2011 Map of Whitetop Mountain

About this map

Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain dominate this corner of the Virginia highlands, forming a landscape of high ridges and deep gaps. In the north, the small settlement of Stony Battery sits near the headwaters of Rowland Creek, where the Rowland Creek Cemetery provides a focal point for genealogical research. To the south, Elk Garden marks a transition toward the high peaks of Balsam Mountain, which are crisscrossed by a network of recreational paths including the Mount Rogers Trail Head. The drainage patterns are intricate, with the South Fork Parker Branch and Big Laurel Creek carving through the terrain near landmarks like Grindstone Campground. This 2011 survey documents the established backcountry infrastructure, from the Old Orchard Shelter to remote points like Cherry Tree Camp.