Cemetery mapping was a follow on to GRSM trail mapping and was initiated as trail mapping was winding down on 3/8/2001. The objective was to GPS map every cemetery in GRSM. The GRSM Resource Management & Science - Cultural Resource Branch provided a photocopy of a cemetery locations map that was derived from a "1934 Preliminary Base Map Smoky Mountains National Park" which depicted cemetery locations and identification numbers. Cemetery maintenance log sheets were also provided, which included location descriptions of GRSM cemeteries along with identification numbers, names and other information. There were approximately 145 cemeteries identified in these documents. Because of inconsistencies between the map and maintenance logs, there was never an exact count of identified cemeteries. Additionally, other cemeteries existed, that were not described by these documents, but shown on the topographic maps. Many inaccuracies with the base map data and maintenance logs resulted in difficulty in locating the cemeteries. Many cemeteries were located and mapped with the aid of GRSM maintenance personnel and local citizens (old timers).

This dataset represents the most up to date and accurate location and identification (cemetery identification) information available to Park resource managers. As such it should be used as the authoritative source or inventory of such information.