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2013 Map of Shining Rock

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Shining Rock
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Shining Rock and the high ridges of the Pisgah Ridge define this portion of the Blue Ridge mountains in the early 21st century. The landscape is marked by the winding path of the Blue Ridge Pkwy, which provides access to notable recreational landmarks such as the Looking Glass Rock Scenic Area and the Pink Bed Picnic Area. The drainage systems of the E Fork Pigeon River and the Davidson River create a complex network of coves and gaps, including Shining Creek Gap and Wagon Road Gap, which have historically dictated movement through this high-elevation terrain.

Evidence of the region's botanical and recreational history is seen in labels like The Pink Beds and the Cove Creek Campground. The map also traces various forest roads and shelters, such as the Deep Gap Shelter and Butter Gap Shelter, which serve the network of trails around Big East Fork and Looking Glass Cr. These features reflect a shift from early industrial timbering to a modern era focused on conservation and outdoor recreation within the national forest system.