New region-wide map focuses on recreation
A new map is available detailing more than 2 million acres of public forests, parks and scenic byways throughout Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.
The free map replaces an outdated map once used by the Cherokee National Forest. Doug Byerly, forest recreation program manager for the forest, asked the forest’s nonprofit partners to publish a “big picture” map that included other public lands in the region.
The result is a map that includes recreational opportunities and major highways from Blowing Rock to Cleveland, Tennessee. A total of 12 government and nonprofit agencies teamed up for the project including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association, the Great Smoky Mountains Association, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
So far, 50,000 maps have been printed and are available at state welcome centers and visitor information centers. It is also available for free download or in the mail for a $2.50 shipping charge.
