1976 Map of Noland Creek

About this map

Fontana Lake dominates this mid-1970s orthophoto, where the winding arms of the reservoir fill the deep mountain valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains. The intricate shoreline reveals the complex geography formed as the waters of the Little Tennessee River and the Tuckasegee River were impounded, creating a jagged aquatic landscape that contrasts sharply with the densely forested ridges. High-elevation terrain features like Jackson Line Mountain and the distinct peak of Roundhill overlook the submerged riverbeds. The aerial imagery captures the drainage patterns of Forney Creek and Noland Creek as they feed into the northern reaches of the lake. This visual survey provides a clear view of the wilderness character and hydrological state of the region before further development or ecological shifts in the late 20th century.