarboro is a town located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. ... Wake Forest is a town located in Wake County, North Carolina, a suburb of Raleigh. ...
Counties	Alamance | Alexander | Alleghany | Anson | Ashe | Avery | Beaufort | Bertie | Bladen | Brunswick | Buncombe | Burke | Cabarrus | Caldwell | Camden | Carteret | Caswell | Catawba | Chatham | Cherokee | Chowan | Clay | Cleveland | Columbus | Craven | Cumberland | Currituck | Dare | Davidson | Davie | Duplin | Durham | Edgecombe | Forsyth | Franklin | Gaston | Gates | Graham | Granville | Greene | Guilford | Halifax | Harnett | Haywood | Henderson | Hertford | Hoke | Hyde | Iredell | Jackson | Johnston | Jones | Lee | Lenoir | Lincoln | Macon | Madison | Martin | McDowell | Mecklenburg | Mitchell | Montgomery | Moore | Nash | New Hanover | Northampton | Onslow | Orange | Pamlico | Pasquotank | Pender | Perquimans | Person | Pitt | Polk | Randolph | Richmond | Robeson | Rockingham | Rowan | Rutherford | Sampson | Scotland | Stanly | Stokes | Surry | Swain | Transylvania | Tyrrell | Union | Vance | Wake | Warren | Washington | Watauga | Wayne | Wilkes | Wilson | Yadkin | Yancey List of North Carolina counties: Alamance County Alexander County Alleghany County Anson County Ashe County Avery County Beaufort County Bertie County Bladen County Brunswick County Buncombe County Burke County Cabarrus County Caldwell County Camden County Carteret County Caswell County Catawba County Chatham County Cherokee County Chowan County Clay County Cleveland... Alamance County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Alexander County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Alleghany County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Anson County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Ashe County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Avery County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Location in the state of North Carolina Formed 1712 Seat Washington Area  - Total  - Water 2,483 km² (959 mi²) 339 km² (131 mi²) 13. ... Bertie is the name of a very sweet breed of dog, a boxedor. ... Bladen County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Brunswick County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Buncombe County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Burke County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... For the Spanish financier, see François Cabarrus. ... Caldwell County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Camden County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Carteret County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Caswell County Courthouse - 2005 Caswell County redirects here. ... Catawba County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Chatham County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Cherokee County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Chowan County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Cleveland County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Columbus County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Craven County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Cumberland County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Currituck County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Dare County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Davidson County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Davie County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Duplin County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Durham County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Edgecombe County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Forsyth County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Franklin County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Gaston County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Gates County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Graham County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Granville County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Greene County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Guilford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Halifax County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Harnett County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Haywood County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Henderson County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Hertford County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Hoke County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Hyde County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Location in the state of North Carolina Formed 1788 Seat Statesville Area  - Total  - Water 1,546 km² (597 mi²) 56 km² (21 mi²) 3. ... Jackson County is a county located in the southwest of the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Johnston County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Jones County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Lee County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Lenoir County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Macon County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Madison County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Martin County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Location in the state of North Carolina Formed 1842 Seat Marion Area  - Total  - Water 1,156 km² (446 mi²) 12 km² (5 mi²) 1. ... Mecklenburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Mitchell County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... }}}}}} Location in the state of {{{state}}} Formed 1779 Seat Troy Area  - Total  - Water 1,299 km² (502 mi²) 26 km² (10 mi²) 2. ... Moore County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Nash County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Location in the state of North Carolina Formed 1729 Seat Wilmington Area  - Total  - Water 849 km² (328 mi²) 334 km² (129 mi²) 39. ... Northampton County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Onslow County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Orange County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Pamlico County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Pasquotank County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Pender County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Perquimans County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Person County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Pitt County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Randolph County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Richmond County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Robeson County is the largest county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Rockingham County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Rowan County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Rutherford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Sampson County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... For other uses, see Scotland (disambiguation). ... Stanly County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Stokes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Surry County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Swain County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Transylvania County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Tyrrell County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Vance County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Wake County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Warren County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Washington County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Watauga County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Wayne County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Wilkes County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. ... Wilson County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Yadkin County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ... Yancey County is a county located in the state of North Carolina. ...