Avery County, North Carolina is located in the western part of the state and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The county is bordered by Tennessee to the west, Mitchell County to the north, Caldwell County to the east, and Burke and McDowell counties to the south. Avery County covers an area of 558 square miles with elevations ranging from 1,500 feet near Elk Park to 6,300 feet at Grandfather Mountain.
The topography of Avery County varies greatly with rugged mountains dominating much of its landscape. The majority of these mountains are part of either the Blue Ridge Mountains or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highest peak in Avery County is Mount Mitchell which stands at 6,684 feet and provides stunning views from its summit.
The climate in Avery County is mild with temperatures remaining relatively consistent throughout the year. Summers are typically warm and humid while winters tend to be cold but not too extreme. Average annual precipitation totals vary from 40-50 inches depending on location within the county.
Avery County has a wealth of natural resources including forests that provide timber for logging operations as well as recreational opportunities like camping and hiking along its many trails. In addition, there are numerous streams throughout Avery that offer excellent fishing opportunities for anglers looking for trout or bass. Wildlife is abundant in Avery with black bear being particularly common throughout its forests while bald eagles can often be spotted soaring above Grandfather Mountain during winter months.
Overall, Avery County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors ranging from fishing and hunting to hiking or simply enjoying its picturesque mountain views. With its mild climate and abundance of natural resources, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to visit or live in this beautiful region.
Country seat and other main cities of Avery County, North Carolina
Avery County is the westernmost county in North Carolina and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The county seat is located in Newland, a small mountain town nestled along the banks of the Linville River. The county also includes several other cities and towns including Banner Elk, Elk Park, Crossnore, Plumtree, Pineola and Seven Devils.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Newland is the largest city in Avery County and serves as its administrative center. Located at an elevation of 2,500 feet above sea level, Newland offers stunning views of Grandfather Mountain throughout the year. It is home to numerous shops and restaurants as well as attractions like the Avery County Historical Museum which showcases local history through exhibits and artifacts.
Banner Elk is another popular destination in Avery County and has become known for its skiing resorts such as Beech Mountain Ski Resort which offers over 30 trails for both beginner and advanced skiers. During summer months, visitors can enjoy activities like golfing or hiking while winter brings opportunities for snow tubing or s’mores around a bonfire at one of Banner Elk’s many lodges.
Elk Park is located at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain from its lookout points. It also boasts a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing on nearby lakes or exploring trails that weave through dense forests. The town also features a number of unique shops where visitors can find locally-made crafts or antiques dating back to early settlers who called this area home.
Crossnore is another charming mountain town located near Grandfather Mountain State Park which offers numerous hiking trails for visitors looking to explore its lush landscape or catch glimpses of wildlife like black bear or even bald eagles soaring overhead during winter months. Crossnore also has its own museum dedicated to preserving local history through interactive exhibits that showcase artifacts from early settlers who lived in this area centuries ago.
Plumtree lies near the border between Avery County and Mitchell County and features a number Pineola Lake which provides ample opportunities for fishing or boating during summer months while winter brings chances for ice skating on its frozen surface. This small mountain town also has several antique stores where visitors can find unique pieces from days gone by as well as art galleries showcasing work by local artists.
Finally, Seven Devils is a small community situated along Highway 105 at an elevation 4,500 feet above sea level with incredible views overlooking Grandfather Mountain’s rugged peaks throughout any season.. This quaint mountain village includes attractions like Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline Park which draws crowds looking for outdoor adventure all year round while nearby restaurants offer delicious meals made with locally-sourced ingredients that will make any visitor feel right at home.
History of Avery County, North Carolina
Avery County, North Carolina was formed in 1911 from parts of Caldwell and Mitchell counties. It is named for Waightstill Avery, a Revolutionary War hero and the first attorney general of North Carolina. The county has a population of 17,797 and covers an area of around 310 square miles. It is home to several national forests and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The county seat is Newland and other towns include Banner Elk, Crossnore, Elk Park, Grandfather, Linville, Pineola and Plumtree.
In the early 19th century Avery County was populated by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Catawba. The first settlers arrived in the late 18th century but it was not until after the Civil War that more people began to settle in the area. By 1880 there were enough people to form a county government which was organized in 1911 from parts of Caldwell and Mitchell counties.
The economy of Avery County has always been mainly agricultural with dairy farming being one of its main industries. Other industries include timber production, furniture manufacturing, textiles and tourism. In recent years, these industries have declined due to increased competition from other areas but tourism remains an important part of the local economy thanks to its proximity to Grandfather Mountain State Park as well as several ski resorts located nearby.
Economy of Avery County, North Carolina
The economy of Avery County, North Carolina has traditionally been largely agricultural in nature, with dairy farming being one of the major industries. Timber production, furniture manufacturing and textiles have also been important contributors to the local economy. In recent years, however, these industries have begun to decline due to increased competition from other areas.
Tourism remains an important part of the local economy thanks to its proximity to Grandfather Mountain State Park and several ski resorts located nearby. The county’s location along the Blue Ridge Parkway also makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come for hiking, camping and fishing. Additionally, Avery County is home to several wineries which attract visitors from across the region.
The county is also home to several small businesses including restaurants, retail stores and service providers such as plumbers and electricians. Many of these businesses are locally owned and operated which helps contribute to overall economic growth in the area. In addition, there are a number of larger employers such as banks, hospitals and government agencies that provide jobs for residents in Avery County.
Overall, Avery County has seen a steady growth in its economy over the past few decades due largely in part to its growing tourism industry and influx of small businesses. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of outdoor activities it is no wonder why so many people choose this area as their vacation destination each year.