Cherokee County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Cataska complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonon-Northcove complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, bouldery | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thurmont-Dillard complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Spivey-Santeetlah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spivey-Whiteoak complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, bouldery | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Cataska complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ditney-Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thurmont-Dillard complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snowbird loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.