Sparta, NC

united states

Sparta is a small mountain town in northwestern North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, sitting at over 3,000 feet elevation as Alleghany County's seat. Reach it via US 21 from I-77 (30 miles south) or NC 18 from Mount Airy (25 miles east). The town serves as a gateway to New River State Park and surrounding national forest recreation areas. At 3,090 feet above sea level, Sparta claims to be one of the highest incorporated towns east of the Mississippi River.