| Rays Fork | rises in E Union County and flows NW into Richardson Creek. |
| Raywood | community in W Union County served by post office, 1858-1903. |
| Razo Creek | See Resoe Creek. |
| Razor Mountain | N Buncombe County between Poverty Branch and Martin Creek. |
| Razorback Ridge | W Avery County. |
| Reading | See Elizabeth City. |
| Ready Branch | rises in S Jones County and flows N into Trent River. |
| Ready Branch | rises in S Martin County and flows SE into Statons Pond on Sweetwater Creek. |
| Readybranch | community in SW Wilkes County near the head of Naked Creek. A post office operated there, 1876-1935. |
| Reas Beach | See Albemarle Beach. |