Cherokee, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Tallapoosa, on about 37% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Talladega and Hayesville come next.
About 91% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 58% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Cherokee, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties, Georgia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Cherokee, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties, Georgia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallapoosa cobbly sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 112K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talladega channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe and Edneyville stony loams, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa gravelly sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hayesville fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla-Cartecay complex | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tallapoosa channery sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Toccoa complex | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Talladega channery loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville sandy clay loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Madison gravelly sandy clay loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gwinnett sandy clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dekalb (Tidings) stony fine sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.