2017 Map of Swain

About this map

Limestone and Swain anchor this survey of the high Ozark backcountry within the Ozark National Forest. The landscape is defined by deeply incised drainages like Big Piney Creek and the headwaters of the Little Buffalo River, creating a network of hollows and ridges that have historically dictated settlement patterns. Local history is preserved in numerous scattered burial grounds, including Union Grove Cem, Hickory Grove Cem, and Lone Hill Cem, which often sit near small communities like Nail and Walnut. The terrain is characterized by prominent high points such as Paxton Knob and Gillian Ridge, while the road network, including the Deer Tower Trail, follows the natural contours of the land. This map illustrates how the geography of Newton County has shaped its isolated settlements and rural cemeteries through the early 21st century.