North Carolina's Elevation Extremes: From Sea Level to Mount Mitchell

North Carolina spans a dramatic elevation range:

• Lowest: Sea level along the Atlantic coast.
• Highest: Mount Mitchell at 6,684 ft (2,037 m) – the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
• Average: About 1,000 ft (300 m) above sea level.

The state's three physiographic provinces—Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Mountains—create this variety. Elevation influences climate, vegetation, and recreation.