100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
North Carolina (NC) sits in the southeastern United States and is known for its diverse landscape that stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast. The state’s economy is driven mainly by finance, technology, and manufacturing. The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh, and the largest city is Charlotte. Top tourist attractions include Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Outer Banks archipelago.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name North Carolina Abbreviation NC Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte (Population: 911 311) Current time 11:34 Time zone EST (UTC-5), state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 10,439,459 (#9 most populous US state) Area 53,818.92 mi² (#28 largest US state) Admitted to the Union November 21, 1789 (#12 state to join) ⭐ Capital of North Carolina
North Carolina’s capital since 1794 has been Raleigh. The decision to build an entirely new capital was made in 1788, and the location was deliberately chosen in the middle of the state to protect it from attacks from the coast. The city was named in honor of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was involved in the colonization of America.
🏙️ Largest City in North Carolina
The largest city in North Carolina is Charlotte, with a population of 911,311 in 2023. Second is the capital, Raleigh, with 482,295 residents, and third is Greensboro with a population of 302,296.
🕒 Time in North Carolina
The current time in North Carolina is 11:34. The entire state observes the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST, UTC-5), with Daylight Saving Time switching to EDT (UTC-4) from March through November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of North Carolina
According to 2023 data, North Carolina had 10,439,459 residents, ranking 9th among the most populous U.S. states.
📍 Area of North Carolina
The total area of North Carolina is 53,818.92 mi², of which 48,617.76 mi² is land and 5,201.16 mi² is water. North Carolina is the 28th largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About North Carolina
🧩 Which States Border North Carolina
North Carolina borders four U.S. states. To the west is Tennessee, to the north Virginia, to the south South Carolina, and to the southwest Georgia. In addition, it has a 301.00 mi Atlantic coastline to the east.
📅 Date of North Carolina Statehood
North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution on November 21, 1789 as the 12th state. Its predecessor was the Colony of North Carolina.
📛 North Carolina State Nickname
North Carolina is nicknamed “The Tar Heel State.” The term “Tar Heel” was used in the 18th and 19th centuries for low-paid workers who produced pitch, turpentine, and tar from pine forests. What began as a somewhat pejorative label became a popular nickname for North Carolina soldiers during the American War of Independence.
The second nickname, “The Old North State,” dates back to the 17th century, when there was just one Carolina under British rule. The nickname refers to the historical division of the colony, which split in 1712.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in North Carolina
The highest peak in North Carolina is Mount Mitchell at 6,684.00 ft, which is also the highest summit in the Appalachian range and the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The mountain lies within Mount Mitchell State Park. It was named after University of North Carolina professor Elisha Mitchell, who first surveyed the mountains in this region in 1835. He died in 1857 while attempting to remeasure the mountain.
🏞️ Rivers in North Carolina
The longest river flowing through North Carolina is the Roanoke River, with a total length across all states of 410.10 mi. It is followed by the New River (316.90 mi), the Neuse River (275.27 mi), the Pee Dee River (231.77 mi), and the Catawba River (217.48 mi).
🎓 Universities in North Carolina
The largest university is North Carolina State University with just under 37,000 students. It was founded in 1887 in Raleigh. Next is the University of North Carolina with two major campuses. The older campus in Chapel Hill opened in 1789 and enrolls just under 32,000 students today. The newer campus in Charlotte has just under 30,000 students and opened in 1946.
Another notable institution is East Carolina University in Greenville with approximately 27,000 students, with roots going back to 1907.
✉️ ZIP Codes in North Carolina
North Carolina is assigned ZIP codes ranging from 270xx to 289xx. You can look them up by address on the USPS website. For more details and a clear map, see the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in North Carolina
The best time to visit North Carolina is late spring and early fall, when the weather is very pleasant and rainfall is lower than in fall or winter. Spring brings blooming landscapes, and in autumn the deciduous trees turn rich shades of orange and red.
Spring in North Carolina is marked by comfortable temperatures. In March, Charlotte typically ranges from 39 °F to 63 °F, warming to 55 °F to 79 °F in May. Rain is relatively common, and thunderstorms can occur from time to time. In the mountains and the western part of the state, snow cover can persist early in the season because temperatures run lower there.
Summer in North Carolina is humid and hot, especially in the lowlands and along the Atlantic coast. From June to August, temperatures usually sit between 72 °F and 90 °F, and high humidity can make it feel warmer. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in summer and can bring heavy downpours. In the mountains to the west it is usually cooler, with temperatures around 66 °F–75 °F. Toward late summer, hurricane risk increases along the coast.
Fall in North Carolina is one of the most beautiful times of year thanks to pleasant temperatures and relatively few rainy days. In September, temperatures generally range from 61 °F to 79 °F, dropping to 39 °F to 63 °F by November. Coastal areas remain at risk of hurricanes through the end of October, though the risk gradually declines.
Winters are usually mild, with lowland temperatures mostly between 32 °F and 50 °F. In the Appalachian Mountains and at higher elevations, temperatures can dip below freezing and snowfall is possible. In the lowlands and along the coast, precipitation is mostly rain, and sudden cold snaps can bring ice storms.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in North Carolina
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What to See in North Carolina
1️⃣ Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the USA, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The park is laced with more than 800.00 mi of marked hiking trails, including a 71.0 mi stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail.
The park offers sweeping views of forested hills that are often shrouded in mist. Wildlife is plentiful as well, with black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and groundhogs living in the Smokies.
2️⃣ Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic 469.00 mi road that runs across North Carolina and Virginia along the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many overlooks where you can stop and take in unforgettable views of mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
The most spectacular time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is fall, when the foliage lights up in every color. The road is open year-round, though some sections may be closed in winter due to snow.
3️⃣ Mount Mitchell State Park
This state park is home to the highest mountain in the eastern United States, Mount Mitchell at 6,683.07 ft. Visitors can hike several trails that pass through dense spruce forests and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. At the summit of Mount Mitchell there is an observation platform with a panoramic view of the landscape.
4️⃣ Wright Brothers National Memorial
The national memorial sits on the Atlantic coast where the Wright brothers made the world’s first powered flight on December 17, 1903. A granite art deco monument is complemented by a visitor center with exhibits that tell the story of the pioneering flight that changed the world. You can also see a replica of the Wright Flyer.
5️⃣ Tweetsie Railroad Amusement Park
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly amusement park styled after the American Wild West. The main attraction is a 3.0 mi narrow-gauge railroad with an authentic 1917 steam locomotive that pulls cars through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Kids can ride a Ferris wheel, ponies, carousels, or a chairlift.
6️⃣ Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park lies in the western part of the state and is known for its distinctive chimney-shaped rock formation, which offers a stunning panoramic view. You can reach the top either by elevator or via a steep, fairly demanding wooden stairway.
The park features several other hiking trails that reward you with a view of one of the tallest waterfalls in the region.
7️⃣ Biltmore Estate
With 250 rooms, the Biltmore Estate is the largest private home in the United States. It was built by the Vanderbilt family between 1889 and 1895. Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed it in the châteauesque style, inspired by French Renaissance architecture.
The estate includes expansive gardens and vineyards, and visitors can sample wines during their tour. Interior rooms are open as well, and the estate hosts summer festivals and other cultural events.
8️⃣ Battleship USS North Carolina
USS North Carolina is a battleship launched in 1940 that served in the Pacific during World War II as an escort for aircraft carriers. After the war it briefly served as a training ship, and in 1947 it was decommissioned.
Today the 728.74 ft vessel is moored in Wilmington and fully open to visitors as a museum. You can tour the interior, engine room, officers’ quarters, and main gun turrets. The museum includes an interactive exhibit with an audio guide that provides insight into the ship’s history and crew.
9️⃣ Grandfather Mountain
With a summit elevation of 5,946.00 ft, Grandfather Mountain ranks among the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain is famous for the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a suspension footbridge that spans 228.00 ft and sits at 5,305.00 ft.
The bridge offers beautiful views of surrounding mountains and deep valleys. The area features several hiking trails of varying difficulty that wind through gorgeous forests and rocky summits.
🔟 Linville Falls
Linville Falls sits in the gorge of the same name, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The canyon, up to 1,400.00 ft deep, is lined with steep rock walls and dense pine forests. Several trails lead to the falls, which drop a total of 150.0 ft. The best times to visit are spring and fall.
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Largest Cities in North Carolina
The table lists the ten largest cities in North Carolina in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is the national census.
City County Population 1 Charlotte Mecklenburg 911,311 Map of Charlotte 2 Raleigh Wake, Durham 482,295 Map of Raleigh 3 Greensboro Guilford 302,296 Map of Greensboro 4 Durham Durham, Wake, Orange 296,186 Map of Durham 5 Winston-Salem Forsyth 252,975 Map of Winston-Salem 6 Fayetteville Cumberland 209,749 Map of Fayetteville 7 Cary Chatham, Wake, Durham 180,010 Map of Cary 8 Wilmington New Hanover 122,698 Map of Wilmington 9 High Point Guilford, Davidson, Randolph, Forsyth 116,926 Map of High Point 10 Concord Cabarrus 110,119 Map of Concord -
Sports Teams in North Carolina
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
The only NHL team from North Carolina is the Carolina Hurricanes, who play home games at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The team colors are black, red, gray, and white. The club competes in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
The Carolina Panthers are North Carolina’s only NFL franchise. They joined the league in the 1995 season and belong to the NFC South. The Panthers play their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and the team colors are black, blue, and silver.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
North Carolina’s lone NBA representative is the Charlotte Hornets of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets joined in 1988 and chose teal, dark purple, gray, and white as their colors. The team plays home games at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
No team from North Carolina plays in MLB.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Since the 2022 season, North Carolina has been represented in MLS by Charlotte FC, assigned to the Eastern Conference. The club plays home matches at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and the colors are royal blue and black.
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North Carolina State Symbols
North Carolina law defines dozens of official state symbols. Here are some of them.
State Flag of North Carolina
The current flag of North Carolina has been in use since 1885. Alongside the NC abbreviation, attention is drawn to two dates on a yellow ribbon.
On the upper ribbon, May 20, 1775 commemorates the day the city of Charlotte declared independence from Great Britain. The lower ribbon reads April 12, 1776, when North Carolina endorsed independence for the original thirteen colonies.
State Seal of North Carolina
The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina has been used in its current form since 1983. Its central motif shows the figures of Liberty and Plenty, symbolizing the state’s ideals. Green hills and grain complete the scene, pointing to the diversity of the landscape and the state’s natural wealth.
State Anthem
North Carolina’s official anthem is The Old North State from 1835, written by lawyer and politician William Gaston. It was chosen for its patriotic lyrics celebrating the state’s beauty and bounty and became the anthem in 1927.
State Tree
The state tree is the pine (Pinus), a common species that plays an important role in North Carolina’s wood products industry. In the past, pine resin was a key material for shipbuilding.
State Flower
In 1941 the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) was chosen as the state flower. This white-blossoming tree is common along the entire East Coast. For North Carolinians it symbolizes strength and elegance.
State Mammal
Since 1969, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has been among the state symbols. It is common in both city parks and wild areas across North Carolina and was chosen to represent resilience and adaptability, qualities associated with the people of the state.
State Reptile
The official state reptile since 1979 is the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina). In the wild, individuals can live for more than 100 years. The turtle was selected for its symbolism of longevity, endurance, and patience.
State Vegetable
In 1995 sweet potatoes became the official state vegetable, reflecting their importance to agriculture. North Carolina is one of the leading producers of sweet potatoes in the USA, and they are part of traditional regional cuisine.
State Stone
Granite was declared the official state stone in 1979. North Carolina is a national leader in quarrying and processing this rock. The world’s largest open-face granite quarry is in Mount Airy near the Virginia border.
State Colors
A 1945 law designates red and blue in the shades used on the North Carolina flag and the United States flag as the official state colors.
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