Steer wrestling, a practice credited to legendary cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett, usually involves leaping onto a steer from the back of a specially trained horse. At the Madison

Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to

A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Big & Tall The North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program, part of the NC Forest Service, keeps a database of champion trees organized by species and county. The tallest champion

Eastern

Madison County Championship Rodeo

Big & Tall The North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program, part of the NC Forest Service, keeps a database of champion trees organized by species and county. The tallest champion

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Big & Tall The North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program, part of the NC Forest Service, keeps a database of champion trees organized by species and county. The tallest champion

Quiz

Our State Quiz: Big & Tall

With branches that reach high above the forest floor and trunks too wide to wrap your arms around, these trees are our champions.

by Alan Hodge

</p> <section> <h2>Big & Tall</h2> </section> <section> <h2>The North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program, part of the NC Forest Service, keeps a database of champion trees organized by species and county. The tallest champion tree in North Carolina is what type of pine, standing 180 feet tall in Jackson County?</h2> </section> <section> <h3>There are currently nearly 400 champion trees registered by the NC Forest Service. What western county has more of these trees — around 60 — than anywhere else in the state?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Our top champion tree in terms of canopy size has branches that spread 126 feet. This majestic specimen is a willow oak located in what Sampson County town?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Bertie County has a yellow poplar near Powellsville that stands 146 feet tall with a circumference of 260 inches. The yellow poplar also goes by what name?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Trunk circumference is generally measured in inches at a point about 4.5 feet above the ground. The champion tree with the largest circumference in our state is a 468-inch bald cypress on Conoho Creek, near Williamston, in what county?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>North Carolina no longer accepts new non-native species on the champion tree list, but some have been grandfathered in, including an ailanthus, also known as a “tree of heaven.” This 92-foot-tall specimen is located in Hillsborough in what county?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>The God’s Acre cemetery in Winston-Salem is the site of a champion ginkgo biloba tree. The ginkgo is native to China, but this particular example is located in what historic district?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Fraser firs form the backbone of our state’s Christmas tree industry. A 100-foot-tall fir can be found on the grounds of High Hampton Resort in what Jackson County town?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>The common persimmon produces what is often called the “fruit of the gods.” Our state’s champion with the greatest circumference is near the town of South Mills, in what state park?</h3> </section> <section></section> <section></section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Editors’ Picks

Guides

UPDATED: The Leaf-Peeper’s Guide to the North Carolina Mountains

Western North Carolina is at its most stunning when autumn arrives and the leaves burst into color. Before you head out leaf-peeping this fall, check in weekly to see what colors our experts are seeing at 22 of our favorite mountain spots.

by Our State Staff

Video

Setting the Speed Record on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

When COVID-19 changed her plans, Tara Dower decided to speed up her hike.

by Jeremy Markovich

Food

31 Days, 31 Ways to Enjoy Apples in North Carolina

We’ve picked a bushel of North Carolina apples in every form — from pies to pottery to cider — to enjoy from the first perfect, blue-sky day of October through chilly Halloween. That’s one for each day of the month!

by Our State Editors

Recipes

Watch: How to Make Caramel Apples with Salted Peanuts

These sweet and salty caramel apples are festive and delicious.

by Lynn Wells

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