Loading map...

2013 Map of Alarka

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Alarka
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

The Little Tennessee River winds through the southwestern portion of this landscape, acting as a focal point for settlements like Stiles and Shallow Ford. The terrain is characterized by a dense network of ridges and coves, including Bryson Cove and Wests Cove, which have historically dictated the placement of mountain communities. Many local roads, such as Cowee School Rd and Alarka Rd, follow the natural contours of the valley floors, connecting small hubs like Cowee and Oak Grove.

The survey highlights the intricate drainage system of the Nantahala National Forest, where numerous branches and creeks like Alarka Cr and Cullasaja Br flow from high points such as Hickorynut Mountain and Blackrock Knob. This topography reflects a late 20th-century mountain economy transitioning from isolated agricultural pockets to more integrated residential and recreational use, as seen in developments like Gem Lake Estates Rd. Key river crossings, including the McCoy Bridge, remain vital links for the rural network.