Most mineral production in the area is crushed stone for road aggregate and pyrophyllite for factories, ceramics, filler, paint and insecticide carriers.

[2] The northern edge of the mountains begins on the southern bank of Great Alamance Creek, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Interstate 40 in Graham and runs in a southwesterly direction towards Liberty in Randolph County.

[3] Perhaps the most famous peak in the range is the 267 m (902 ft) Bass Mountain, the former home of an annual bluegrass music festival.

The mountains and Alamance County were home to the local Native American tribes, including the Sissipahaw.

There are several cave sites throughout the mountains where local historians theorize that small military parties may have been able to fortify their position.