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1965 Map of Thornton Gap

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Thornton Gap
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail wind along the spine of the Blue Ridge, marking the high-altitude divide between Page and Rappahannock counties. This 1960s survey illustrates the established infrastructure of Shenandoah National Park, featuring a network of hikers' amenities like the Elkwallow Shelter and Pass Mountain Shelter, alongside numerous overlooks such as Thornton Hollow Overlook and Beahms Gap Overlook.

Away from the central ridge, the terrain drops sharply into narrow valleys and hollows where local landmarks like Rocky Branch Ch and Beech Spring Ch provide glimpses into the community life at the park's edge. The complex topography is defined by features like the Little Devils Stairs and Marys Rock, while small settlements such as Morning Star and Fourway sit at the intersection of mountain roads and the Thornton River headwaters.