2019 Map of Tapoco

About this map

The Little Tennessee River and Cheoah River converge near Tapoco, forming a landscape defined by dramatic elevation changes at the intersection of Graham, Swain, and Blount counties. This 2019 survey documents a wilderness region managed by three different federal agencies, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. The geography is marked by numerous family-named landmarks and historical crossing points such as Rhymers Ferry and Deals Gap. Genealogists may find particular value in the several small burial sites noted on these slopes, including Farley Cem and the Odom Cem. The map traces long-established routes through the mountains, from the Stiffknee Trail to the prominent ridges of Caney Lead and Haoe Lead, showing how topographic features like Big Fat Gap and Bearpen Gap continue to dictate the movement of people through these high-elevation borderlands.