What is the geography of North Carolina?
The geography of North Carolina falls naturally into three divisions — the Appalachian Mountains in the west (including the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains ), the central Piedmont Plateau, and the eastern Atlantic Coastal Plain. North Carolina covers 53,821 square miles (139,396 km 2) and is 503 miles (810 km) long by 150 miles (241 km) wide.
What is there to see in North Carolina?
On the complete other side of the state, there are many sights to see. Whether it be the USS North Carolina, Fort Macon, Ocracoke Island, Cape Hatteras, Kill Devil Hills or Kitty Hawk, the Outer Banks has yet disappoint. Other than the heat, that is.
What is North Carolina known for Today?
North Carolina’s prosperity, natural beauty, and reputation for stable government have given it an image of progress and opportunity, even as it maintains its strong Southern identity. Area 53,819 square miles (139,391 square km). Population (2010) 9,535,483; (2019 est.) 10,488,084.
What are the mountains in North Carolina?
What is the highest mountain in the United States?
What are the characteristics of the Neuse River?
How big is North Carolina?
What are the crops grown in the mountains?
What are the grapes native to North Carolina?
How many capes are there in North Carolina?
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What is the environment like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a humid climate with very warm summers and moderately cold winters. Its climate exhibits substantial regional variation due to its diverse geographic elements, including the Appalachian Mountains in the west, the Piedmont plateau in the central region, and the Coastal Plain to the east.
What type of terrain does North Carolina have?
Landforms: There are three distinct landforms of the Southeast and of North Carolina: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Appalachian Mountains. The Coastal Plain is low, flat to gently sloping land that extends along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
What are the main physical features in North Carolina?
North Carolina encompasses lofty mountains, rollings hills, tidal rivers, beaches, estuaries, swamps, marshes, forests, and large cities. Its geography has contributed to the development of the airplane. Its western region is a popular place for hikers.
What is the climate and geography of North Carolina?
North Carolina has a humid, sub-tropical climate, with short, mild winters and sultry summers. Heavy rainfall is experienced in the mountains and Mt Mitchell receives an average winter snowfall of 127cm (50 inches).
Is North Carolina flat or hilly?
About North Carolina The Coastal Plain is low, flat to gently sloping land that extends along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. North Carolina has 300 miles of white sandy beaches and the Piedmont, characterized by hilly, rolling land, borders the Coastal Plain.
Is North Carolina good place to live?
With mild winters, diverse geography, a thriving job market, and some of the nicest neighbors around, North Carolina has become one of the top destinations for young professionals, growing families, and retirees alike.
Does NC have mountains?
The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains cover most of Western North Carolina, including Asheville. While they extend from Georgia to Pennsylvania, the highest peaks are found here. The highest point in the Blue Ridge is Mount Mitchell which reaches 6,684 feet in elevation.
Does it snow in North Carolina?
Snow in North Carolina is seen on a regular basis in the mountains. North Carolina averages 5 inches (130 mm) of snow per winter season. However, this varies greatly across the state. Along the coast, most areas register less than 2 inches (51 mm) per year while the state capital, Raleigh, averages 6.0 inches (150 mm).
What is North Carolina best known for?
North Carolina is known for its arts and culture, being a pioneer in aviation, and beautiful state parks with massive mountains. This southern state features friendly people, delicious food, and charming nature.
Is North Carolina humid or dry?
North Carolina has some high humidity months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is February (52.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is August (69.3%).
Does North Carolina have 4 seasons?
North Carolina experiences all four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and we have the tilt of the Earth to thank for this!
What is the weather like in North Carolina all year round?
The growing season ranges from 275 days along the coast to 175 days in the mountains. Average annual temperatures range from 66 °F (19 °C) in the eastern region to 60 °F (16 °C) in the central region and 55 °F (13 °C) in the mountains. July and August are the wettest months, and October and November are the driest.
Do North Carolina have mountains?
Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains cover most of Western North Carolina, including Asheville. While they extend from Georgia to Pennsylvania, the highest peaks are found here. The highest point in the Blue Ridge is Mount Mitchell which reaches 6,684 feet in elevation.
What is North Carolina best known for?
North Carolina is known for its arts and culture, being a pioneer in aviation, and beautiful state parks with massive mountains. This southern state features friendly people, delicious food, and charming nature.
What part of North Carolina is mountainous?
Western North Carolina (often abbreviated as WNC) is the region of North Carolina which includes the Appalachian Mountains; it is often known geographically as the state's Mountain Region.
What mountains run through North Carolina?
Appalachian mountains The Great Smoky Mountains - also called the "Smokies". 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.
North Carolina - Geography
KNOWN AS BOTH the Tar Heel State and Old North State, North Carolina was part of colonial America. Like its sister state SOUTH CAROLINA, North Carolina was named for Kings Charles I and Charles II of England.North Carolina is bounded on the north by VIRGINIA, on the south by South Carolina and GEORGIA, on the west by TENNESSEE, and on the east by the ATLANTIC OCEAN.
North Carolina Map of Cities - MapQuest
North Carolina Map. North Carolina is a state in the southeastern United States. It borders Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and Tennessee to the west.
What is the inner coastal plain?
The inner Coastal Plain extends 120 to 140 miles (190 to 225 km) westward to the Piedmont, which is a region of rolling, forested hills. The prominent ridges and hills of the eastern Piedmont may be the remains of an ancient mountain chain that paralleled the Appalachians, from which spurs extend into the western Piedmont. The area is well drained by rivers flowing into the Coastal Plain or South Carolina. Dams on the Catawba and Yadkin rivers are important sources of hydroelectric power.
What are the three major physiographic regions of North Carolina?
North Carolina extends across three major physiographic regions of the United States—the Coastal Plain (or tidewater area), the Piedmont, and the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to producing a spectacular landscape, this regional variation has influenced the state’s climate, soils, plant life, and human geography.
What is the wettest state in the world?
The terrain of North Carolina is among the wettest in the country, with vast marshlands in the coastal tidewater area and numerous lakes in the Piedmont and Appalachian regions. These three physical regions account for much of the diversity in lifestyles and cultures within the state’s boundaries. The capital is Raleigh.
What mountains are in the east of Tennessee?
On the east are the Blue Ridge Mountains, which rise steeply from the Piedmont to peaks of 3,000 to 4,000 feet (900 to 1,200 metres), with several reaching above 6,000 feet (1,800 metres). In the far west the Unaka Mountains contain the Great Smoky Mountains, which roll westward into Tennessee.
What is the soil of the Piedmont?
The Piedmont region is predominately clayey, and mountain soils are a combination of clay, sand, and silt, common ly called loam.
What is the highest mountain in North Carolina?
Mount Mitchell, rising to 6,684 feet (2,037 metres), is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Grandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge Mountains, western North Carolina. Composing nearly half the state, the Coastal Plain consists of a gently rolling, well-drained interior and a swampy tidewater area close to the coastline.
How high are the Black Mountain peaks in North Carolina?
One of the chief ridges is made up of the Black Mountain group. Some 100 peaks rise above 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) in the western part of the state. Deep Creek valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, western North Carolina. © Sean Board/stock.adobe.com.
Wood-Anemone or Thimbleweed
This flowering plant provides a nice contrast of bright green foliage and large, white flowers. It reaches a height of about twelve inches, so it makes a great border plant to fill in different garden areas. The plant really comes to life in the spring and will provide some much-appreciated color after the winter months.
Northern Maidenhair Fern
If you have spent any time in the North Carolina mountains, you have probably noticed this fern. It is hardy enough to handle a variety of temperatures and does best in shady locations with moist soil. Planting the Northern Maidenhair Fern can provide ground cover and add texture to your landscape. Eventually, it can grow to be about two feet tall.
Eastern Blue Star
This is one plant that will continue to delight throughout the entire year. In the spring, you will enjoy small, delicate periwinkle flowers. Once summer temperatures arrive the blooms will fall off and you will be left with a rich, green shrubbery. When the leaf colors change in the fall, the Eastern Blue Star will turn a bright yellow.
Flowering Dogwood
The Dogwood flower is the state flower of North Carolina and a beloved sign of spring. The flowers are actually considered bracts and grow on the Flowering Dogwood. The tree is considered a smaller species since most will only reach 15 to 25 feet tall. From April to June, they are covered in white blooms that often have a hint of pink.
Climbing Hydrangea
If you would like to add some privacy or coverage to your home, the Climbing Hydrangea is a deciduous plant that flowers and uses suckers to climb up walls and trellises. The lacy white flowers come out in early summer and emit a nice fragrance. You can use it to get creative by adding some vertical interest to your landscape design.
Where is Krispy Kreme located?
North Carolina is famous for being the birthplace of Krispy Kreme Donuts. Founded in Winston-Salem in 1937, Krispy Kreme is definitely a treat!
What does it mean to walk the red carpet in North Carolina?
Walking the red carpet is seen as a symbol of fame. North Carolina has their share of famous people who come from the state.
What is the Outer Banks?
North Carolina is known for the cluster of barrier islands knows as the Outer Banks. Depending on which island you are visiting, there are several options for reaching your destination.
What is the first in flight state?
North Carolina is known as being the ‘First in Flight.’ All around the state, you will find this accomplishment proudly boasted on many North Carolina license plates.
What is North Carolina famous for?
An eastern coast U.S. State, North Carolina is famous for both its mountains and its beaches. When visiting the Tar Heel State, you are never more than a few hours from either attraction.
Where is Carowinds located?
If you love amusement parks and roller coasters, then Carowinds is for you! Even though it has a Charlotte address, Carowinds is partly located in South Carolina.
Where is Jaime Pressly from?
Actress Jaime Pressly was born in Kinston, North Carolina. You might recognize her from some of her most notable roles in the sitcoms My Name is Earl and Mom and from the movie Mortal Kombat.
Where is North Carolina?
The State of North Carolina is located in the south-eastern region of the United States . North Carolina is bordered by the state of South Carolina in the south; by Georgia in the southwest; by Tennessee in the west; and by Virginia in the north. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
What is the outer bank?
The Outer Banks is a 320km long string of narrow and sandy (some tree-covered) barrier islands, that line most of the state’s coastline, and extends from Virginia to South Carolina, curving out into the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern-most point of the state is the Cape Hatteras – which is a frequent target of hurricanes that strike the eastern United States. This area is also colloquially known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” as a reference to the treacherous waters that have led to more than a thousand shipwrecks. The broad and flat Atlantic Coastal Plain extends some 65 miles inland from the barrier islands. Swampy along the coast, and especially in the far-northeast, it is crisscrossed by dozens of rivers and covers about 35% of the state’s area.
How long is the Appalachian Mountains?
The Appalachian Mountains, about 2,000 miles (3,200km) in length, extends from Georgia through the Carolinas, up through New England, and into the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Quebec. As observed on the map, the thickly forested Blue Ridge Mountains, which are famed for their bluish color when seen from a distance, ...
What are the three main physiographic regions of North Carolina?
These are The Outer Banks, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont Plateau, and the ranges of the Appalachian Mountains in the far-western reaches of the state.
What is the highest point in North Carolina?
Marked on the map by an upright yellow triangle is North Carolina's highest point - Mt. Mitchell, which rises to an elevation of 6,684 ft (2,037m). It is situated in the state’s western part, in the Yancey county to the northeast of Asheville, as a part of the Black Mountains. Mt.
What is the capital of North Carolina?
Located in Wake County in the central part of the state is Raleigh – the capital city of North Carolina. The Raleigh city also hosts the state’s Research Triangle, which is one of the largest research institutions in the United States.
What are the major rivers in North Carolina?
North Carolina is drained by several rivers. The major rivers include Cape Fear, Neuse, Roanoke, and Yadkin. Besides, the state also contains many small manmade lakes and reservoirs. Lake Norman at 32,510 acres, is the largest of these man-made lakes.
How many days does it take for North Carolina to get below freezing?
North Carolina averages 0.2 days annually when the nighttime low temperature falls below freezing, which is warmer than most states in the U.S.
What is the rainiest month in North Carolina?
July is the rainiest month in North Carolina with 11.4 days of rain, and October is the driest month with only 7.3 rainy days. North Carolina's annual average of 112.3 days with measurable rain is about average compared to other states in the United States. The rainiest season is Autumn when it rains 28% of the time and the driest is Winter with only a 21% chance of a rainy day.
How much rain does North Carolina get?
North Carolina, North Carolina gets 48 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
What is the average temperature in North Carolina in January?
January has the coldest nighttime temperatures for North Carolina with an average of 29.1°. This is warmer than most of the U.S. states.
How many sunny days are there in North Carolina?
On average, there are 213 sunny days per year in North Carolina. The US average is 205 sunny days. North Carolina gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 112 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.
How many days a year does North Carolina have 90 degrees?
North Carolina has 32.5 days annually when the high temperature is over 90°, which is hotter than most states in the U.S.
What is the comfort index for North Carolina?
BESTPLACES COMFORT INDEX. North Carolina's annual BestPlaces Comfort Index of 7.5 (10=best) indicates it is one of the most pleasant states in the United States. May, September and October are the most pleasant months in the state of North Carolina, while January and July are the least comfortable months.
What is the research triangle?
The Research Triangle is a hub of sophistication and opportunity.
What is the Piedmont?
The Piedmont, which is in the center of the state. This area, includes most of the major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham Fayetteville,Greensboro,etc_ and varies in politics from moderate to very conservative with liberal pockets (Chapel Hill, Greensboro,etc). Most of the people in the state live here.
What type of pine trees grow in North Carolina?
North Carolina is filled with longleaf pines, they are everywhere! They are the tall skinny pine trees, and grow everywhere throughout the state especially when you drive out of the cities and towns
What part of Virginia is grazing?
There are lots of rural farms in the state, lots of tobacco plantations, some corn, and cattle grazing in the eastern part of the state as you head to the coast. The north west part of the state is much different, much more mountains and hills as you head towards the border with Virginia.
What is North Carolina filled with?
North Carolina is filled with longleaf pines, they are everywhere! They are the tall skinny pine trees, and grow everywhere throughout the state especially when you drive out of the cities and towns. There is sizeable and large african american community and presence in the state especially in Greenville.
Is Raleigh a hub?
Raleigh is also a hub of academic and intellectual life in North Carolina. We have an almost unbelievable number of universities and colleges in Raleigh or near us, including NC State, UNC, Duke, Meredith, St. Augustine, Peace, Central, and several others.
Is Raleigh a Southern city?
The people in Raleigh are not Southerners, for the most part. Like me, most of them seem to be transplanted Northerners, and hearing a true southern accent is quite rare. However, so far most people in Raleigh have been startlingly nice. Maybe just taking the Northerners out of the North turns them into pseudo-Southerners and changes their attitude a bit. This is not to say there are no terrible people: people are people, and that doesn't change. But it's certainly a bit nice than other places I've lived, like Philadelphia.
What are the mountains in North Carolina?
The mountains of North Carolina may be conveniently classed as four separate chains: 1 The Great Smoky Mountains - also called the "Smokies". 2 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. 3 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 (817.4 m) above sea level.
What is the highest mountain in the United States?
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.
What are the characteristics of the Neuse River?
The Neuse River displays many characteristics of eastern North Carolina rivers, including dense vegetation and a wide, slow-flowing course.
How big is North Carolina?
North Carolina covers 53,821 square miles (139,396 km 2) and is 503 miles (810 km) long by 150 miles (241 km) wide.
What are the crops grown in the mountains?
The cultivated productions of the Mountain section are sweet corn, 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 .
What are the grapes native to North Carolina?
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 .
How many capes are there in North Carolina?
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.
Overview
The geography of North Carolina falls naturally into three divisions — the Appalachian Mountains in the west (including the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains), the central Piedmont Plateau, and the eastern Atlantic Coastal Plain. North Carolina covers 53,821 square miles (139,396 km ) and is 503 miles (810 km) long by 150 miles (241 km) wide. The physical characteristics of the stat…
Appalachian mountains
The mountains of North Carolina may be conveniently classed as four separate chains:
• The Great Smoky Mountains - also called the "Smokies".
• 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 elevati…
Piedmont
The Piedmont plateau forms the central third of the state. The Piedmont is a hilly region and is the most urbanized and densely populated section, containing the state's largest cities. Due to rapid urbanization over the last 30 years, a significant part of the rural area in this region has been transformed into suburbs. In particular, the cities of Charlotte and Raleigh have become major urban centers, with large, diverse, and rapidly growing populations. Elevations in the Piedmont v…
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 that marks the boundary between metamorphic/igneous rocks of the Piedmont province (to the west) and sedimentary rocks of the Coastal Plain province (to the east). Rapids are common where rivers cross this line. The Fall Line extend…
Agriculture
The cultivated productions of the Mountain section are sweet corn, 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 regio…
River systems
Seventeen major river basins have covered at least part of the state of North Carolina. These rivers can be broadly divided into three groups. In the extreme western part of the state, there are rivers that flow in a northwesterly direction, draining into the Gulf of Mexico through the Mississippi River. In the central part of the state, rivers flow generally southward into South Carolina before reachin…
Lakes
Among North Carolina's lakes are hundreds of elliptically-shaped lakes or ponds that are referred to as Carolina bays. These interesting and often ecologically-rich lakes occur in many other states but for some reason are highly concentrated in eastern North Carolina. Lake Waccamaw is the largest of the Carolina bays.
While large, natural lakes are rare in North Carolina, excepting the Carolina bays in the eastern p…
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.