2016 Map of Whitetop Mountain

About this map

Jefferson National Forest dominates this section of the Blue Ridge where the boundaries of Smyth, Grayson, and Washington counties converge. The high-altitude landscape is defined by the Tennessee Valley Divide, with waters like Little Laurel Cr and Big Laurel Cr carving deep drainages between prominent heights such as Chestnut Ridge and Balsam Mtn. Evidence of early Appalachian settlement is scattered throughout these hollows, including the Rowland Creek Cem near Stony Battery and West Cem located along the northern slopes of Barton Mtn. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail winds through the high gaps and ridges, including Hurricane Gap and Deep Gap, tracing a route through what was historically timber and grazing land. The small community of Dry Fork sits at the northwestern edge, situated near the headwaters of the namesake Dry Fork creek.