2013 Map of Oswald Dome

About this map

Benton Springs and the surrounding ridgelines of the Cherokee National Forest define this landscape along the Hiwassee River. The area is marked by significant elevation changes, from the riverbanks at Broad Shoals to the high point of Oswald Dome, where the Oswald Dome Lookout once surveyed the horizon. Near the river, the DeSoto Monument and the historic crossing at Savannah Ford suggest a long history of travel through the Hiwassee Gap. Settlement patterns are concentrated in pockets like Old Patty, Austral, and Archville, often situated near water sources such as Conasauga Cr or Gee Cr. The map details a complex network of forest roads and trails, including the Gee Creek Campground and numerous loops near McCamy Lake, reflecting the transition from an early settlement and river economy to a landscape focused on conservation and recreation.