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2019 Map of Big Island

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Big Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

The James River defines the southern boundary of this Piedmont landscape, carving a deep valley that separates Amherst and Bedford counties. Small riverfront communities such as Big Island, Coleman Falls, and Pearch are situated along its banks, connected by the rail corridor and riverside roads. Moving north, the terrain rises into the foothills of the George Washington National Forest, where the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through high-elevation ridges like Shewey Ridge and past Hamilton Knob.

Upland settlements including Naola, Pera, and Pedlar Mills serve as focal points for a network of winding country roads and creek valleys. The hydrology of the area is particularly complex, with numerous tributaries such as Wilderness Cr, Pedlar River, and Maple Cr draining the forested slopes. Local history is anchored by landmarks like Ivy Hill Cem and the recreational paths around Otter Lake, reflecting a region defined by its transition from industrial river landings to protected forest lands.