How Wide Is North Carolina? Total Distance from East to West

Known as the Tarheel State, North Carolina is a unique state home to both ancient mountains and beautiful, sandy beaches. However, just how wide is North Carolina? After all, when you see a state with such polar opposites between a mountainous west and an oceanic east, you may find yourself wondering how such a transition can occur.

With a width of 560 miles from east to west, North Carolina is the widest state east of the Mississippi. It is around half the width of the widest state, Hawaii, which spans over 1,000 miles from one side to the other.

Becoming a Part of the United States

North Carolina is one of the original thirteen colonies. In the late 1580s, it was home to two different charters, both of which failed. This includes the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke Island, which has piqued the interest of individuals for decades. 

Having spent many years as a single Carolina territory that include areas of present-day states, including South Carolina, North Carolina didn’t become its own territory until 1712. Then, nearly two decades later in 1729, North Carolina became an official Royal English colony.

On November 21, 1789, several years after the Declaration of Independence, North Carolina became the 12th state in the newfound United States of America.

Geography of North Carolina

The geography of North Carolina is one of the factors that make this state so unique. It is composed of three natural regions: the Appalachian Mountains to the west; the Piedmont Plateau in the center of the state; and the eastern Atlantic Coastal Plain.

There are 17 major river basins in North Carolina. Some of the most notable rivers here are the Pee Dee River, the Catawba River, and the Yadkin River. There are also several mountains and mountain ranges in the state, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Brushy Mountains, and the Uwharrie Mountains. These are spread across the central and western regions of the state, with a majority being found in the latter.

Overall Size of North Carolina

As learned above, from its furthest point in the west to its furthest point in the east, North Carolina is 560 miles long. It covers an area of 53,819 mi²—making it around double the size of Ireland! It is the 28th largest state.

Around 10.55 million people call the Tarheel State home. Some of the most notable individuals born here include Billy Graham, Zach Galifianakis, John Coltrane, and Roberta Flack. 

Where is North Carolina Located on a Map?

North Carolina is located in the southeastern part of the United States. Its bordering state neighbors are Virginia to the north, South Carolina to the south, Tennessee to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. North Carolina’s topography includes the Appalachian Mountains, hilly areas, valleys, and coastal plains.

Wildlife in North Carolina

Although North Carolina may not be the largest state, it still has enough land to sport hundreds of different species of animals. From the quiet mountains to the west that are older than bones themselves to the barrier islands and salty waters of the east, North Carolina is home to a wide array of beautiful species.

North Carolina has 121 species of mammals; 234 species of freshwater fish; 475 species of birds; and over 162 species of reptiles. Talk about having diverse options!

One of the most interesting species in North Carolina is the Carolina northern flying squirrel. These small mammals have large amounts of loose, thin skin connecting their front legs to their back. Using this as a makeshift kite, they’re able to glide from tree to tree. 

You can also find the near-extinct red wolf here, both in the wild and in captivity. In fact, in May 2023, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro welcomed not one, but two litters of red wolves into the world.

Further east, you’ll find Kemp’s ridley sea turtle along North Carolina’s 300 miles of shorelines. These endangered reptiles are the smallest species of sea turtle in the entire world.

Final Thoughts

Although North Carolina is only the 28th largest state, from east to west, it provides ample features to love. From the peaceful shores of Topsail Island to the wildlife-rich Uwharrie National Forest to the ancient Appalachian mountains, you’ll find that North Carolina has a little bit of everything to offer.