Tennessee Sinkhole Maps By County
Use These Maps to Avoid Buying a Sinkhole House in TN
Tennessee Sinkhole News Brief – August 2025
Chattanooga: Heritage Landing/Veterans Bridge Sinkhole
A large…
Tennessee Sinkhole Maps By County
Use These Maps to Avoid Buying a Sinkhole House in TN
A-E County Maps
F-L County Maps
M-S County Maps
T-Z County Maps
Tennessee Sinkholes: Risks, Prevention & Homeowner Resources
Tennessee sits atop one of America’s most extensive karst landscapes, making it particularly vulnerable to sinkholes. With over 54,000 documented sinkholes across the state, Tennessee homeowners, buyers, and renters face unique challenges in protecting their properties. Understanding where sinkholes occur, why they form, and how to identify warning signs can help you make informed decisions about your home.
Our interactive county maps provide crucial information about sinkhole distribution, helping you assess risk factors specific to your location. Whether you’re considering a property purchase or wanting to protect your current home, this guide offers practical insights into Tennessee’s unique geological landscape.
Check Your Property’s Sinkhole Risk
Use our interactive county maps to see documented sinkholes near your property or potential home purchase.
Why Tennessee Has So Many Sinkholes: Understanding the Geology
Tennessee’s karst terrain creates ideal conditions for sinkhole formation
Approximately 25% of the earth’s surface consists of karst landscape, and Tennessee sits directly atop a major karst corridor. This distinctive terrain forms when water-soluble bedrock—primarily limestone and dolomite—gradually dissolves over time. As rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and soil, it becomes slightly acidic, slowly dissolving these carbonate rocks underground.
Unlike Florida’s looser, sandier topsoil that can collapse suddenly, Tennessee’s clay-rich soil tends to sink more gradually. This means many Tennessee sinkholes develop as “cover subsidence” rather than dramatic “cover collapse” sinkholes, though both types occur throughout the state.
“Tennessee’s position along a major karst corridor means approximately 20% of the state sits atop terrain prone to sinkhole development, with some counties having more than 8 sinkholes per square mile.”
The combination of abundant rainfall and extensive limestone bedrock creates perfect conditions for underground cavities to form. Over time, these cavities can expand until the surface soil can no longer support itself, resulting in a sinkhole. This process explains why Tennessee has one of the highest concentrations of sinkholes in the United States.
Where Tennessee Sinkholes Occur: Regional Distribution
Sinkhole density map showing concentration by Tennessee county
Sinkholes are not evenly distributed across Tennessee. The highest concentrations occur in regions with extensive limestone bedrock, particularly in the Valley and Ridge province of East Tennessee, the Eastern Highland Rim, and parts of the Central Basin.
Counties with Highest Sinkhole Density
- Robertson County: Over 3,600 documented sinkholes
- Montgomery County: Approximately 3,025 sinkholes
- White County: Nearly 3,000 sinkholes with the deepest in the state
- Rutherford County: Almost 3,000 sinkholes
- Jefferson County: Over 2,300 documented sinkholes
- Marshall County: More than 2,300 sinkholes
- Knox County: Over 1,600 sinkholes in urban and suburban areas
- Claiborne County: Approximately 1,600 sinkholes
- Warren County: Nearly 1,600 sinkholes with some of the largest by volume
- Hamblen County: About 1,500 documented sinkholes
Notable Tennessee Sinkholes
Among Tennessee’s thousands of sinkholes, several stand out for their size or significance:
- Grassy Cove (Cumberland County): A National Natural Landmark and the largest sinkhole by volume in the United States, spanning approximately 5 square miles
- Big Sink (White County): The deepest sinkhole in Tennessee at 262.7 feet
- Wolf Cove (Franklin County): 242 feet deep
- Icy Cove (Putnam County): 206 feet deep with significant volume
- Whiteoak Sink (Blount County): 199 feet deep, located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Find Sinkholes Near Your Property
Our interactive maps show documented sinkholes in your county, helping you assess potential risks.
Recent Trends and Developments (2023-2025)
Improved Mapping Initiatives
Recent years have seen significant advancements in Tennessee’s sinkhole mapping capabilities:
- The Tennessee Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023 allocated additional resources for comprehensive statewide mapping using LiDAR technology
- Knox County Stormwater Management implemented advanced LiDAR-based detection methods, identifying hundreds of previously undocumented sinkholes
- Nashville’s GIS department launched an urban sinkhole monitoring program in 2024, focusing on infrastructure protection
- The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) expanded its geotechnical database to better track sinkhole-related road damage
Legislative and Insurance Updates
Several important policy changes have affected how Tennessee addresses sinkholes:
Tennessee Insurance Update: While Tennessee law requires insurers to offer sinkhole coverage, it remains optional for homeowners. Recent legislative proposals have sought to strengthen disclosure requirements during property sales.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission has proposed enhanced disclosure requirements for properties in high-risk sinkhole zones. These changes would require sellers to disclose known sinkholes and provide prospective buyers with county sinkhole maps.
Additionally, several insurance providers have updated their sinkhole coverage options, with some offering more comprehensive protection for homes in high-risk areas, albeit at premium rates.
Protecting Your Property: Prevention and Warning Signs
Recognizing Warning Signs
Being able to identify early warning signs of sinkhole activity can help prevent catastrophic damage:
Structural Signs
- Cracks in foundations, walls, or floors that suddenly appear or widen
- Doors or windows that become difficult to open or close
- Slanting or leaning of trees, fence posts, or other structures
- Sudden formation of depressions in your yard
Environmental Signs
- Water collecting in areas where it didn’t previously pool
- Vegetation that wilts or dies in a circular pattern
- Sudden appearance of small ponds after rainfall
- Ground slumping or settling, especially after heavy rain
Important: If you notice multiple warning signs or sudden ground collapse, evacuate the area immediately and contact local emergency services at 911.
Preventive Measures for Homeowners
While you can’t prevent the natural processes that create sinkholes, you can take steps to protect your property:
- Research before buying: Use our county sinkhole maps to check for documented sinkholes near any property you’re considering
- Maintain proper drainage: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and grading direct water away from your foundation
- Monitor for changes: Regularly inspect your property for new depressions or structural changes
- Avoid water concentration: Don’t create areas where water pools near your home’s foundation
- Consider professional assessment: If you live in a high-risk area, a geological survey can identify potential issues
Tennessee Sinkhole Insurance: What You Need to Know
Understanding your insurance policy’s sinkhole coverage is essential for Tennessee homeowners
Insurance coverage for sinkholes in Tennessee can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Required
- Tennessee law requires insurance companies to offer sinkhole coverage
- Insurers must provide clear information about coverage options
- Catastrophic ground collapse coverage is included in most policies
What’s Not Required
- Homeowners are not required to purchase sinkhole coverage
- Standard policies typically exclude earth movement damage
- Catastrophic collapse coverage has strict qualification criteria
Understanding Your Coverage Options
When reviewing your insurance options, consider these important factors:
| Coverage Type | What It Typically Covers | Limitations | Cost Considerations |
| Standard Homeowners Policy | Catastrophic ground collapse only | Must meet strict criteria including condemned home | Included in standard premium |
| Sinkhole Endorsement | Structural damage from sinkhole activity | May require verification by professional engineer | Additional premium, typically 15-20% increase |
| Comprehensive Sinkhole | Structure, land stabilization, preventive measures | High deductibles (often 10% of coverage limit) | Significant premium increase in high-risk areas |
Insurance Tip: Deductibles for sinkhole coverage are typically percentage-based rather than fixed amounts. For example, with a 10% deductible on a $300,000 policy, you would be responsible for the first $30,000 in damages.
Verify Your Sinkhole Coverage
Contact your insurance provider today to confirm your current coverage and explore additional protection options.
Tennessee Sinkhole Resources and Further Reading
The Tennessee Landforms website provides extensive sinkhole data and mapping resources
These authoritative resources provide additional information about Tennessee sinkholes:
Tennessee Landforms Project
Comprehensive database of Tennessee’s geological features, including detailed sinkhole information, maps, and downloadable data.
TDOT Geotechnical Engineering
Technical resources on sinkhole remediation, infrastructure protection, and geological assessments from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
TN Department of Commerce & Insurance
Official guidance on sinkhole insurance requirements, consumer protection information, and resources for filing insurance complaints.
Further Reading
- LiDAR-based Sinkhole Detection and Mapping in Knox County, Tennessee – University of Tennessee research
- USGS: The Science of Sinkholes – Comprehensive guide to sinkhole formation and risks
- Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation: Geology Resources
- Tennessee Sinkhole Insurance Consumer Guide – Official state guidance
Protecting Your Tennessee Property from Sinkhole Risks
Knowledge and preparation are your best defenses against sinkhole risks
Tennessee’s unique geology creates both natural beauty and potential hazards for property owners. By understanding sinkhole risks, recognizing warning signs, and taking preventive measures, you can protect your investment and ensure your family’s safety.
Our interactive county maps provide a valuable starting point for assessing your property’s risk factors. Combined with professional assessments and appropriate insurance coverage, you can approach Tennessee’s sinkhole landscape with confidence rather than concern.
Tennessee FAQs
What causes sinkholes to form in Tennessee, and why are they more common in some areas than others?
Sinkholes form when underground water dissolves soluble rocks such as limestone, gypsum, or salt. Tennessee’s geology makes it vulnerable to sinkhole activity, with certain areas such as Middle Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau being more prone to sinkholes due to the presence of limestone formations.
How can I prevent sinkhole damage to my property, and what should I do if I suspect a sinkhole is forming?
Preventative measures include regular inspection and maintenance of your property, as well as proper grading and drainage to direct water away from the foundation. If you suspect a sinkhole is forming, it is important to contact a licensed geologist or engineer to assess the situation and recommend appropriate action.
Are sinkholes covered by my homeowner’s insurance policy, and what types of damages are typically covered?
Sinkhole coverage is typically not included in Tennessee homeowner’s insurance policies, but it can be purchased as an additional endorsement. Coverage amounts and specific terms can vary, so it is important to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage.
