2019 Map of Fork Ridge

About this map

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park anchors the eastern edge of this 2019 survey, where the rugged topography of the Mingo Mountains and Log Mountains meets the urban edge of Middlesborough. The landscape is a complex network of high ridges like Malden Ridge and deep hollows, reflecting a history of resource extraction and transit. Settlements such as Manring, Fork Ridge, and Stony Fork Junction follow the narrow valley floors, while the Kentucky Tennessee state line traces the high ground. Local genealogy is well-preserved through numerous family burial sites, including Hatfield Cem, Watson Cem, and Rodgers Cem. The map also illustrates modern recreational use with the winding path of the Cumberland Trail traversing the Powell Valley and rising toward Big Coal Gap.