1959 Map of Whitetop Mountain

Local settlement patterns are visible through several isolated rural institutions, such as Mount Olive Ch, Rowland Creek Church, and Bethel Ch. The early recreational development of the area is highlighted by the path of the Appalachian Trail crossing Straight Mountain and the establishment of Grayson Highlands State Park. Streams like the South Fork Holston River and Laurel Creek drain these peaks, which served as critical landmarks along the Tennessee Valley Divide.