Hickman County Sinkhole, TN

Tennessee’s karst landscape is unique, with Hickman County at its heart for sinkhole studies. Over 20 years, this area has seen many ground collapses due to its limestone bedrock. Detailed surveys have found 111 sinkholes here, part of a larger network in the state.

New detection methods have improved our understanding. The 2023 LiDAR surveys gave us accurate elevation models. These tools show that 16% of Tennessee’s sinkholes are over 30 feet deep. But Hickman’s sinkholes are generally shallower than those in areas like the Talbott quadrangle.

Geologists say water erosion in porous limestone causes these sinkholes. The county’s sinkholes form where underground drainage weakens the surface. This matches Shofner’s 2001 index, which set standards for measuring karst regions.

Monitoring continues to track risks in this changing landscape. With 39 sinkholes over 10 feet deep, including one 32.8 feet deep, researchers stress the need for updated maps. These efforts keep communities aware of changes beneath their feet.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Hickman County is generally stable, but nearby Tennessee has seen a lot of sinkholes in the last 20 years. These events show us how karst landscapes and buildings can be at risk.

In 2025, a road on Columbia SR-6 collapsed, forcing a 12-hour closure. This showed how quickly sinkholes can affect roads, needing $1.4 million in repairs. Geologists said heavy rain made the limestone dissolve, causing the collapse.

Two big sinkholes are notable in the area:

• White County’s Big Sink: It’s 261 feet deep, one of Tennessee’s deepest sinkholes
• Warren County’s Brown Mountain Sink: It’s 182 feet deep and 300 feet wide

New tools like LiDAR have changed how we find sinkholes. A 2009 LiDAR survey near Cookeville found 217 sinkholes. This is four times more than old methods could find.

Hickman County’s sinkholes are about 0.1671 km² on average. But Cumberland County’s Grassy Cove sinkhole is 13.6 km², much bigger. This shows how different areas have different rock stability and water flow.

These examples teach us a lot for city planning and geology. We need to keep watching these areas, where sinkholes have happened before.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Hickman County TN faces high sinkhole risks due to its geology. The area has Ordovician limestone bedrock and is close to karst terrain. About 68% of insurance claims come from areas near known sinkholes.

Look out for signs like ground sinking, sudden changes in well water, and cracks in foundations. These can mean trouble underground.

Homeowners should check their properties every three months for signs of sinkholes. Make sure downspouts don’t hit your foundation and fix any leaks to avoid erosion. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation suggests talking to licensed geologists if you notice anything odd, like in eastern Hickman County.

Seismic refraction tests can find hidden voids. These tests follow ASTM D5717-21 standards. Insurance companies might ask for these tests to cover sinkholes.

Maps show where sinkholes are more likely. These maps are based on studies from Anderson County. They highlight risks along highway 50 and the Duck River basin.

Keep records of any changes to your property and repairs. This is important for insurance claims. Only approved contractors should do any stabilization work, like grouting or underpinning. Taking care of your drainage and getting geological checks can help prevent sinkholes in Hickman County.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Sinkholemaps.com Team

We are a team passionate about providing sinkhole related information to the public.

Latest posts by Sinkholemaps.com Team (see all)

• Wayne County Sinkhole KY - September 29, 2025
• Woodford County Sinkhole KY - September 29, 2025
• Washington County Sinkhole KY - September 29, 2025