Number of births to Floyd County residents in 2004: 169

Number of Floyd County residents who died in 2004: 139

Floyd County is situated atop a high plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains that divides the eastward-flowing from the westward-flowing waters. It is said that no water flows into Floyd County.

Buffalo Mountain was originally a 25,000-acre land grant to “Lighthorse” Harry Lee (Robert E. Lee’s father) for his service during the Revolutionary War. Today, 1,000 acres is preserved for public use. Buffalo Mountain is the highest point in Floyd County, at nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. It offers panoramic views of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina and beyond.

Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a 10.8-mile loop that begins alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rocky Knob Campground (milepost 167). There are about 200 species of wildflowers, 45 species of trees and 28 species of ferns along the trail. The trail follows much of Rock Castle Creek and passes a camp once used by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. According to local legend, the name “Rock Castle” comes from the hexagonal shape of quartzite crystals found in the hollows. These crystals resemble castle towers.