Vintage 3D Map of the Appalachian Trail: The Unique Maps Co. Relief Map of the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, White Mountain, Etc.

The Appalachian Trail - 3D Relief Map by The Unique Maps Co. is a masterful cartographic achievement, blending the artistry of traditional mapmaking with cutting-edge technology. Drawing inspiration from a vintage original produced by the United States National Park Service, this 2025 edition has been meticulously updated using high-resolution satellite imagery and the latest topographical data. The result is a breathtakingly realistic 3D relief map that captures the rugged beauty and dramatic elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from the rolling hills of Georgia to the wilds of northern Maine. The map’s original title, a testament to its heritage and authority, signals its roots in the grand tradition of American exploration and conservation.

The Unique Maps Co., renowned for their dedication to both historical authenticity and visual innovation, have created a map that is as much a work of art as it is a navigational tool. Their approach combines painstaking research with advanced digital rendering, producing a piece that highlights not only the physical contours of the land but also the enduring spirit of the Appalachian Trail. Every detail—from the subtle shading of valleys to the bold red line marking the trail’s winding path—reflects a deep reverence for the landscape and its storied past.

This map offers a sweeping view of the eastern United States, encompassing a vast array of natural wonders and historic regions. The trail itself is flanked by iconic national parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah, as well as legendary forests like the White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests. Majestic rivers, including the Hudson, Connecticut, and Susquehanna, snake across the terrain, while the shimmering blue of Lakes Erie, Ontario, and Huron anchor the map’s western edge. The relief style brings to life the undulating ridges of the Blue Ridge and Catskill Mountains, inviting the viewer to trace the journey from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin.

Beyond its natural grandeur, the map is a window into the cultural and historical fabric of the Appalachian region. The highlighted trail towns—many of which have become legendary among hikers—serve as gateways to the diverse communities, traditions, and histories that have shaped the trail’s legacy. Major cities such as Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh are depicted alongside storied smaller towns like Harpers Ferry and Damascus, illustrating the trail’s unique ability to bridge urban and rural America. Each settlement is carefully placed, reflecting both its modern significance and its historical role in the development of the region.

The Appalachian Trail itself stands as a monument to American perseverance and vision, conceived in the early 20th century as a continuous footpath through the wild heart of the East. This map not only charts its physical course but also evokes the sense of adventure and discovery that has drawn generations of hikers to its path. Whether displayed as a statement piece or studied for its wealth of geographic and historical detail, The Appalachian Trail - 3D Relief Map by The Unique Maps Co. is an invitation to explore, to remember, and to celebrate one of America’s greatest natural treasures.

Cities and towns on this map

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Washington, D.C.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Roanoke, Virginia
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Scranton, Pennsylvania
• Frederick, Maryland
• Lynchburg, Virginia
• Johnson City, Tennessee
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Hanover, New Hampshire
• Rutland, Vermont
• Bennington, Vermont
• Dalton, Massachusetts
• Damascus, Virginia
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Appalachian Trail (clearly marked in red)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• White Mountain National Forest
• Green Mountain National Forest
• Baxter State Park (location of Mount Katahdin)
• Springer Mountain (southern terminus of the trail)
• Mount Katahdin (northern terminus of the trail)
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• Catskill Mountains
• Adirondack Mountains (visible but trail does not pass directly through)
• Major rivers clearly visible, including the Hudson River, Connecticut River, and Susquehanna River
• Lakes Erie, Ontario, and Huron (partially visible on the left edge of the map)

Historical and design context

• Based on a vintage map by the "United States National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Project Office," updated in 2025 with high-resolution satellite imagery and topography data.
• The Unique Maps Co., renowned for their dedication to both historical authenticity and visual innovation, created this map.
• Realistic 3D relief style, visually appealing, emphasizing topographical detail and elevation.
• The Appalachian Trail is a historically significant long-distance hiking trail, established in the early 20th century, stretching approximately 2,190 miles through diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
• The map’s original title is "The Appalachian Trail - 3D Relief Map by The Unique Maps Co."
• The map covers the eastern seaboard of the USA, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, including parts of the Great Lakes region.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

About our Unique 3D Topographic Relief Maps

These aren’t just maps — they’re landscapes, sculpted with light and shadow.

Our shaded relief prints use ultra high resolution topographic data and a secret 3D rendering process to create the illusion of raised terrain — like the mountains are about to lift right off the page. But please note, this map is actually 2D — it just looks really 3D, particularly when framed behind glazing.

They’re designed to feel timeless. Bold enough to be a centrepiece, subtle enough to blend in. A perfect gift for map lovers, mountain wanderers, or anyone who finds beauty in the shape of the Earth.

And of course, like any of our other maps, you can personalise this topographical map as well. Why not mark your favourite peaks, or the routes of your favourite hikes and cycle rides?

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.