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Old Maps of Franklin, North Carolina for Hiking & Exploration

Hike through history with 23 historic maps of Franklin. Explore old trails, ghost towns, and forgotten backroads — perfect for outdoor adventurers and local explorers.

  • Rediscover forgotten places: Map out old mining camps, roads, and footpaths that no longer exist on modern maps.
  • Layer with modern tools: Combine with LiDAR or satellite views to plan hikes through historical terrain.
  • Made for exploration: Popular among hikers, overlanders, and local history lovers.

Use these maps to find adventure and explore the hidden past of Franklin.

Franklin, NC maps

(23)
  1. 1891 Map of Cowee
    1891 Map of Cowee
    1891 Cowee
    1891 Print · USGS
    Western North Carolina's high mountain reaches are captured here in the late nineteenth century as the railroad began to transform the region. Trace early transport routes like the Western North Carolina Railroad and Cowee Tunnel alongside old settlements at Franklin and Quallatown.
  4. 1897 Map of Cowee
    1897 Map of Cowee
    1897 Cowee
    1897 Print · USGS
    The Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge foothills appear here in the 1890s, when the railroad first began to penetrate the high gaps. Trace family roots and mountain industry through old settlements like Quallatown, Sylva, and the Cowee Tunnel engineering site.
    4 unique versions available
  7. 1907 Map of Cowee
    1907 Map of Cowee
    1907 Cowee
    1907 Print · USGS
    Western North Carolina at the turn of the century shows a landscape of rail-connected river towns and high mountain gaps. Genealogists can trace early homesteads and industry through landmarks like West Mill, Roanes Mill, and the many settlements along the Southern Railway.
    5 unique versions available
  10. 1935 Map of Franklin
    1935 Map of Franklin
    1935 Franklin
    1935 Print · USGS
    Macon County's mountain valleys and river bends are captured here in the mid-1930s just as the TVA began shaping the region. Genealogists and local historians can trace rural homesteads near Louisa Chapel, Burningtown School, and the Franklin Cem.
  13. 1935 Map of Corbin Knob
    1935 Map of Corbin Knob
    1935 Corbin Knob
    1935 Print · USGS
    Macon County in the mid-1930s is captured here just as modern power infrastructure began to reshape the valley around Franklin. Researchers can trace old mountain communities through a network of rural landmarks, including Higdonville, Sugar Fork Sch, and the Porters Bend Dam on the Little Tennessee River.
  16. 1946 Map of Franklin
    1946 Map of Franklin
    1946 Franklin
    1946 Print · USGS
    Franklin and the surrounding Nantahala foothills are shown here just after the war, when the river and mountain gaps defined local travel. Genealogists and historians can locate family landmarks like Slagle Memorial Church, the Fout Cem, and industrial sites like Deans Mill.
    8 unique versions available
  19. 1946 Map of Corbin Knob, 1957 Print
    1946 Map of Corbin Knob, 1957 Print
    1946 Corbin Knob
    1957 Print · USGS
    Macon County mountain life is detailed here just after the war, showing the area surrounding the town of Franklin. Genealogists can locate family landmarks including Anbel Cem, Sloans Chapel, and early schools like Walnut Creek Sch.
    6 unique versions available
  22. 1947 Map of Corbin Knob
    1947 Map of Corbin Knob
    1947 Corbin Knob
    1947 Print · USGS
    Macon County in the late 1940s reveals a mountain landscape of deep river valleys and family-named peaks within the Nantahala National Forest. Researchers can trace rural school systems at Oak Ridge Sch and Higdon Sch or locate the ancient Nikwasi Indian Mound.
    2 unique versions available
  25. 1955 Map of Knoxville
    1955 Map of Knoxville
    1955 Knoxville
    1955 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians and the Smoky Mountains are shown here at a peak of mid-century development and conservation. Genealogists and historians can trace the early road networks connecting Gatlinburg, Waynesville, and the Cherokee Indian Reservation across the high ridges.
  28. 1957 Map of Knoxville, 1966 Print
    1957 Map of Knoxville, 1966 Print
    1957 Knoxville
    1966 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians of Tennessee and North Carolina are mapped here during the mid-twentieth century as new highways reached the high country. Genealogists and historians can trace the topography between Knoxville and Asheville, locating family landmarks near Fontana Lake or along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
    4 unique versions available
  31. 1960 Map of Knoxville
    1960 Map of Knoxville
    1960 Knoxville
    1960 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians come alive in the 1950s, showing the intersection of new national park tourism and deep-rooted mountain industry. Trace old rail lines like the Clinchfield RR and find high-altitude landmarks from Mt Le Conte to the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
    2 unique versions available
  34. 1964 Map of Knoxville
    1964 Map of Knoxville
    1964 Knoxville
    1964 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians and Great Smokies are captured here during the mid-sixties, showing the rugged borderlands of Tennessee and North Carolina. Researchers can trace historic mountain routes like U S 441, the expanse of Pisgah National Forest, and the growing footprints of Asheville and Knoxville.
  37. 1983 Map of Fontana Lake
    1983 Map of Fontana Lake
    1983 Fontana Lake
    1983 Print · USGS
    Western North Carolina's high peaks and reservoir-carved valleys are documented here during the early eighties. Genealogists and local historians can trace the mountain communities of Bryson City and Franklin or explore the boundaries of the Qualla Boundary.
    2 unique versions available
  40. 2011 Map of Corbin Knob, 2011 Print
    2011 Map of Corbin Knob, 2011 Print
    2011 Corbin Knob
    2011 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Cullasaja, Dean, and other nearby areas
  43. 2011 Map of Franklin, 2011 Print
    2011 Map of Franklin, 2011 Print
    2011 Franklin
    2011 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Parrish Gap, Burningtown, and other nearby areas
  46. 2013 Map of Franklin, 2013 Print
    2013 Map of Franklin, 2013 Print
    2013 Franklin
    2013 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Parrish Gap, Burningtown, and other nearby areas
  49. 2013 Map of Corbin Knob, 2013 Print
    2013 Map of Corbin Knob, 2013 Print
    2013 Corbin Knob
    2013 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Cullasaja, Dean, and other nearby areas
  52. 2016 Map of Franklin, 2016 Print
    2016 Map of Franklin, 2016 Print
    2016 Franklin
    2016 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Parrish Gap, Burningtown, and other nearby areas
  55. 2016 Map of Corbin Knob, 2016 Print
    2016 Map of Corbin Knob, 2016 Print
    2016 Corbin Knob
    2016 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Cullasaja, Dean, and other nearby areas
  58. 2019 Map of Corbin Knob, 2019 Print
    2019 Map of Corbin Knob, 2019 Print
    2019 Corbin Knob
    2019 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Cullasaja, Dean, and other nearby areas
  61. 2019 Map of Franklin, 2019 Print
    2019 Map of Franklin, 2019 Print
    2019 Franklin
    2019 Print · USGS
    Covers Franklin, including Parrish Gap, Burningtown, and other nearby areas
  64. 2022 Map of Franklin, 2022 Print
    2022 Map of Franklin, 2022 Print
    2022 Franklin
    2022 Print · USGS
    The town of Franklin and the surrounding Nantahala National Forest are seen here in the early 2020s. Researchers can trace local history through sites like Saint John's Cartoogechaye Episcopal Church Cem, Malonee Mill, and Iotla.
  67. 2022 Map of Corbin Knob, 2022 Print
    2022 Map of Corbin Knob, 2022 Print
    2022 Corbin Knob
    2022 Print · USGS
    Macon County in the early 2020s shows a landscape of deep valleys and high gaps where the Cowee Mountains meet the Cullasaja River. Researchers can trace old family sites and mountain settlements near Angel Cem, Berry Mill, and the community of Higdonville.
End of results
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