North Carolina State Maps
These maps show North Carolina's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The 100 Counties of North Carolina and Their Name Origins
- Alamance County: Named for the Battle of Alamance, which was fought during the War of the Regulation in 1771.
- Alexander County: Named for William Julius Alexander, a speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons.
- Alleghany County: Named after the Allegheny Mountains.
- Anson County: Named for George Anson, a British Admiral who circumnavigated the globe.
- Ashe County: Named for Samuel Ashe, a governor of North Carolina.
- Avery County: Named for Waightstill Avery, a soldier and attorney who was North Carolina's first attorney general.
- Beaufort County: Named for Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort.
- Bertie County: Named for James Bertie, a British nobleman.
- Bladen County: Named for Martin Bladen, a member of the Board of Trade in England.
- Brunswick County: Named for the House of Brunswick, a royal house in Germany.
- Buncombe County: Named for Edward Buncombe, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War.
- Burke County: Named for Thomas Burke, a governor of North Carolina.
- Cabarrus County: Named for Stephen Cabarrus, a speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons.
- Caldwell County: Named for Joseph Caldwell, the first president of the University of North Carolina.
- Camden County: Named for Charles Pratt, the Earl of Camden, a British supporter of the American colonies.
- Carteret County: Named for Sir George Carteret, one of the Lords Proprietors of the Carolina colony.
- Caswell County: Named for Richard Caswell, a governor of North Carolina.
- Catawba County: Named for the Catawba Native American tribe.
- Chatham County: Named for William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, a British statesman.
- Cherokee County: Named for the Cherokee Native American tribe.
- Chowan County: Named for the Chowanoc Native American tribe.
- Clay County: Named for Henry Clay, a U.S. congressman and senator from Kentucky.
- Cleveland County: Named for Benjamin Cleveland, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War.
- Columbus County: Named for Christopher Columbus.
- Craven County: Named for William Craven, the Earl of Craven, one of the Lords Proprietors.
- Cumberland County: Named for William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland, a British general.
- Currituck County: Named for a Native American word meaning "land of the wild geese."
- Dare County: Named for Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World.
- Davidson County: Named for William Lee Davidson, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Davie County: Named for William Richardson Davie, a governor of North Carolina and founder of the University of North Carolina.
- Duplin County: Named for Thomas Hay, the Lord of Duplin, a Scottish peer.
- Durham County: Named for the city of Durham, England.
- Edgecombe County: Named for Richard Edgecombe, a British nobleman.
- Forsyth County: Named for Benjamin Forsyth, a colonel in the War of 1812.
- Franklin County: Named for Benjamin Franklin.
- Gaston County: Named for William Gaston, a U.S. congressman and North Carolina Supreme Court justice.
- Gates County: Named for Horatio Gates, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Graham County: Named for William A. Graham, a U.S. senator and governor of North Carolina.
- Granville County: Named for John Carteret, the Earl Granville, one of the Lords Proprietors.
- Greene County: Named for Nathanael Greene, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Guilford County: Named for Francis North, the Earl of Guilford.
- Halifax County: Named for George Montague-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax, a British statesman.
- Harnett County: Named for Cornelius Harnett, a Revolutionary leader from Wilmington.
- Haywood County: Named for John Haywood, North Carolina's state treasurer from 1787 to 1827.
- Henderson County: Named for Leonard Henderson, a chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
- Hertford County: Named for the Marquess of Hertford, a British peer.
- Hoke County: Named for Robert F. Hoke, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
- Hyde County: Named for Edward Hyde, a colonial governor of North Carolina.
- Iredell County: Named for James Iredell, a U.S. Supreme Court justice.
- Jackson County: Named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.
- Johnston County: Named for Gabriel Johnston, a governor of North Carolina.
- Jones County: Named for Willie Jones, a leader in the movement for North Carolina's independence from Britain.
- Lee County: Named for Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
- Lenoir County: Named for William Lenoir, an officer in the American Revolutionary War and a prominent politician.
- Lincoln County: Named for Benjamin Lincoln, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- McDowell County: Named for Joseph McDowell, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Macon County: Named for Nathaniel Macon, a U.S. congressman and senator from North Carolina.
- Madison County: Named for James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.
- Martin County: Named for Josiah Martin, the last royal governor of North Carolina.
- Mecklenburg County: Named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.
- Mitchell County: Named for Elisha Mitchell, a professor who measured the height of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River.
- Montgomery County: Named for Richard Montgomery, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Moore County: Named for Alfred Moore, a U.S. Supreme Court justice.
- Nash County: Named for Francis Nash, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- New Hanover County: Named for the House of Hanover, a German royal dynasty that ruled Great Britain.
- Northampton County: Named for James Compton, the Earl of Northampton.
- Onslow County: Named for Arthur Onslow, speaker of the British House of Commons.
- Orange County: Named for William V of Orange, the Prince of Orange, a Dutch nobleman.
- Pamlico County: Named for the Pamlico Sound, which in turn was named after the Pamlico Native American tribe.
- Pasquotank County: Named for a Native American word meaning "where the current forks."
- Pender County: Named for William Dorsey Pender, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
- Perquimans County: Named for a Native American word meaning "land of beautiful women."
- Person County: Named for Thomas Person, a Revolutionary War patriot and politician.
- Pitt County: Named for William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, a British statesman.
- Polk County: Named for James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States.
- Randolph County: Named for Peyton Randolph, the first president of the Continental Congress.
- Richmond County: Named for Charles Lennox, the Duke of Richmond.
- Robeson County: Named for Thomas Robeson, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War.
- Rockingham County: Named for Charles Watson-Wentworth, the Marquess of Rockingham, a British prime minister.
- Rowan County: Named for Matthew Rowan, a colonial governor of North Carolina.
- Rutherford County: Named for Griffith Rutherford, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Sampson County: Named for John Sampson, a colonial official in North Carolina.
- Scotland County: Named for Scotland, the ancestral home of many early settlers.
- Stanly County: Named for John Stanly, a U.S. congressman and speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons.
- Stokes County: Named for John Stokes, a judge and Revolutionary War officer.
- Surry County: Named for the county of Surrey in England.
- Swain County: Named for David L. Swain, a governor of North Carolina and president of the University of North Carolina.
- Transylvania County: From the Latin words meaning "across the woods."
- Tyrell County: Named for John Tyrrell, one of the Lords Proprietors of the Carolina colony.
- Union County: The name reflects a spirit of unity during the formation of the county.
- Vance County: Named for Zebulon B. Vance, a governor of North Carolina and U.S. senator.
- Wake County: Named for Margaret Wake, the wife of Governor William Tryon.
- Warren County: Named for Joseph Warren, a general killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War.
- Washington County: Named for George Washington, the first president of the United States.
- Watauga County: Named for the Watauga River, a Native American word meaning "beautiful water."
- Wayne County: Named for Anthony Wayne, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Wilkes County: Named for John Wilkes, a British politician who supported the American cause.
- Wilson County: Named for Louis D. Wilson, a state legislator and officer in the Mexican-American War.
- Yadkin County: Named for the Yadkin River, a Native American word.
- Yancey County: Named for Bartlett Yancey, a U.S. congressman and speaker of the North Carolina Senate.

North Carolina State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in North Carolina State
Clay County: 220 sq miles
Largest County in North Carolina State
Robeson County: 947 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in North Carolina State
Mean Area: 544 sq miles
Median Area: 523 sq miles

Major Cities of North Carolina State and Their Locations
In North Carolina, major cities are strategically located near coastal ports, river valleys, and historic transportation routes. Below are examples:
1. Coastal Cities
Wilmington: Located along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington has historically served as a significant port city with access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Morehead City: Situated along the Crystal Coast, Morehead City is known for its port facilities and commercial fishing industry.
2. Piedmont Cities
Charlotte: A major financial hub located in the Piedmont region, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and serves as a key transportation and business center.
Raleigh: The state capital, Raleigh is known for its role in government and education, with numerous universities in the Research Triangle area.
3. Mountain Cities
Asheville: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Topographic Tour of North Carolina
North Carolina offers diverse terrains shaped by its unique geography and natural features. From the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the east, the state presents a rich variety of landscapes.
1. Blue Ridge Mountains
The western edge of North Carolina is dominated by the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. These mountains feature lush forests, high peaks, and scenic valleys, making them a popular destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation.
2. Piedmont Region
The central Piedmont region is characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and urban centers. This region is the heart of North Carolina's economic and cultural life, home to cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
3. Coastal Plain
The eastern part of the state consists of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which includes low-lying flatlands, swamps, and estuaries. This region is known for its rich agricultural lands and access to the Atlantic Ocean through port cities like Wilmington.
4. Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a series of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. These islands separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique landscape of sand dunes, beaches, and marshes. The Outer Banks are popular for tourism, offering activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
5. Great Dismal Swamp
Located in the northeastern part of the state, the Great Dismal Swamp is a vast wetland area that extends into Virginia. This region features dense forests, swamps, and wildlife habitats, offering visitors opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and birdwatching.

Physiographic Regions of North Carolina
Blue Ridge, Southern
This region encompasses the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains, with rugged peaks and deep valleys, offering rich biodiversity and numerous outdoor recreational activities.
Coastal Plain, Sea Island
This region is characterized by barrier islands, sandy beaches, and tidal flats, forming a natural buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland.
Piedmont Upland
The Piedmont Upland is a region of rolling hills and fertile valleys, where many of North Carolina’s major cities and agricultural activities are located.
Coastal Plain, Embayed
The Embayed Coastal Plain features low-lying wetlands and estuaries along the Atlantic coast, with important ecosystems supporting diverse wildlife.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in North Carolina
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It is known for its ancient mountains, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenic views.
2. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras is a long stretch of protected coastline along the Outer Banks, featuring sandy beaches, lighthouses, and opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and water sports.
3. Croatan National Forest
Located in eastern North Carolina, the Croatan National Forest offers a mix of pine forests, saltwater estuaries, and unique habitats like pocosins and bogs. It is a prime location for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
4. Pisgah National Forest
Covering over half a million acres in the Appalachian Mountains, Pisgah National Forest is renowned for its dense hardwood forests, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. It's popular for camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
5. Uwharrie National Forest
Located in the central part of North Carolina, Uwharrie National Forest is known for its gently rolling terrain, making it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The forest is a popular destination for off-roading enthusiasts.
6. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on the Outer Banks, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The refuge offers opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and nature photography, especially during bird migration seasons.
7. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
This vast refuge in eastern North Carolina is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, red wolves, and a variety of migratory birds. It offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, kayaking, and nature tours.
8. Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Mattamuskeet NWR is known for its shallow, freshwater lake that attracts thousands of migratory birds during the winter. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching, fishing, and photography.
9. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Located along the southern Outer Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore is known for its pristine beaches, historic lighthouse, and opportunities for camping, boating, and birdwatching. The seashore's undeveloped barrier islands provide a tranquil escape from the busier coastal areas.

Ecoregions of North Carolina
Atlantic Coastal Flatlands Section
This region includes flat, low-lying areas along the coast, known for their rich ecosystems and salt marshes.
Blue Ridge Mountains Section
The Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina are characterized by dense forests, high peaks, and a variety of wildlife species.
Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Lower Section
This area features flatlands and forests near the coast, with important habitats for both marine and terrestrial species.
Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Section
This section of the coastal plain includes agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands, providing key resources for wildlife and agriculture.
Northern Ridge & Valley Section
This region includes rolling valleys and ridges that form part of the Appalachian Mountain system, supporting diverse ecosystems and agricultural activities.
Southern Appalachian Piedmont Section
The Southern Appalachian Piedmont is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys, where much of the state’s agriculture and urban development occur.