Cherokee, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 86% 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.