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1957 Map of Wayah Bald

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Wayah Bald
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

Wayah Bald and the high ridges of the Nantahala National Forest define this 1957 survey of Macon County, North Carolina. The legendary Appalachian Trail winds across the landscape, passing through high-elevation landmarks such as Wayah Crest Camp Ground and the Wilson Lick Ranger Station. This era shows a community deeply connected to its mountain topography, with small settlements like Kyle and Whiteoak Flats established along the watercourses.

Local spiritual and civic life is anchored by country churches including Whiteoak Flats Ch, Mt Sinai Ch, and Oakdale Ch, while the Tippet Cemetery provides a specific point for genealogical research. Evidence of the region's mineral history is present at the Corundum No 1 site and an Abandoned Mica mine near Slickrock Creek. Waterways like Burningtown Creek and Roaring Fork drain the steep terrain of Buck Mountain and the Rocky Bald Ridge, illustrating the difficult geography that shaped North Carolina's mountain development.