Climate, Vegetation, and Wildlife of the North Carolina Mountains

Climate

Humid subtropical with warm summers (avg 75°F) and cool winters (avg 35°F). Annual average: 55°F. ~50 inches precipitation/year, mostly summer.

Vegetation

• Deciduous forests: Oak, hickory, maple.
• Coniferous forests: Pine, spruce, fir.
• Alpine meadows: Grasses, wildflowers at highest elevations.

Wildlife

• Mammals: Black bear, white-tailed deer, elk, wild boar.
• Birds: Bald eagle, peregrine falcon, ruffed grouse.

Elevation gradients create distinct ecological zones within the Appalachian range.