Polk County

Polk County is an administrative area in western North Carolina located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont regions. The landscape includes Lake Adger and Tryon Peak, with Columbus serving as the county seat.

The area was created in 1855 by dividing parts of Henderson and Rutherford counties, and was named after Colonel William Polk, a Revolutionary War veteran. This founding established it as a separate administrative entity in the region.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring serves as a regional hub for horseback riding enthusiasts and competitive riders. The facility shapes how locals view their county's role in equestrian sports and community gatherings.

Columbus provides access to Interstate 26 and US Highway 74, making travel through the area straightforward. The rolling terrain can be challenging on foot, so having a vehicle helps when exploring different parts of the region.

The region sits in the Thermal Belt, where temperatures remain milder than in neighboring areas. Additionally, the Saluda Railroad Grade passes through the landscape, recognized as one of the steepest main line grades in the country.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1855

Capital city: Columbus

Shares border with: Rutherford County, Henderson County, Spartanburg County, Greenville County

Website: http://polknc.org

GPS coordinates: 35.28000,-82.17000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07