2019 Map of Narrows

About this map

The New River carves a deep path through the Appalachians, anchoring the industrial and transport corridor of Narrows and Glen Lyn. This 2019 survey documents the complex topography of Giles Co and the adjacent Mercer Co and Monroe Co lines, where the Norfolk Southern railroad follows the river's edge. The rugged terrain is defined by the Jefferson National Forest and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which winds across high ridges like Fletchers Mountain and through Wilburn Valley. Family history is preserved in numerous upland burial sites, including Hare Cem, Day Cem, and Blankenship Cem. These small settlements and rural crossroads, such as Thessalia and Shumate, illustrate the persistent human footprint within a landscape dominated by steep mountains and narrow creek valleys like Wolf Creek and Sugar Run.