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But my point is, the 100k Garmin topo's are not going to win many awards for accuracy. 

You can say that again. I've had instances where I was on a road/trail and the map said otherwise. Much less than 1/2 mile, but more than two or three times my GPS's stated accuracy. It has never caused any problems, just a little head scratching.   

Try here:
http://geology.isu.edu/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/index.htm

And here:
http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/

And here:
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/mapcompass.shtml

And also:
http://education.usgs.gov/common/secondary.htm#topographic

That should get you started.