Brushy Mountains (North Carolina)

The Brushy Mountains are a small mountain range located in northwestern North Carolina. They are part of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains, but they are separated by the Yadkin River valley. These mountains stretch about 45 miles (72 km) from southwest to northeast and pass through five counties: Caldwell, Alexander, Wilkes, Iredell, and Yadkin.

These mountains play an important role in dividing the water flow between the Yadkin River and the Catawba River, two of the biggest rivers in central North Carolina. The highest point in the Brushy Mountains is Pores Knob, which rises to 2,680 feet (820 meters). Other well-known peaks include Hibriten Mountain in Caldwell County, Hickory Knob in Alexander County, North Carolina, Click Mountain in Yadkin County, and Fox Mountain in Iredell County, North Carolina.

Today, the Brushy Mountains are famous for their many fruit orchards. Each year, people celebrate the fruit harvest with festivals. The Brushy Mountain Peach and Heritage Festival happens on the last Saturday in July in Downtown Wilkesboro. In October, the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival takes place in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Long ago, the area was also known for a tradition of making homemade liquor, and some famous race car drivers began their careers there.