Loading map...

2019 Map of Mars Hill

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

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

Mars Hill sits as the central focal point of this highland landscape, where the Madison Co and Buncombe Co lines meet. The terrain is a complex network of ridges and gaps, including Grapevine Ridge and Pack Saddle, dissected by numerous branches and creeks such as Ivy Creek and Gabriel Cr. Small communities and named crossroads like Forks of Ivy, Jupiter, and Beech Glen are scattered throughout the valleys, connected by a winding road system that includes the Old Mars Hill Hwy.

Genealogical interest is particularly high due to the density of family-named burial sites, such as Sams Cem, Gosnell Cem, and Mc Elroy Cem. Notable landmarks like the Palmer Ford Bridge and deep hollows like Whitt Hollow reveal the intricate local geography of the Blue Ridge foothills. The distribution of these features suggests a long-standing pattern of dispersed mountain settlement following the available water and bottomlands.