Wilkes County, North Carolina is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Wilkes County is located on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains.  Elevations range from 900 feet in the east to over 4,000 feet in the west.  Thompkins Knob has an elevation of 4,079 feet, the highest elevation in the county.  Stone Mountain State Park is located in the northern part of Wilkes County.  It is one of the most poplar state parks in North Carolina.  It offers rock climbing, camping, hiking, and trout fishing.  The Brushy Mountains form the southern part of Wilkes County.
 

Wilkes County's largest river is the Yadkin River.  Three major streams flow into the Yadkin River; they are the Reddies River, Roaring River and Mulberry Creek.  Later Wilkes County formed the W. Kerr Scott Dam.  W. Kerr Scott Lake is the largest body of water in Wilkes County offering boating, swimming, fishing (bass), family picnics, camping and waterskiing. 
 

Counties surrounding Wilkes County are:  Surry County, Ashe County, Alleghany County, Watauga County, Iredell County, Yadkin County, Alexander County, Caldwell County
 

Wilkes County was known as the "Moonshine Capital of the World".   Men made a living in Wilkes County delivering illegal homemade liquor to larger towns in North Carolina.  This illegal liquor was bootlegged as far Florida.  This often involved outrunning the police and federal agents in a car chase.  Due to this Wilkes County became one of the birthplaces for NASCAR.  The North Wilkesboro Speedway was one of the first NASCAR track.  Junior Johnson, one of the good ole boys who ran moonshine until he got into Winston NASCAR racing, where he went on to become a national champion with drivers like Freddie Lorenzen, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Benny Parsons, Jimmy Pardue and Bill Elliott.
 

Wilkes County offers wonderful education.  With four high schools, four middle schools, thirteen elementary schools and even private schools.  Wilkes Community College is a two year college.  Wilkes Community College is also the home of Merlefest, poplar bluegrass and folk music festival.  Beginning on Thursday, in the last week of April and lasting through Sunday, visitors from all over, arrive year after year to participate in this event.  Various music artists such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss and the founder of the festival, Doc Watson have performed at the Merlefest.  What began as a local bluegrass festival has grown into a major event for music lovers of all ages.
 

With strong musical roots, Wilkes County holds an annual Battle of the Bands.  This event is held in downtown North Wilkesboro in September.  A rock festival featuring around 20 bands competing for cash, or even a record label.  In May of each year, Wilkes County celebrates the wine industry with the Shine to Wine Festival held in downtown North Wilkesboro.  Wine making is becoming large industry for Wilkes County. 

On the first Saturday in October of each year, Wilkes County holds the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival.  People gather and fill the streets in downtown North Wilkesboro.  Booths are set up to display art, crafts, food and woodwork for purchase.  Entertainment is also provided, from dancing to singing.