Central North Carolina, also known as thePiedmont, is a region ofNorth Carolina. It is located between theMountains to the west and theCoastal Plain to the east. It is the most populous region of the state, containingCharlotte, the state capital ofRaleigh, andGreensboro. These cities form thePiedmont Crescent region, much of which parallels I-85. The geography of the Piedmont primarily consists of rolling hills. Historically the region has been known for furniture and textile manufacturing.
The geography of Central North Carolina consists primarily of rolling hills with elevations generally between 300 and 1500 feet above sea level, generally sloping upward from east to west. There are some smaller mountain ranges, such as theUwharrie Mountains. Many rivers cross the region, such as theNeuse,Cape Fear, andPee Dee. The approximate eastern border of the Piedmont is theFall Line, where many of these rivers have waterfalls. This was historically important as a good location for water mills, and it was the upper limit of navigability on these rivers. Some gold, coal, and iron has been found in the region. The land was historically covered with oak, hickory, and pine forests. Much of this forest has been destroyed due to agriculture and urban development, but some forests have regrown due to the abandonment of farms.[1]
Central North Carolina has a temperate climate, with abundant precipitation year-round. Most of the region 45–50 inches (1,143–1,270 mm) of precipitation, less than either the Mountains or Coastal Plain. Average temperatures are around 40 °F (4 °C) in the winter and 80 °F (27 °C) in the summer. The region is frequently affected by the remnants of hurricanes.[1]Hurricane Fran caused significant damage in the region. TheTornado outbreak of April 14-16, 2011, caused significant damage in this region as well as further east.[2]
Several major interstates cross the region.
In addition, two major interstates are under construction in the western portion of the region
Cities in each of the major metropolitan areas also have auxiliary routes
Charlotte has:
Raleigh has:
Greensboro has:
Amtrak runs passenger service through Central North Carolina. ThePiedmont andCarolinian trains run from Raleigh to Charlotte, and other trains connect northeast toWashington, D.C., and southwest toAtlanta.[3]
There are three major passenger airports in Central North Carolina.
The majority of North Carolina's population, and each of its five largest cities, is located in the Piedmont.[1]
