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1964 Map of Bunches Bald

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Bunches Bald
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The Cherokee Indian Reservation and Great Smoky Mountains National Park meet in this mid-1960s survey, dominated by the high elevations of the Balsam Mountains. This landscape is defined by its ridge-and-water drainage patterns, where the Cataloochee Divide and Hyatt Ridge separate numerous tributaries such as Straight Fork and Caldwell Fork. Human presence is marked by a network of overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Mile High Overlook and Bunches Bald Overlook.

Cultural landmarks and infrastructure are sparsely distributed across the high peaks, featuring the Masonic Monument and the Big Witch Mission. Local history is preserved through scattered sites like a lone Cem and the Lookout Tower atop Spruce Mtn. The transition from recreational access at Round Bottom Campground to the more remote Setzer Jeep Trail illustrates the varied ways this high-country terrain was navigated and managed before the modern era.