Graham County covers 433 square miles with elevation ranges from 1,177 to 5,560 feet. Two-thirds of the county is National Forest. It is the home of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Slickrock Creek Wilderness Area, Snowbird Backcountry Area, Nantahala National Forest, and borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trail winds through the county making its trek from Georgia to Maine. Lake Santeetlah's shoreline is more than 75% National Forest; insurance that it will never be spoiled by development. Many visitors enjoy the solitude of the lake even on the busiest of summer weekends. Graham County's trout streams have earned a national reputation.
Fontana Lake has some 25 miles of waters to explore. The entire north shore is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and much of the southern shorline is National Forest. Fontana Dam and Historic Fontana Village are a must see for the vacationer.
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Graham County 2000
Census Totals |
| Total Population: 7993 |
| Percent Change since 1990: +11% |
| Percent Under 18: 22% |
| Percent Multiracial: 1% |
| Percent Minority: 8% |
Robbinsville, the sleepy county seat, has a population of about 800. There are traffic jams twice each year - for homecoming and the Christmas parade. The biggest celebration of the year is the annual 4th of July Heritage Festival. Another big draw is the Graham County Rescue Squad's Ramp Fest held each year on the last Sunday in April.
Those looking for a little western North Carolina culture should plan on stopping at the Stecoah Valley Center where a variety of cultural events are scheduled and live Appalachian music played every Saturday night throughout the summer. Another popular activity is visiting the local crafters and artisans both at the Stecoah Valley Center and at their shops around the county. Locally grown produce, available all summer at roadside markets, will probably be one of your better memories. To learn more about Graham County's rich heritage including history of the Cherokee Nation in this area CLICK HERE to visit our Heritage Page.
Typical Weather:
Avg temperature & rainfall |
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rain |
| Jan |
47 |
25 |
3.25 |
| Feb |
50 |
27 |
3.91 |
| Mar |
59 |
35 |
4.63 |
| April |
67.8 |
42.6 |
3.36 |
| May |
75 |
50.9 |
4.43 |
| June |
80.4 |
58.3 |
4.23 |
| July |
83 |
62.7 |
4.52 |
| August |
82.1 |
61.9 |
4.69 |
| Sept |
76.9 |
55.5 |
3.87 |
| Oct |
68.3 |
43.5 |
3.59 |
| Nov |
59.3 |
35.7 |
3.59 |
| Dec |
50 |
29 |
3.52 |
Graham County's heritage is deeply rooted in religion. The local churches welcome guests of all faiths. CLICK HERE to visit our Graham County Faith Guide Page for listings of the various churches in the area.
Activities in Graham County lean toward outdoor adventures. Hiking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fly-fishing, lake fishing, boating, jet skiing, hunting, horseback riding, nature photography, and mountain biking are some of the more strenuous activities. Others prefer the quiet restfulness of the forest, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and streams. Many motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts come to ride the Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap and the Cherohala Skyway.
Accommodations vary as widely as the activities. We have hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, luxury vacation homes, and rustic cabins. Pick your location .... mountaintop, lake, creek, or forest .... there is something that will satisfy your desires.
Some visitors come and then decide to stay here. Stop by one of our real estate offices to find your dream property. With a population of about 8,000 there is still plenty of room to settle.
Graham County welcomes all visitors with good "ol' fashioned southern hospitality". Come and discover it for yourself. |
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