2013 Map of Caney Ridge

About this map

Cranes Nest River and Caney Cr carve through this section of the Appalachian Plateau, defining a landscape of narrow hollows and high, winding ridges. This 2013 survey shows a region deeply connected to its musical and cultural roots, evidenced by the Doctor Ralph Stanley Hwy and Carter Stanley Hwy passing through the eastern hills. Small settlements like Darwin, Omaha, and McClure are scattered along the creek beds, often clustered near gaps such as Hibbitts Gap and Mink Gap. The arrival of industry is marked by the presence of the Caney Tunnel and the rail line following the banks of McClure River. Numerous family-named landmarks, including Adkins Ridge, Buchanan Ridge, and Bill Ridge, speak to the deep genealogical history of the families who settled these coal-rich slopes.