1977 Map of Barren Mountain West

About this map

Lake Onawa anchors the southeastern corner of this 1977 orthophotoquad, showing the deep, forested interior of Piscataquis County as captured by aerial photography on November 1st of that year. The imagery reveals the stark contrast of water and timbered ridges, with the steep slopes of Barren Mountain and Boarstone Mountain rising over the surrounding drainage basins. This particular study captures the landscape in a transitional state, likely following the autumn leaf drop, which provides exceptional clarity for tracing the paths of Big Wilson Stream and Long Pond Stream. Notable water bodies such as Upper Wilson Pond, Rum Pond, and Long Pond are dispersed throughout the heavily wooded terrain. Unlike a traditional line-drawn map, this photographic record shows the actual texture of the forest canopy and the precise shoreline of the Blue Ridge highlands during the late 1970s.