New River Gorge National River, West Virginia
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 New River Gorge National River, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layland-Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache-Pipestem complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Layland-Dekalb-Guyandotte complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Layland-Laidig complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestem channery silty clay loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nallen-Fenwick complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Laidig channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rubbly | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop-Nallen complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop-Nallen complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Highsplint-Berks complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaymine-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, very stony | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Berks complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, railroad grade | 978 | Excessively drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pipestem channery silty clay loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 738 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cookport-Nallen complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 711 | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 710 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.