Appalachian National Scenic Trail: Geologic and Soil Resources Inventory Summary
Thornberry-Ehrlich T. 2025. Appalachian National Scenic Trail: Geologic and Soil Resources Inventory Summary. National Park Service
This document summarizes the status of National Park Service (NPS) Geologic and Soil Resources Inventory (GSRI) deliverables for Appalachian National Scenic Trail (APPA). It also provides information on current geology and soil resources management concerns with a focus on identified inventory needs related to geologic heritage, geohazards, and soil features and processes. This document is intended to assist APPA staff with prioritizing technical assistance or new inventory and assessment funding requests in the near term (roughly 1–5 years). GRI hosted a baseline scoping meeting for APPA in 2016. Baseline geologic map footprints and state-specific index maps were delivered to APPA in 2017. These data were updated in 2024 and include protocols to maintain them as new mapping is completed. SRI started a soil survey geographic (SSURGO) for a legacy soil database and map to the scenic trail in 2012. However, this was not completed; thus, updated data and an “enhanced report” have not yet been developed nor delivered. Geologic heritage resources, or geologic features, landforms, and landscapes characteristic of our nation which are preserved for the full range of values that society places on them, are myriad at APPA. Notable examples include the trail itself, wind and water gaps, the high ridges, iconic vistas, and geologic stratotype localities. Geologic heritage inventory needs are field-based surveys of stratotypes, notable geologic features GIS data, cultural GIS data, and archeological assessment. The soils of the scenic trail are characteristically thin and rocky in the higher elevations and diverse in the lower valleys. Major differences also occur where the landscape was previously glaciated, contrasted to the unglaciated areas. Inventory needs include cohesive soil mapping, soil monitoring, assessments of areas affected by acid deposition, and site-specific erosion and compaction data. Resource management issues for APPA include physical management of the trail, views beyond the trail and overuse, disturbed lands and abandoned mineral lands (AML), external development, slope movements, seismic activity, karst, and paleontological resource protection. Geologic and soil hazards include floods, climate change, landslides, shrink and swell soils, AMLs, cave and karst (sinkholes), wildfire, asbestos and dangerous soils, radon, and avalanches. Inventory needs include surficial geologic and soils mapping, derivative maps (e.g., slopes and soil properties), LiDAR data, and boundary survey data.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Thornberry-Ehrlich, Trista
- Date of Issue
- 2025-06
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- APPA , GRI , NER , NETN , SRI
- Keywords
- Acid Mine Drainage, Asbestos, Bedrock, Caves, Climate Change, Cooperative Management, Dangerous Soils., Flooding, Fossils, Gaps, Geohazards, Geoheritage, Geologic Features, Geologic Hazards, Geologic Heritage, Geologic Processes, Geologic Time, Geological Maps, Geothermal, Geotourism, GIS, Glacial Features, Glaciation, GSRI, Igneous Rocks, Karst, LiDAR, Map Units, Metamorphic Rocks, Paleontology, Radon, Resource Management, Ridges, Sedimentary Rocks, Seismicity, Slope Movements, Stratotypes, Surficial Deposits, Surficial Mapping, Water Gaps
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Geomorphology | Glacial Features and Processes , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Geomorphology | Hillslope Features and Processes , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Geomorphology | Stream/River Channel Characteristics , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Subsurface Geologic Processes | Geothermal Features and Processes , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Subsurface Geologic Processes | Cave/Karst Features and Processes , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Subsurface Geologic Processes | Seismic Activity , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Soil Quality | Soil Function and Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Paleontology | Paleontology