Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 90% 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.