1993 Map of Chestnut Mountain

About this map

Pisgah National Forest encompasses the vast majority of this landscape, where the convergence of Avery, Burke, and Caldwell counties creates a complex terrain of ridges and deep drainage basins. High points like Headquarters Mtn and Chestnut Mtn overlook a network of watercourses including Wilson Creek and Steels Creek. The map shows human imprints within the forest, from the small settlement at Mortimer near the Ranger Station to the secluded Kawana community. These mountain communities and isolated landmarks like the Lookout Tower on Chestnut Mtn represent the mid-century intersection of forest management and rural Appalachian life. Local history and genealogy are anchored in features such as Parks Cem and the primitive trail identified as the Old Way, which suggest long-standing movement patterns through the Blue Ridge gaps.