2016 Map of Silers Bald

About this map

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses this entire high-altitude landscape, where the state boundary between Tennessee and North Carolina follows the winding ridge crest. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail serves as the primary artery for movement through this wilderness, traversing critical landmarks like Silers Bald and the precarious section known as The Narrows. This topography is defined by significant elevation changes, from the heights of Clingmans Dome and Blanket Mountain to the deeply carved drainages of the Little River and Fish Camp Prong. The network of historical paths, including the Miry Ridge Trail and Welch Ridge Trail, reveals the traditional routes used to navigate the complex system of leads and ridges like Silers Lead and Goshen Ridge. A rare point of genealogical interest in this protected backcountry is Wike Cem, located near the intersection of several secondary drainages.