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The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina. Many definitions will vary.

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. It contains the highest mountains in the Eastern United States, with 125 peaks rising to over 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) in elevation. Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters), is the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and mainland eastern North America. The population of the 23 most commonly associated counties for the region, as measured by the 2020 U.S. Census, is 1,149,405.^[1] ^[2] The region accounts for approximately 11% of North Carolina's total population.

Located east of the Tennessee state line and west of the Piedmont, Western North Carolina contains few major urban centers. Asheville, located in the region's center, is the area's largest city and most prominent commercial hub. The Foothills region of the state is loosely defined as the area along Western North Carolina's eastern boundary; this region consists of a transitional terrain of hills between the Appalachians and Piedmont Plateau of central North Carolina.

Areas in the northwest portion of the Western North Carolina region, including Boone and Blowing Rock, commonly use the nickname "The High Country". The term Land of the Sky (or Land-of-Sky) is a common nickname for the Asheville area. The term is derived from the title of the novel, Land of the Sky (1876), written by Mrs. Frances Tiernan, under the pseudonym Christian Reid. She often refers in this book to the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, the two main ranges in Western North Carolina. The Asheville area regional government body, the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, uses this nickname.

The federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have a reserve in this region known as Qualla Boundary; it is situated adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Their capital is at Cherokee, North Carolina. This region, taking in today's southeastern Tennessee, western North and South Carolina, and northeastern Georgia, is considered the homeland of the historic Cherokee. Many of the people were forcibly removed in the late 1830s in the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory, but others remained; their descendants make up the EBCI, among the largest of recognized tribes. Sixteen earthwork mounds or their sites, built by indigenous peoples, have been listed in state archeological records in the eleven westernmost counties. Archeological and related research in the early 21st century has revealed that there may be as many as 50 such prehistoric mounds in this area, which were long central to Cherokee towns and culture.^[3]

Subregions

Far West

The southwestern and far west part of Western North Carolina all lie within the Appalachian Mountain chain. The tallest mountain ranges in the Appalachians, such as the Blacks, Great Smokies, and Great Balsams, are located here. Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the state, as well as eastern North America, is part of the Black Mountains. The region also has more waterfalls than any other in the state, and Transylvania County, located in the region, is known as the "land of waterfalls". Asheville is the major urban hub of far western North Carolina. Several other towns are located in the region, such as Hendersonville, Waynesville, Brevard, Canton, and Sylva. Cullowhee, near Sylva, is home to Western Carolina University. This area also includes a few hydroelectric projects managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, including Fontana Dam. Tourism, especially outdoor ventures such as canoeing, whitewater rafting, camping, and fishing are important for many local economies. Much of the area is protected by federal and state agencies, such as Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

High Country

The northern counties in Western North Carolina are commonly known as the state's High Country.^[4] Centered on Boone, the High Country has the area's most popular ski resorts, including Ski Beech, Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Sugar Mountain.^[5] The area also features such attractions, historical sites, and geological formations as Linville Caverns, Grandfather Mountain, and Blowing Rock. Education, skiing, tourism, and Christmas tree farming are among this area's most prominent industries, although agriculture and raising livestock also remain important.^[5] The counties that make up the High Country are: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.^[6]

Foothills

The Foothills is a region of transitional terrain between the Piedmont Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains, extending from the lower edge of the Blue Ridge escarpment into the upper Catawba, Yadkin, Broad, Saluda, and Savannah River valleys. The eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge drop sharply to the foothills section, going from 3,500 to 4,000 feet (1,000–1,200 m) at the top to 1,000–1,500 feet at the base. The foothills region contains numerous lower peaks and isolated mountain ranges, such as the South Mountains, Brushy Mountains, and Stone Mountain State Park. The foothills are divided into many small river and creek valleys where much of the region's population lives. Although no large cities are located in the foothills, the subregion contains many smaller cities and towns.

These towns were often developed by European Americans around a single industry, such as furniture or textiles, which depended on local waterpower as their energy sources. In the late 20th century, many of these industries and their associated jobs moved offshore to other countries due to globalization, although they still remain prevalent in some foothill areas. The towns that depended upon them economically often suffered from job and population losses of people moving to areas of more economic opportunity. Some areas of the foothills have developed newer economies, including manufacturing, food distribution, utilities, and health care. Many farmers in the northern foothills are poultry farmers. Vineyards have also been developed, along with associated winemaking and popular retail.

Among the towns of the North Carolina foothills region are: Elkin, Forest City, Glen Alpine, Granite Falls, Hudson, Lake Lure, Rutherfordton, Spindale, Tryon, and Valdese; and the cities of Hickory, Lenoir, Marion, Mount Airy, Shelby, and Morganton. "The southern mountains" refer to the counties bordering South Carolina, with the cities/towns of Hendersonville, Brevard, and Columbus being within this area.

Higher education

The region has three major public universities: Appalachian State University in Boone, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, and UNC Asheville in Asheville. All three are part of the University of North Carolina system.

Several small, private colleges and universities are also located in the region. Mars Hill University is located 15 miles (24 km) north of Asheville. Founded in 1856, it is the oldest college or university in Western North Carolina. Montreat College, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, is located 15 miles (24 km) east of Asheville. Lees-McRae College, located in Banner Elk, is also affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Warren Wilson College, located in Swannanoa, is noted for its strong pro-environment policies and for being one of the nine work colleges in the United States. Brevard College, located in Brevard, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Lenoir-Rhyne University, located in Hickory, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Several community college systems serve the region, including Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, Catawba Valley Community College, Haywood Community College, Isothermal Community College, Mayland Community College, McDowell Technical Community College, Southwestern Community College, Tri-County Community College, Western Piedmont Community College, and Wilkes Community College.^[7]

Transportation

Highways

Interstates

Three major Interstate highways cross the region: Interstate 40, which traverses east–west, Interstate 77, which runs north–south through the northeastern section of Western North Carolina, and Interstate 26, which traverses north–south (although it is classified as an east–west highway for most of its route and is signed as such). Interstate 240 is the only auxiliary interstate route in the region, and it serves downtown Asheville.

U.S. Highways

US 421, a multi-lane expressway, is the major highway in the northwestern part of the state. US 19, US 23, US 64, US 74, and US 441 are the major highways in the far western part of the region. US 70 runs east through the area, connecting Hickory and Asheville. US 221 also runs through the area. This highway, which begins in Perry, Florida, connects the town of Rutherfordton to Jefferson. US 321 runs north from Hickory to Watauga and Avery counties before entering Tennessee.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a National Scenic Byway that is 469 miles long, runs through western North Carolina, starting in Virginia and ending near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Railroads

Two major class 1 railroads serve the region, CSX and Norfolk Southern. In addition, two tourist railroads also operate in the area, the Tweetsie Railroad theme park and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Airports

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located southeast of the city of Asheville in Fletcher, serves the area with non-stop jet service to Charlotte, North Carolina; LaGuardia Airport in New York City and nearby Newark, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando Sanford International Airport near Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; and O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

Economy

Tourism is a major part of the economy in the area, which contains half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests. Several lakes and dams are scattered throughout Western North Carolina, such as Lake Lure and Fontana Dam. Many visitors travel to the region every summer and autumn from major cities to escape hot weather elsewhere and see the leaves change colors. The timber industry is also a major economic sector.

Appalachian Regional Commission

Map showing 2001–2003 ARC economic designations for counties in "Appalachian" North Carolina, including most counties in Western North Carolina.

The Appalachian Regional Commission was formed in 1965 to aid economic development in the Appalachian region, which was lagging far behind the rest of the nation on most economic indicators. The Appalachian region, as currently defined by the commission, includes 420 counties in 13 states, including 29 counties in North Carolina. The Commission classifies each county according to five economic qualifications— distressed, at-risk, transitional, competitive, or attainment. "Distressed" counties are considered the most economically endangered and "attainment" counties are the most economically prosperous. The three indicators used for such classification are three-year average unemployment rate, market income per capita, and poverty rate.^[8]

In 2003, Appalachian North Carolina— which included most counties of Western North Carolina and two counties in central North Carolina— had a three-year average unemployment rate of 6%, compared with 6.2% statewide and 5.5% nationwide. In 2002, Appalachian North Carolina had a per capita market income of $21,168, compared with $23,443 statewide and $26,420 nationwide. In 2000, Appalachian North Carolina had a poverty rate of 11.7%, compared to 12.3% statewide and 12.4% nationwide.

Only Graham County was designated as "Distressed" in North Carolina. Six— Cherokee, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, and Yancey— were designated "at-risk." Forsyth County (which is usually grouped as part of central North Carolina) was the only county given the "attainment" designation. Four— Buncombe, Davie, Henderson, and Polk— were designated "competitive." Most Western North Carolina counties were designated "transitional," meaning they lagged behind the national average on one of the three key indicators. Graham County had Appalachian North Carolina's highest poverty rating, with 19.5% of its residents living below the poverty line. Forsyth had Appalachian North Carolina's highest per capita income at $26,987. Watauga County's unemployment rate of 2.3% was lowest of all 420 counties in the Appalachian region.^[8]

The changes brought by increased tourism and population growth from retirees and persons migrating to the region have been double-edged. Local businesses have benefited from increased economic revenue, but increases in costs of living and loss of natural habitat to development, can degrade the quality of life for which the region has become notable.

Topography

There are 82 mountain peaks between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500 and 1,800 m) in elevation in western North Carolina, and 43 peaks rise to over 6,000 feet (1,800 m). The mountains in Western North Carolina are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains contain several subranges, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, South Mountains, Brushy Mountains, Sauratown Mountains, Great Balsam Mountains, Great Craggy Mountains, the Plott Balsams, and the Black Mountains. Mount Mitchell, in the Black Mountains, is, at 6,684 feet (2,037 m), the highest point in eastern North America.^[9] Valley and foothills locations typically range from 1,000–2,000 feet (300–610 m) AMSL.

The major rivers in the region include the French Broad River, Nolichucky River, Watauga River, Little Tennessee River, and Hiwassee River flowing into the Tennessee River valley; the New River flowing into the Ohio River valley; and the headwaters and upper valleys of the Catawba River, Yadkin River, Broad River, and Saluda River flowing through the foothills towards the Atlantic. The Eastern Continental Divide runs through the region, dividing Tennessee-bound streams from those flowing through the Carolinas and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Area

Counties

Western North Carolina is generally considered to consist of 23 counties.^[2]

The counties commonly included in the region are as follows:

Other counties that fall under various definitions of Western North Carolina include: Alexander County, Catawba County, Cleveland County, Surry County and Yadkin County. When these counties are added, they form a total regional area of roughly 11,750 square miles (30,400 km²). This makes the region roughly the size of Massachusetts.

During the early 1800s the western counties in North Carolina included counties located in the piedmont region, to distinguish them from the eastern counties in North Carolina that were settled earlier. As the western counties became more populated, jurisdictions competed for representation in the North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor's office.^[10]

Cities and towns

Listed below are communities often considered to be a part of Western North Carolina:

Over 40,000 inhabitants

Asheville
Hickory (located in the North Carolina foothills; contains small amounts of territory in Burke and Caldwell Counties)

Over 10,000 inhabitants

Fewer than 10,000 inhabitants

Important unincorporated communities

Brasstown (site of John C. Campbell Folk School)
Cashiers (a popular tourist area)
Cherokee (headquarters for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee)
Collettsville (located near Wilson Creek)
Cullowhee (site of Western Carolina University's main campus)
Deals Gap (site of a nationally famous motorcycle and sportscar resort)
Lake Junaluska (headquarters for the World Methodist Council and site of a United Methodist camp and conference center)
Linville (a popular recreation area)
Little Switzerland (located near Blue Ridge Parkway)

References

^ "North Carolina Gained Around 900,000 People Last Decade". www.census.gov. August 25, 2021.
^ ^a ^b "Our State Geography". NCPEDIA. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
^ "WCU Professor Unearths Wealth of Cherokee Culture and History". The Laurel of Asheville. 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
^ "High Country Host – in North Carolina". High Country Host. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
^ ^a ^b Designs, AppNet. "Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Western North Carolina Guide". www.highcountryinfo.com. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
^ "High Country Council of Government". Retrieved June 13, 2012.
^ "Main Campuses". NC Community Colleges. December 16, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Appalachian Regional Commission Online Resource Center. Retrieved: May 15, 2009.
^ "GNIS Detail – Mount Mitchell". geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
^ Cockrell, David L. (2006). "East-West Rivalry". NCPEDIA. Retrieved November 5, 2019.

External links

North Carolina Mountains travel guide from Wikivoyage

[1] "North Carolina Gained Around 900,000 People Last Decade". www.census.gov. August 25, 2021.

[auto-2] "Our State Geography". NCPEDIA. Retrieved November 5, 2019.

[laurel-3] "WCU Professor Unearths Wealth of Cherokee Culture and History". The Laurel of Asheville. 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2020.

[HC-4] "High Country Host – in North Carolina". High Country Host. Retrieved April 4, 2018.

[HCO-5] Designs, AppNet. "Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Western North Carolina Guide". www.highcountryinfo.com. Retrieved April 4, 2018.

[6] "High Country Council of Government". Retrieved June 13, 2012.

[7] "Main Campuses". NC Community Colleges. December 16, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2020.

[arcdata-8] Appalachian Regional Commission Online Resource Center. Retrieved: May 15, 2009.

[9] "GNIS Detail – Mount Mitchell". geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved April 4, 2018.

[10] Cockrell, David L. (2006). "East-West Rivalry". NCPEDIA. Retrieved November 5, 2019.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{short description|Geographic region of the U.S. state of North Carolina}}
-[[File:Westernnorthcarolina.png|thumb|right|upright=1.25|The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina.]]
+[[File:Westernnorthcarolina.png|thumb|right|upright=1.25|The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina. Many definitions will vary.]]
-'''Western North Carolina''' (often abbreviated as '''WNC''') is the [[region]] of [[North Carolina]] which includes the [[Appalachian Mountains]]; it is often known [[geography|geographically]] as the state's '''Mountain Region'''. It contains the highest mountains in the [[Eastern United States]], with 125 peaks rising to over 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) in elevation. [[Mount Mitchell]] at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters), is the highest peak of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] and mainland eastern [[North America]]. The population of the region, as measured by the [[2010 U.S. Census]], is 1,473,241, which is approximately 15% of North Carolina's total population.
+'''Western North Carolina''' (often abbreviated as '''WNC''') is the region of [[North Carolina]] which includes the [[Appalachian Mountains]]; it is often known [[geography|geographically]] as the state's '''Mountain Region'''. It contains the highest mountains in the Eastern United States, with 125 peaks rising to over {{convert|5000|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in elevation. [[Mount Mitchell]] at {{convert|6684|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}}, is the highest peak of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] and mainland eastern North America. The population of the 23 most commonly associated counties for the region, as measured by the [[2020 U.S. Census]], is 1,149,405.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.census.gov/library/stories/state-by-state/north-carolina-population-change-between-census-decade.html | title=North Carolina Gained Around 900,000 People Last Decade | website=www.census.gov | date=2021-08-25}}</ref> <ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.ncpedia.org/our-state-geography-snap-three|title=Our State Geography|website=NCPEDIA|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref>
+The region accounts for approximately 11% of North Carolina's total population.
-Located east of the [[Tennessee]] state line and west of the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]], Western North Carolina contains few major urban centers. [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]], located in the region's center, is the area's largest city and most prominent commercial hub. The [[Foothills (North Carolina)|Foothills]] region of the state is loosely defined as the area along Western North Carolina's eastern boundary; this region consists of a transitional terrain of hills between the Appalachians and [[Piedmont Plateau]] of central North Carolina.<!-- How many counties are included in this area? -->
+Located east of the [[Tennessee]] state line and west of the [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]], Western North Carolina contains few major urban centers. [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]], located in the region's center, is the area's largest city and most prominent commercial hub. The [[Foothills (North Carolina)|Foothills]] region of the state is loosely defined as the area along Western North Carolina's eastern boundary; this region consists of a transitional terrain of hills between the Appalachians and [[Piedmont Plateau]] of [[central North Carolina]].<!-- How many counties are included in this area? -->
 Areas in the northwest portion of the Western North Carolina region, including [[Boone, North Carolina|Boone]] and [[Blowing Rock, North Carolina|Blowing Rock]], commonly use the nickname "'''The High Country'''". The term '''Land of the Sky''' (or '''Land-of-Sky''') is a common nickname for the [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]] area. The term is derived from the title of the novel, ''[[Land of the Sky]]'' (1876), written by Mrs. Frances Tiernan, under the pseudonym [[Christian Reid]]. She often refers in this book to the [[Great Smoky Mountains]] and [[Blue Ridge Mountains]], the two main [[mountain range|ranges]] in Western North Carolina. The Asheville area regional government body, the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, uses this nickname.
-The federally recognized [[Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians]] (EBCI) have a [[Indian reservation|reservation]] in this region known as [[Qualla Boundary]]; it is situated adjacent to the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]]. Their capital is at [[Cherokee, North Carolina]]. This region, taking in today's southeastern Tennessee, western North and South Carolina, and northeastern Georgia, is considered the homeland of the historic Cherokee. Many of the people were forcibly removed in the late 1830s in the [[Trail of Tears]] to [[Indian Territory]], but others remained; their descendants make up the EBCI, among the largest of recognized tribes. Sixteen earthwork mounds or their sites, built by indigenous peoples, have been listed in state archeological records in the eleven westernmost counties. Archeological and related research in the early 21st century has revealed that there may be as many as 50 such prehistoric mounds in this area, which were long central to Cherokee towns and culture.<ref name="laurel">{{cite web|url=https://thelaurelofasheville.com/lifestyle/heritage/wcu-professor-unearths-wealth-of-cherokee-culture-and-history/|title=WCU Professor Unearths Wealth of Cherokee Culture and History|work=The Laurel of Asheville|date=2018|access-date=2 December 2020}}</ref>
+The federally recognized [[Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians]] (EBCI) have a reserve in this region known as [[Qualla Boundary]]; it is situated adjacent to the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]]. Their capital is at [[Cherokee, North Carolina]]. This region, taking in today's southeastern Tennessee, western North and South Carolina, and northeastern Georgia, is considered the homeland of the historic Cherokee. Many of the people were forcibly removed in the late 1830s in the [[Trail of Tears]] to [[Indian Territory]], but others remained; their descendants make up the EBCI, among the largest of recognized tribes. Sixteen earthwork mounds or their sites, built by indigenous peoples, have been listed in state archeological records in the eleven westernmost counties. Archeological and related research in the early 21st century has revealed that there may be as many as 50 such prehistoric mounds in this area, which were long central to Cherokee towns and culture.<ref name="laurel">{{cite web|url=https://thelaurelofasheville.com/lifestyle/heritage/wcu-professor-unearths-wealth-of-cherokee-culture-and-history/|title=WCU Professor Unearths Wealth of Cherokee Culture and History|work=The Laurel of Asheville|date=2018|access-date=2 December 2020}}</ref>
 ==Subregions==
 === Far West ===
 [[File:Biltmore Estate.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|The [[Biltmore Estate]] outside [[Asheville]]]]
-The southwestern and far west part of Western North Carolina all lie within the [[Appalachian Mountain]] chain. [[Mount Mitchell|Mt. Mitchell]], the highest peak in the state, as well as eastern [[North America]], is located here. [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]] is the major urban hub of far western North Carolina. This area also includes a few hydroelectric projects managed by the [[Tennessee Valley Authority]], including [[Fontana Dam]]. Tourism, especially outdoor ventures such as canoeing, whitewater rafting, camping, and fishing are important for many local economies.
+The southwestern and far west part of Western North Carolina all lie within the [[Appalachian Mountain]] chain. The tallest mountain ranges in the Appalachians, such as the [[Black Mountains (North Carolina)|Blacks]], [[Great Smoky Mountains|Great Smokies]], and [[Great Balsam Mountains|Great Balsams]], are located here. [[Mount Mitchell|Mt. Mitchell]], the highest peak in the state, as well as eastern North America, is part of the Black Mountains. The region also has more waterfalls than any other in the state, and [[Transylvania County, North Carolina|Transylvania County]], located in the region, is known as the "land of waterfalls". [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]] is the major urban hub of far western North Carolina. Several other towns are located in the region, such as [[Hendersonville, North Carolina|Hendersonville]], [[Waynesville, North Carolina|Waynesville]], [[Brevard, North Carolina|Brevard]], [[Canton, North Carolina|Canton]], and [[Sylva, North Carolina|Sylva]]. [[Cullowhee, North Carolina|Cullowhee]], near Sylva, is home to [[Western Carolina University]]. This area also includes a few hydroelectric projects managed by the [[Tennessee Valley Authority]], including [[Fontana Dam]]. Tourism, especially outdoor ventures such as canoeing, whitewater rafting, camping, and fishing are important for many local economies. Much of the area is protected by federal and state agencies, such as [[Pisgah National Forest]], [[Nantahala National Forest]], and [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]].
 === High Country ===
-The northern counties in Western North Carolina are commonly known as the state's '''High Country'''.<ref name="HC">{{cite web|url=http://www.highcountryhost.com/|title=High Country Host - in North Carolina|website=High Country Host|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> Centered on [[Boone, North Carolina|Boone]], the High Country has the area's most popular [[ski resort]]s, including [[Beech Mountain (North Carolina)|Ski Beech]], Appalachian Ski Mountain, and [[Sugar Mountain (North Carolina)|Sugar Mountain]].<ref name="HCO"/> The area also features such  attractions, historical sites, and geological formations as [[Linville Caverns]], [[Grandfather Mountain]], and [[Blowing Rock (land feature)|Blowing Rock]]. Education, skiing, tourism, and [[Christmas tree]] farming are among this area's most prominent industries, although [[agriculture]] and raising [[livestock]] also remain important.<ref name="HCO">{{cite web|url=http://www.highcountryinfo.com/demographics.htm|title=Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Western North Carolina Guide|first=AppNet|last=Designs|website=www.highcountryinfo.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> The counties that make up the High Country are: [[Alleghany County, North Carolina|Alleghany]], [[Ashe County, North Carolina|Ashe]], [[Avery County, North Carolina|Avery]], [[Mitchell County, North Carolina|Mitchell]], [[Watauga County, North Carolina|Watauga]], [[Wilkes County, North Carolina|Wilkes]], and [[Yancey County, North Carolina|Yancey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regiond.org/|title=High Country Council of Government|access-date=June 13, 2012}}</ref>
+The northern counties in Western North Carolina are commonly known as the state's '''High Country'''.<ref name="HC">{{cite web|url=http://www.highcountryhost.com/|title=High Country Host – in North Carolina|website=High Country Host|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> Centered on [[Boone, North Carolina|Boone]], the High Country has the area's most popular [[ski resort]]s, including [[Beech Mountain (North Carolina)|Ski Beech]], Appalachian Ski Mountain, and [[Sugar Mountain (North Carolina)|Sugar Mountain]].<ref name="HCO"/> The area also features such attractions, historical sites, and geological formations as [[Linville Caverns]], [[Grandfather Mountain]], and [[Blowing Rock (land feature)|Blowing Rock]]. Education, skiing, tourism, and [[Christmas tree]] farming are among this area's most prominent industries, although agriculture and raising livestock also remain important.<ref name="HCO">{{cite web|url=http://www.highcountryinfo.com/demographics.htm|title=Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Western North Carolina Guide|first=AppNet|last=Designs|website=www.highcountryinfo.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> The counties that make up the High Country are: [[Alleghany County, North Carolina|Alleghany]], [[Ashe County, North Carolina|Ashe]], [[Avery County, North Carolina|Avery]], [[Mitchell County, North Carolina|Mitchell]], [[Watauga County, North Carolina|Watauga]], [[Wilkes County, North Carolina|Wilkes]], and [[Yancey County, North Carolina|Yancey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regiond.org/|title=High Country Council of Government|access-date=June 13, 2012}}</ref>
 === Foothills ===
-The '''Foothills''' is a [[region]] of transitional terrain between the [[Piedmont Plateau]] and the [[Appalachian Mountains]], extending from the lower edge of the Blue Ridge escarpment into the upper Catawba, Yadkin, Broad, Saluda, and Savannah River valleys. The eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge drop sharply to the foothills section, going from 3,500–4,000 feet (1,000–1,200&nbsp;m) at the top to 1,000–1,500 feet at the base. The foothills region contains numerous lower peaks and isolated mountain ranges, such as the [[South Mountains (North Carolina)|South Mountains]], [[Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)|Brushy Mountains]], and [[Stone Mountain State Park]]. The foothills are divided into many small river and creek valleys where much of the region's population lives. Although no large cities are located in the foothills, the subregion contains many smaller cities and towns.
+[[File:City of Lenoir View from Hibriten Mountain.jpg|thumb|right|View from top of [[Hibriten Mountain]] in the [[Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)|Brushy Mountains]], showing City of [[Lenoir, North Carolina|Lenoir]] below and greater outskirts of [[Caldwell County, North Carolina|Caldwell County]]]]
+The '''Foothills''' is a region of transitional terrain between the [[Piedmont Plateau]] and the [[Appalachian Mountains]], extending from the lower edge of the Blue Ridge escarpment into the upper Catawba, Yadkin, Broad, Saluda, and Savannah River valleys. The eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge drop sharply to the foothills section, going from 3,500 to 4,000 feet (1,000–1,200&nbsp;m) at the top to 1,000–1,500 feet at the base. The foothills region contains numerous lower peaks and isolated mountain ranges, such as the [[South Mountains (North Carolina)|South Mountains]], [[Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)|Brushy Mountains]], and [[Stone Mountain State Park]]. The foothills are divided into many small river and creek valleys where much of the region's population lives. Although no large cities are located in the foothills, the subregion contains many smaller cities and towns.
-These towns were often developed by [[European Americans]] around a single industry, such as [[furniture]] or [[textiles]], which depended on local waterpower as their energy sources. Since the late [[20th century]], many of these industries and their associated jobs have moved offshore to other countries due to [[globalization]], although they still remain prevalent in some areas. The foothills towns that depended upon them economically, often suffered from job and population losses. Some areas of the foothills are developing newer economies, including [[manufacturing]], [[food distribution]], [[Public utility|utilities]], and [[health care]]. Many farmers in the northern foothills are [[poultry]] farmers. [[Vineyard]]s have been developed, along with associated [[winemaking]] and popular [[retail]].
+These towns were often developed by [[European Americans]] around a single industry, such as furniture or textiles, which depended on local waterpower as their energy sources. In the late 20th century, many of these industries and their associated jobs moved offshore to other countries due to [[globalization]], although they still remain prevalent in some foothill areas. The towns that depended upon them economically often suffered from job and population losses of people moving to areas of more economic opportunity. Some areas of the foothills have developed newer economies, including manufacturing, [[food distribution]], [[Public utility|utilities]], and health care. Many farmers in the northern foothills are poultry farmers. [[Vineyard]]s have also been developed, along with associated [[winemaking]] and popular retail.
-Among the towns of the foothills region are: [[Elkin, North Carolina|Elkin]], [[Forest City, North Carolina|Forest City]], [[Glen Alpine, North Carolina|Glen Alpine]], [[Granite Falls, North Carolina|Granite Falls]], [[Hudson, North Carolina|Hudson]], [[Lake Lure, North Carolina|Lake Lure]], [[Rutherfordton, North Carolina|Rutherfordton]], [[Spindale, North Carolina|Spindale]], [[Tryon, North Carolina|Tryon]], and [[Valdese, North Carolina|Valdese]]; and the cities of  [[Hickory, North Carolina|Hickory]], [[Lenoir, North Carolina|Lenoir]], [[Marion, North Carolina|Marion]], [[Mount Airy, North Carolina|Mount Airy]], [[Shelby, North Carolina|Shelby]], and [[Morganton, North Carolina|Morganton]]. "The southern mountains" refer to the counties bordering South Carolina. The cities/towns of [[Hendersonville, North Carolina|Hendersonville]], [[Brevard, North Carolina|Brevard]], and [[Columbus, North Carolina|Columbus]] are within this area.
+Among the towns of the North Carolina foothills region are: [[Elkin, North Carolina|Elkin]], [[Forest City, North Carolina|Forest City]], [[Glen Alpine, North Carolina|Glen Alpine]], [[Granite Falls, North Carolina|Granite Falls]], [[Hudson, North Carolina|Hudson]], [[Lake Lure, North Carolina|Lake Lure]], [[Rutherfordton, North Carolina|Rutherfordton]], [[Spindale, North Carolina|Spindale]], [[Tryon, North Carolina|Tryon]], and [[Valdese, North Carolina|Valdese]]; and the cities of  [[Hickory, North Carolina|Hickory]], [[Lenoir, North Carolina|Lenoir]], [[Marion, North Carolina|Marion]], [[Mount Airy, North Carolina|Mount Airy]], [[Shelby, North Carolina|Shelby]], and [[Morganton, North Carolina|Morganton]]. "The southern mountains" refer to the counties bordering South Carolina, with the cities/towns of [[Hendersonville, North Carolina|Hendersonville]], [[Brevard, North Carolina|Brevard]], and [[Columbus, North Carolina|Columbus]] being within this area.
 == Higher education ==
+[[File:ASU Sanford Mall Winter.JPG|thumb|right|View from Sanford Mall, on campus of [[Appalachian State University]]]]
 The region has three major public universities: [[Appalachian State University]] in Boone, [[Western Carolina University]] in [[Cullowhee, North Carolina|Cullowhee]], and [[University of North Carolina at Asheville|UNC Asheville]] in Asheville. All three are part of the [[University of North Carolina system]].
 Several small, private colleges and universities are also located in the region. [[Mars Hill University]] is located {{convert|15|mi|km}} north of Asheville. Founded in 1856, it is the oldest college or university in Western North Carolina. [[Montreat College]], affiliated with the [[Presbyterian Church]], is located {{convert|15|mi|km}} east of Asheville. [[Lees-McRae College]], located in [[Banner Elk, North Carolina|Banner Elk]], is also affiliated with the [[Presbyterian Church]]. [[Warren Wilson College]], located in [[Swannanoa, North Carolina|Swannanoa]], is noted for its strong pro-environment policies and for being one of the nine [[work colleges]] in the United States. [[Brevard College]], located in [[Brevard, North Carolina|Brevard]], is affiliated with the [[United Methodist Church]]. [[Lenoir-Rhyne University]], located in Hickory, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]].
-Several [[community college]] systems serve the region, including [[Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College]], [[Blue Ridge Community College (North Carolina)|Blue Ridge Community College]], [[Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute]], [[Catawba Valley Community College]], [[Haywood Community College]], [[Isothermal Community College]], [[Mayland Community College]],  [[McDowell Technical Community College]], [[Southwestern Community College (North Carolina)|Southwestern Community College]], [[Tri-County Community College]], Western Piedmont Community College, and [[Wilkes Community College]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Main Campuses |url=https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/about-us/main-campuses |website=NC Community Colleges |access-date=18 February 2020 |language=en |date=16 December 2013}}</ref>
+Several [[community college]] systems serve the region, including [[Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College]], [[Blue Ridge Community College (North Carolina)|Blue Ridge Community College]], [[Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute]], [[Catawba Valley Community College]], [[Haywood Community College]], [[Isothermal Community College]], [[Mayland Community College]],  [[McDowell Technical Community College]], [[Southwestern Community College (North Carolina)|Southwestern Community College]], [[Tri-County Community College]], [[Western Piedmont Community College]], and [[Wilkes Community College]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Main Campuses |url=https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/about-us/main-campuses |website=NC Community Colleges |access-date=18 February 2020 |language=en |date=16 December 2013}}</ref>
 ==Transportation==
@@ Line 36: / Line 39: @@
 ====Interstates====
-Three major [[Interstate highway]]s cross the region: [[Interstate 40]], which traverses east-west, [[Interstate 77]], which runs north-south through the northeastern section of Western North Carolina, and [[Interstate 26]], which traverses north-south (although it is classified as an east-west highway for most of its route and is signed as such). [[Interstate 240 (North Carolina)|Interstate 240]] is the only [[auxiliary route|auxiliary interstate route]] in the region, and it serves downtown Asheville.
+Three major [[Interstate highway]]s cross the region: [[Interstate 40]], which traverses east–west, [[Interstate 77]], which runs north–south through the northeastern section of Western North Carolina, and [[Interstate 26]], which traverses north–south (although it is classified as an east–west highway for most of its route and is signed as such). [[Interstate 240 (North Carolina)|Interstate 240]] is the only [[auxiliary route|auxiliary interstate route]] in the region, and it serves downtown Asheville.
 ====U.S. Highways====
@@ Line 49: / Line 52: @@
 ===Airports===
-[[Asheville Regional Airport]] (AVL), located southeast of the city of Asheville in [[Fletcher, North Carolina|Fletcher]], serves the area with non-stop jet service to [[Charlotte/Douglas International Airport|Charlotte, North Carolina]]; [[LaGuardia Airport]] in [[New York City]] and nearby [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark, New Jersey]]; [[Houston]], [[Texas]]; [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta, Georgia]]; [[Orlando Sanford International Airport]] near [[Orlando, Florida]]; [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]; [[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport|Detroit, Michigan]]; and [[O'Hare International Airport]] in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]].
+[[Asheville Regional Airport]] (AVL), located southeast of the city of Asheville in [[Fletcher, North Carolina|Fletcher]], serves the area with non-stop jet service to [[Charlotte/Douglas International Airport|Charlotte, North Carolina]]; [[LaGuardia Airport]] in New York City and nearby [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark, New Jersey]]; [[Houston]], Texas; [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta, Georgia]]; [[Orlando Sanford International Airport]] near [[Orlando, Florida]]; [[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]; [[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport|Detroit, Michigan]]; and [[O'Hare International Airport]] in Chicago, Illinois.
 ==Economy==
-[[Tourism]] is a major part of the [[economy]] in the area, which contains half of the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]] as well as the [[Nantahala National Forest|Nantahala]] and [[Pisgah National Forest|Pisgah]] national forests. Several [[lake]]s and [[dam]]s are scattered throughout Western North Carolina, such as [[Lake Lure]] and [[Fontana Dam]]. Many visitors travel to the region every summer and autumn from major cities to escape hot [[weather]] elsewhere and see the [[foliage|leaves]] change colors. The timber industry is also a major economic sector.
+Tourism is a major part of the economy in the area, which contains half of the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]] as well as the [[Nantahala National Forest|Nantahala]] and [[Pisgah National Forest|Pisgah]] national forests. Several lakes and dams are scattered throughout Western North Carolina, such as [[Lake Lure]] and [[Fontana Dam]]. Many visitors travel to the region every summer and autumn from major cities to escape hot weather elsewhere and see the [[foliage|leaves]] change colors. The timber industry is also a major economic sector.
 ===Appalachian Regional Commission===
@@ Line 58: / Line 61: @@
 {{see also|List of Appalachian Regional Commission counties#North_Carolina}}
-The [[Appalachian Regional Commission]] was formed in 1965 to aid economic development in the Appalachian region, which was lagging far behind the rest of the nation on most economic indicators. The Appalachian region, as currently defined by the Commission, includes 420 counties in 13 states, including 29 counties in North Carolina. The Commission classifies each county according to five economic qualifications&mdash; distressed, at-risk, transitional, competitive, or attainment. "Distressed" counties are considered the most economically endangered and "attainment" counties are the most economically prosperous. The three indicators used for such classification are three-year average unemployment rate, market income per capita, and poverty rate.<ref name=arcdata>[http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=56 Appalachian Regional Commission Online Resource Center].  Retrieved: May 15, 2009.</ref>
+The [[Appalachian Regional Commission]] was formed in 1965 to aid economic development in the Appalachian region, which was lagging far behind the rest of the nation on most economic indicators. The Appalachian region, as currently defined by the commission, includes 420 counties in 13 states, including 29 counties in North Carolina. The Commission classifies each county according to five economic qualifications&mdash; distressed, at-risk, transitional, competitive, or attainment. "Distressed" counties are considered the most economically endangered and "attainment" counties are the most economically prosperous. The three indicators used for such classification are three-year average unemployment rate, market income per capita, and poverty rate.<ref name=arcdata>[http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=56 Appalachian Regional Commission Online Resource Center]. Retrieved: May 15, 2009.</ref>
 In 2003, Appalachian North Carolina&mdash; which included most counties of Western North Carolina and two counties in central North Carolina&mdash; had a three-year average unemployment rate of 6%, compared with 6.2% statewide and 5.5% nationwide. In 2002, Appalachian North Carolina had a per capita market income of $21,168, compared with $23,443 statewide and $26,420 nationwide. In 2000, Appalachian North Carolina had a poverty rate of 11.7%, compared to 12.3% statewide and 12.4% nationwide.
@@ Line 67: / Line 70: @@
 ==Topography==
+[[File:Blue Ridge (western North Carolina, USA) 4.jpg|thumb|right|[[Blue Ridge Mountains]] as seen from Woolyback Overlook in northern [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson County]]]]
-There are 82 [[mountain]] [[summit (topography)|peak]]s between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500-1,800&nbsp;m) in [[elevation]] in western North Carolina, and 43 peaks rise to over {{convert|6000|ft|m}}. Among the subranges of the Appalachian Mountains located in western North Carolina are the [[Great Smoky Mountains]], [[Blue Ridge Mountains]], [[South Mountains (North Carolina)|South Mountains]], [[Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)|Brushy Mountains]], [[Sauratown Mountains]], [[Great Balsam Mountains]], [[Great Craggy Mountains]], the [[Plott Balsams]], and the [[Black Mountains (North Carolina)|Black Mountains]]. [[Mount Mitchell (North Carolina)|Mount Mitchell]], in the Black Mountains, is, at {{convert|6684|ft|m}}, the highest point in eastern [[North America]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:3255551124167035::NO::P3_FID:1013745|title=GNIS Detail - Mount Mitchell|website=geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> Valley and foothills locations typically range from {{convert|1000-2000|ft|m}} [[AMSL]].
+There are 82 mountain [[summit (topography)|peak]]s between {{convert|5000|and|6,000|ft|m}} in elevation in western North Carolina, and 43 peaks rise to over {{convert|6000|ft|m}}. The mountains in Western North Carolina are part of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]], which are part of the [[Appalachian Mountains]]. The Blue Ridge Mountains contain several subranges, such as the [[Great Smoky Mountains]], [[South Mountains (North Carolina)|South Mountains]], [[Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)|Brushy Mountains]], [[Sauratown Mountains]], [[Great Balsam Mountains]], [[Great Craggy Mountains]], the [[Plott Balsams]], and the [[Black Mountains (North Carolina)|Black Mountains]]. [[Mount Mitchell (North Carolina)|Mount Mitchell]], in the Black Mountains, is, at {{convert|6684|ft|m}}, the highest point in eastern North America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:3255551124167035::NO::P3_FID:1013745|title=GNIS Detail – Mount Mitchell|website=geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> Valley and foothills locations typically range from {{convert|1000-2000|ft|m}} [[AMSL]].
-The major rivers in the region include the [[French Broad River]], [[Nolichucky River]], [[Watauga River]], [[Little Tennessee River]], and [[Hiwassee River]] flowing into the Tennessee River valley; the [[New River (Kanawha River)|New River]] flowing into the Ohio River valley; and the headwaters and upper valleys of the [[Catawba River]], [[Yadkin River]], [[Broad River (Carolinas)|Broad River]], and [[Saluda River]] flowing through the foothills towards the Atlantic. The [[Eastern Continental Divide]] runs through the region, dividing [[Tennessee]]-bound [[stream]]s from those flowing through the [[Carolinas]].
+The major rivers in the region include the [[French Broad River]], [[Nolichucky River]], [[Watauga River]], [[Little Tennessee River]], and [[Hiwassee River]] flowing into the Tennessee River valley; the [[New River (Kanawha River)|New River]] flowing into the Ohio River valley; and the headwaters and upper valleys of the [[Catawba River]], [[Yadkin River]], [[Broad River (Carolinas)|Broad River]], and [[Saluda River]] flowing through the foothills towards the Atlantic. The [[Eastern Continental Divide]] runs through the region, dividing [[Tennessee]]-bound streams from those flowing through the [[Carolinas]] and into the Atlantic Ocean.
 ==Area==
 ===Counties===
-[[File:Triple Falls, North Carolina (8-11-2006).jpg|thumb|right|[[Triple Falls (DuPont State Forest)|Triple Falls]] in [[DuPont State Forest]], Transylvania County]]
+[[File:Triple Falls, North Carolina (8-11-2006).jpg|thumb|right|[[Triple Falls (DuPont State Forest)|Triple Falls]] in [[DuPont State Forest]], [[Transylvania County, North Carolina|Transylvania County]]]]
-Western North Carolina is generally considered to consist of 23 counties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncpedia.org/our-state-geography-snap-three|title=Our State Geography|website=NCPEDIA|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref>
+Western North Carolina is generally considered to consist of 23 counties.<ref name="auto"/>
 The counties commonly included in the region are as follows:
@@ Line 104: / Line 108: @@
 {{div col end}}
-Other counties that fall under various definitions of Western North Carolina include: [[Alexander County, North Carolina|Alexander County]], [[Catawba County, North Carolina|Catawba County]], [[Cleveland County, North Carolina|Cleveland County]], [[Surry County, North Carolina|Surry County]] and [[Yadkin County, North Carolina|Yadkin County]]. When these counties are added, they form a total regional area of roughly 11,750 square miles (30,430&nbsp;km²). This makes the region roughly the size of [[Massachusetts]].
+Other counties that fall under various definitions of Western North Carolina include: [[Alexander County, North Carolina|Alexander County]], [[Catawba County, North Carolina|Catawba County]], [[Cleveland County, North Carolina|Cleveland County]], [[Surry County, North Carolina|Surry County]] and [[Yadkin County, North Carolina|Yadkin County]]. When these counties are added, they form a total regional area of roughly {{convert|11750|mi2|km2}}. This makes the region roughly the size of [[Massachusetts]].
 During the early 1800s the western counties in North Carolina included counties located in the piedmont region, to distinguish them from the eastern counties in North Carolina that were settled earlier. As the western counties became more populated, jurisdictions competed for representation in the [[North Carolina General Assembly]] and the Governor's office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncpedia.org/east-west-rivalry|title=East-West Rivalry|author=Cockrell, David L.|year=2006|website=NCPEDIA|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref>
@@ Line 114: / Line 118: @@
 ====Over 40,000 inhabitants====
 * [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]]
-* [[Hickory, North Carolina|Hickory]] (Often considered to be a part of the North Carolina foothills; contains small amounts of territory in Burke and Caldwell Counties)
+* [[Hickory, North Carolina|Hickory]] (located in the North Carolina foothills; contains small amounts of territory in Burke and Caldwell Counties)
 ====Over 10,000 inhabitants====
@@ Line 196: / Line 200: @@
 * [[Sugar Mountain, North Carolina|Sugar Mountain]]
 * [[Sylva, North Carolina|Sylva]]
-* [[Taylorsville, North Carolina|Taylorsville]]
 * [[Tryon, North Carolina|Tryon]]
 * [[Valdese, North Carolina|Valdese]]

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