Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee
The most common soil here is Lily, on about 26% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Gilpin and Bouldin come next.
About 92% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 87% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 88% 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 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee, 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Bouldin complex, 20 to 75 percent slopes, very stony | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Gilpin complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Bouldin complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, extremely stony, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Ramsey complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilpin-Bouldin-Petros complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Gilpin complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Gilpin complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Petros complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily-Ramsey complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pope-Skidmore complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lonewood silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Sequoia complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Sequoia complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | 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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. 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.