Blue Ridge Parkway - Bedford County, Virginia Peaks of Otter Area

Survey Area VA850• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Blue Ridge Parkway - Bedford County, Virginia Peaks of Otter Area. 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
Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony	1K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pigeonroost gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	586	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Drypond, thin solum-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	519	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Greenlee very cobbly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	481	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Peaks, thick surface-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony	439	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pigeonroost gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	263	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Peaks, thick surface complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes	202			Not rated	Not rated
Drypond, thin solum-Marbleyard complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	186	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Drypond, thin solum-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	178	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peaks very gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	162	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tate loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony	140	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Unaka loam, 7 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	121	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Groseclose-Litz complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	87	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Peaks very gravelly loam, thick surface, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	85	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Thunder very cobbly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	74	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Marbleyard-Drypond, thin solum complex, 7 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	72	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Peaks very gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	67	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Porters-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly	57	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Comus-Delanco fine sandy loams, 0 to 7 percent slopes, frequently flooded	48	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tate loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	42	Well drained	B	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.