North Carolina is a beautiful state known for its diverse geography, including the Appalachian Mountains, the coastal plains, and everything in between. But did you know that the state is also home to 100 counties, each with its own unique history and culture? To help you explore the state’s counties, we’ve put together a handy map that shows each county and its location in the state.
County Map of North Carolina
As you can see from the map, North Carolina is divided into 100 counties, each with its unique features and attractions. Here are just a few examples of what you can discover in each county:
Alamance County
Located in the central part of the state, Alamance County is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. One of the most popular destinations in the county is the Haw River Trail, which offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. The county is also home to Alamance Battleground, a state historic site that tells the story of a battle during the Revolutionary War.
Anson County
Anson County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. One of the most popular attractions in the county is the Anson County Historical Society, which houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the county’s past. The county is also home to several festivals throughout the year, including the Anson County Heritage Festival and the Anson County Christmas Parade.
Ashe County
Located in the northwestern part of the state, Ashe County is known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking in the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including West Jefferson and Lansing.
Avery County
Avery County is located in the western part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, which features stunning waterfalls and scenic overlooks, or take a hike along the Appalachian Trail. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Banner Elk and Elk Park.
Beaufort County
Located in the eastern part of the state, Beaufort County is known for its rich history and charming waterfront towns. Visitors can explore the North Carolina Estuarium, a museum that showcases the unique ecosystem of the Pamlico Sound, or take a stroll along the waterfront in the town of Washington. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Bath Historic Site and the Bonner House.
Bertie County
Bertie County is located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the County Cultural Arts Center, a museum that showcases the art, music, and history of the region, or take a tour of the historic Windsor Courthouse. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Aulander and Colerain.
Bladen County
Located in the southeastern part of the state, Bladen County is known for its rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Cape Fear River Trail, which offers hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities, or take a tour of the historic Bladen County Courthouse. The county is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Bladen County Historical Society Museum and the White Lake Historical Society Museum.
Brunswick County
Brunswick County is located in the southeastern part of the state and is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing at Sunset Beach, or go kayaking and boating in the Intracoastal Waterway. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Southport and Shallotte.
Buncombe County
Located in the western part of the state, Buncombe County is known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can explore the Biltmore Estate, a historic mansion that is the largest privately-owned home in the United States, or take a stroll through the charming downtown area of Asheville. The county is also home to several world-renowned breweries, including Sierra Nevada and New Belgium.
Burke County
Burke County is located in the western part of the state and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, which features stunning waterfalls and scenic overlooks, or take a hike along the Catawba River Greenway. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Morganton and Valdese.
Cabarrus County
Located in the central part of the state, Cabarrus County is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the Reed Gold Mine, a historic gold mine that offers tours and panning demonstrations, or take a stroll through the charming downtown area of Concord. The county is also home to several exciting events throughout the year, including the Carolina Renaissance Festival and the Cabarrus County Fair.
Caldwell County
Caldwell County is located in the western part of the state and is known for its rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the historic Harper House, a museum that showcases the history of the area, or take a hike in the Pisgah National Forest. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Lenoir and Granite Falls.
Camden County
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Camden County is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Dismal Swamp State Park, which features hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities, or take a tour of the county’s many historic sites, including the Camden County Courthouse and the Old North Camden Schoolhouse.
Carteret County
Carteret County is located in the southeastern part of the state and is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing at Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle, or take a boat tour of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Beaufort and Morehead City.
Caswell County
Caswell County is located in the central part of the state and is known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic Caswell County Courthouse, which dates back to 1833, or take a tour of the Locust Hill Plantation, a historic home that was built in the early 19th century. The county is also home to several beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Hyco Lake and Caswell Game Land.
Catawba County
Catawba County is located in the western part of the state and is known for its rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Hickory Museum of Art, which features a collection of American art and regional crafts, or take a hike in the Catawba River Greenway. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Newton and Hickory.
Chatham County
Chatham County is located in the central part of the state and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, which features hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities, or take a tour of the historic courthouse in Siler City. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Pittsboro and Goldston.
Cherokee County
Cherokee County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Nantahala National Forest, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities, or take a tour of the historic courthouse in Murphy. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Andrews and Brasstown.
Chowan County
Chowan County is located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the charming town of Edenton, which features several historic buildings and museums, or take a boat tour of the Chowan River. The county is also home to several beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the John L. Morgan Jr. Waterfront Park.
Clay County
Clay County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Nantahala National Forest, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities, or take a tour of the historic courthouse in Hayesville. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Brasstown and Warne.
Cleveland County
Cleveland County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Cleveland County Arts Council, which features several art collections and galleries, or take a tour of the historic Shelby Court Square. The county is also home to several beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Kings Mountain State Park and the South Mountain State Park.
Columbus County
Columbus County is located in the southeastern part of the state and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Columbus County Fairgrounds, which hosts several events throughout the year, or take a hike in the Lake Waccamaw State Park. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Tabor City and Fair Bluff.
Craighead County
Craighead County is located in the central part of the state and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Craighead County Courthouse, which dates back to 1900, or take a stroll through the charming downtown area of Jonesboro. The county is also home to several beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Craighead Forest Park and the St. Francis National Forest.
Cumberland County
Cumberland County is located in the southeastern part of the state and is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the Cumberland County Crown Coliseum, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year, or take a stroll through the charming downtown area of Fayetteville. The county is also home to several exciting events, including the Cumberland County Fair and the Dogwood Festival.
Currituck County
Currituck County is located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its stunning beaches and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, or take a tour of the Whalehead Club, a historic home that dates back to the 1920s. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Corolla and Knotts Island.
Dare County
Dare County is located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for a stunning view of the ocean, or take a tour of the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the history of flight. The county is also home to several charming small towns, including Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.
Davidson County
Davidson County is located in the central part of the state and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the High Rock Lake, which offers fishing and boating
