According to gradphysics.com, Ashe County, North Carolina is located in the northwestern corner of the state and is bordered by Virginia to the north and Tennessee to the west. It is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its beautiful landscape, with rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque mountain peaks. The county covers an area of 531 square miles and has a population of 27,581 people as of 2019.
The history of Ashe County dates back to 1799 when it was formed from parts of Wilkes County and Washington County. Since then it has remained largely rural with a strong agricultural heritage. In recent years, however, it has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore its vast natural beauty.
Ashe County offers visitors plenty to do and see including numerous parks such as Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and New River State Park where visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking, bird watching and more. It also features several historical sites such as the Ashe County Courthouse which was built in 1884; the Ashe Arts Center which houses local art galleries; and Mount Jefferson which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ashe County is also home to several famous people including singer-songwriter Dolly Parton who was born in Sevierville; basketball player Michael Jordan who grew up in Wilmington; actor Andy Griffith who lived in Mount Airy; singer-songwriter James Taylor who grew up in Chapel Hill; novelist Thomas Wolfe who was born in Asheville; actress Ava Gardner who was born in Smithfield; author Cormac McCarthy who grew up in Knoxville; former president Andrew Johnson who lived his early life near Greeneville; and many others.
Ashe County is a great destination for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With plenty of attractions ranging from parks to historical sites, there’s something here for everyone.
Climate and weather in Ashe County, North Carolina
According to ehuacom.com, Ashe County, North Carolina is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its climate and weather are generally mild. Summers are warm with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The higher elevations of Ashe County experience cooler temperatures than the lower areas. Evenings tend to be pleasantly cool, while days can be quite hot and humid.
Rainfall is abundant throughout the year in Ashe County, with an average of around 45 inches per year. Most of the rain falls between April and September, with July being the wettest month on average. Snowfall is also common during winter months, usually beginning in December and ending by March.
Springtime in Ashe County brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures that make it a great time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking or fishing. As summer approaches, days become warmer with occasional afternoon thunderstorms bringing relief from the heat.
Autumn brings stunning views of changing foliage as well as cooler temperatures that make it a great time for outdoor activities such as camping or apple picking at one of Ashe County’s many orchards. Winters can be cold with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing but snowfall is usually light compared to other parts of North Carolina due to the county’s elevation.
Ashe County has a pleasant climate that makes it an ideal place for those looking for an outdoor escape surrounded by natural beauty. With four distinct seasons offering plenty of activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, skiing and more; there’s something here for everyone.
Transportation in Ashe County, North Carolina
Ashe County, North Carolina is a rural area with limited public transportation options. The county’s main form of transportation is the Ashe County Transit System, which provides bus service throughout the county. This system offers scheduled routes with stops at most major destinations such as schools, shopping centers and hospitals. It also provides free rides to and from certain destinations, including Appalachian State University.
Car rental services are available in Ashe County for those who wish to explore the area on their own terms. Major international car rental companies have offices in nearby cities like Boone and Jefferson. For those without a car, there are several taxi services available in the county as well as Uber and Lyft drivers who can provide rides around town or to surrounding areas.
For those traveling from out of town or across the state, Ashe County is served by two airports: Tri-Cities Regional Airport in nearby Blountville, Tennessee and Asheville Regional Airport located about an hour away in Asheville, North Carolina. Additionally, Amtrak operates rail service through Jefferson Station which is approximately 20 minutes away from downtown West Jefferson.
The nearest interstate highways are I-26 and I-77 which both run through nearby counties making it easy to access Ashe County by car or bus from neighboring states. Additionally, North Carolina Highway 16 runs through much of Ashe County providing direct access to many of its towns and attractions.
Although public transportation options within Ashe County are limited; there are still plenty of ways to get around whether you’re coming from out of town or just looking for an adventure within the county.
Cities and towns in Ashe County, North Carolina
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Ashe County, North Carolina is home to several small cities and towns. The county seat is the town of Jefferson, which is located in the north-central part of the county and is home to many local businesses and attractions. Other notable towns include West Jefferson, which boasts a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as Lansing, which is known for its historic downtown district.
The small town of Warrensville is located in the southwestern corner of Ashe County and serves as an important hub for local agriculture. This quaint community is also home to a number of historic sites such as the Old Warrensville Schoolhouse, which was built in 1871.
The town of Crumpler lies at the northern end of Ashe County near the Virginia border. This vibrant community has a rich history and offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and more. It’s also known for its annual Bluegrass Festival which takes place every spring.
The town of Fleetwood is located in the southeastern corner of Ashe County near the Tennessee border. It offers easy access to nearby attractions such as Grandfather Mountain State Park and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.
The town of Glendale Springs is located in the central part of Ashe County and is known for its beautiful mountain views and peaceful atmosphere. This small community is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and galleries as well as the historic Glendale Springs Inn.
The city of West Jefferson lies in the southwestern corner of Ashe County near the Tennessee border. It offers a variety of attractions such as art galleries, antique stores, farmers markets, and more. West Jefferson also boasts a vibrant nightlife with numerous pubs and live music venues.
The town of Todd lies to the east of Ashe County and serves as an important hub for local agriculture. This small community is home to several historic sites such as the Old Todd Schoolhouse which was built in 1879. The town also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and more.
Finally, the city of Creston can be found in the northwest corner of Ashe County near the Virginia border. Creston offers a unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities with attractions such as an 18-hole golf course, a public library, an arts center, and much more.