2019 Map of Palo Alto

About this map

The George Washington National Forest dominates this section of the Allegheny Mountains, where the state border divides the high ridges. The small settlement of Palo Alto sits in the valley below Buffalo Knob, marking a point of human activity near the intersection of Crummetts Run and Shaws Fork. Significant hydrologic features like Puffenbarger Pond and Warren Rexrode Spring suggest the importance of local water sources in this elevated terrain. The map tracks the headwaters of several prominent drainage systems, including the South Fork South Branch Potomac River flowing north and the Little River and N River carving through the southeastern slopes. Deep topographical features like Sinclair Hollow and Wildcat Hollow underscore the complexity of the drainage patterns flanking Shenandoah Mountain. This 2019 survey documents the modern forest road network and trails, including the Wild Oak Trail, which provides access to the high peaks and remote hollows.