Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is located on the Piedmont plateau, giving it gently rolling terrain. While the city appears relatively flat, subtle variations in elevation influence drainage, city planning, and the overall landscape.
Average Elevation: about 315 feet (96 meters) above sea level
Highest Elevation: 435 feet (133 meters) — near the northwest part of the city around the Falls Lake area
Lowest Elevation: 145 feet (44 meters) — along the Neuse River in the southeast portion of the city
So, now you know the elevation of Raleigh. You can also use geolocation-based tools to find the real-time elevation of your current location through your browser.
Raleigh Elevation Map (With Highest and Lowest Points)
Highest Point:
The highest point within Raleigh city limits is located in the northwest region near Falls Lake, reaching approximately 435 ft (133 m) above sea level.
(Tap on pointers for more info)
Lowest Point:
The lowest point lies along the Neuse River in the southeastern area, at about 145 ft (44 m) above sea level.
Note: Elevation points mentioned are within Raleigh city limits.
Raleigh Map:
Elevation of Popular High-Elevation Destinations Near Raleigh:
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Downtown Raleigh: ~315 ft (96 m) — central business district and surrounding urban areas
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North Hills Area: ~380 ft (116 m) — higher residential and commercial neighborhoods
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Pullen Park / NC State University Area: ~320 ft (98 m) — moderate elevation in central-west Raleigh
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Falls Lake / Northwest Suburbs: ~435 ft (133 m) — highest elevations, providing subtle hills and scenic views
Raleigh’s elevation varies moderately, with gentle hills and river valleys shaping the city’s climate, drainage, and landscape aesthetics. The combination of low and high points creates neighborhoods with diverse topography and scenic views while maintaining a generally flat Piedmont character.