Browse Map

Explore away

Explore Map Collection

Check out our basemaps

Print a Map Plus

Generate a high-quality PDF

Field Guide

Discover local flora, fauna, geology, and more

Local Flora & Fauna

Learn the ecology of your area

Local Geology

Learn the geologic formation at your feet

Get Started or Sign In

Welcome

Continue with Apple

Already have an account? Sign In

MAP

Topo

Measure

Topo

Ecoregions

Public Lands

...

BASEMAPS

Default Weather

Temperature

Smoke

...

WEATHER

Dissected Appalachian Plateau

Ecoregion in Appalachian Mountains in TN, KY, VA, WV

Print Map

Generate High-Quality PDF

The Cumberland Mountains (69d) is a strongly dissected region with steep slopes, very narrow ridgetops, and extensive forests. It is primarily underlain by flat-lying Pennsylvanian sandstone, siltstone, shale, and coal of the Pottsville Group. Typically, crests range in elevation from 1,200 feet to about 3,600 feet (366-1,097 m) and are from 350 to 550 feet (107-168 m) above the narrow valleys. Well-drained soils of low to moderate fertility have developed on the sedimentary rocks. Clymer, Dekalb, and Jefferson soils are common and are Ultisols (Hapludults) and Inceptisols (Dystrochrepts) (Cunningham and Ciolkosz, 1984; U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1979). They originally supported mostly Mixed Mesophytic Forest (Kuchler, 1964). Today, commercial woodland is common in The Cumberland Mountains ecoregion and approximately 90% of the rugged ecoregion is forested or reverting to it (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1979). Much of the remainder is mined for coal, and stream degradation has occurred (Dyer, 1982b; Herlihy and others, 1990, Table IV; Kinney, 1964, p. 24). In wider valleys, scattered towns and small-scale livestock farms are found.

— EPA

Taxonomy

Classified As

Ecoregion