Overview

The High Country of the State of North Carolina refers to the relatively higher elevations in the mountainous portions of the State of North Carolina. The State of North Carolina is home to the numerous communities at higher elevations within the region, and the cities at higher elevation that are also somewhat larger often define the cultural boundaries of the High Country, culturally distinct from Asheville and more influenced by the Tri-Cities to the west and even Roanoke to the north. Today, communities such as Boone and Blowing Rock are hydrologically related to the New River Valley, which typically defines the region known as the High Country. Based on the New River definition of the High Country, the region specifically refers to the areas around the City of Boone in Watauga County and in a number of surrounding counties within the State.