New River Gorge National River, West Virginia

Survey Area WV622• West Virginia

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 New River Gorge National River, West Virginia. 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.