1993 Map of Ashford

About this map

Pisgah National Forest and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area dominate this section of the Blue Ridge where the North Fork Catawba River and the Linville River descend toward the northern reaches of Lake James. The landscape is defined by the steep elevation changes between Honeycutt Mountain and the deep incision of the gorge, with the Blue Ridge Parkway skimming the northwestern corner. The settlement of Ashford serves as a local hub near the North Fork Catawba River, while the presence of the South Mtn Institute and Oak Grove Ch near Longtown indicates the established community centers in the lower elevations. Numerous family-named landmarks like Brown Cem and Obeth Cem provide vital points of interest for those tracing local lineages across this McDowell and Burke County border area.