1950 Map of Neels Gap

About this map

Blood Mountain and the surrounding peaks of the Blue Ridge dominate this mid-century look at the North Georgia mountains. The high-altitude recreational character of the area is evident through Vogel State Park, the waters of Lake Winfield Scott, and the high-elevation path of the Appalachian Trail as it crosses Neels Gap. Settlement is concentrated in the gaps and along the lower watercourses, such as the Chestatee River and Yahoola Creek, where small communities like Turners Corner and Harmony Springs served the local mountain population. Deeply established rural landmarks including Mt Pisgah Sch, Damascus Ch, and Corinth Ch are grounded in the landscape. The geography is further defined by its natural wonders, including De Soto Falls and numerous gaps like Stonepile Gap and Slaughter Gap, which dictated the early travel routes through these steep ridges.