Name: Sinkholes in Perry County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes
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Perry County, TN FAQs

What is the history of Perry County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?

The area that is now Perry County was originally inhabited by the Cherokee and Chickasaw tribes.
European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s and early 1800s, with the county being officially established in 1819.
Perry County was named after Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812.
The county’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with crops like cotton, corn, and soybeans being grown in the area.
During the Civil War, Perry County was occupied by Union troops, who used the Tennessee River as a supply line.

Notable Landmarks:

Mousetail Landing State Park
- located in the southeastern part of the county and covers over 1,000 acres
- features a large lake, several hiking trails, and a campground
Linden Courthouse Square Historic District
- has a charming downtown area with several historic buildings dating back to the 1800s
- was built in 1876 and is still in use today
Buffalo River
- flows through Perry County and offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing
Tumbling Creek Recreation Area
- located in the northern part of the county and features a waterfall and several hiking trails
Tennessee Fitness Spa
- located in Waynesboro, this fitness retreat offers a range of activities including hiking, yoga, and fitness classes
Meriwether Lewis National Monument
- located just outside of Perry County but is still within a short driving distance
- It commemorates the life of Meriwether Lewis, who is buried nearby and is famous for his role in the Lewis and Clark expedition

What are the recreational activities available in Perry County, TN?

Mousetail Landing State Park
- This state park offers camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating on the Tennessee River.
Buffalo River
- The Buffalo River flows through Perry County and is a popular destination for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Tumbling Creek Recreation Area
- Located in the northern part of the county, this recreation area features a waterfall and several hiking trails
Tennessee Fitness Spa
- This fitness retreat in Waynesboro offers hiking, yoga, and fitness classes.
Birding
- Perry County is home to several species of birds and is a popular destination for birdwatching.
Hunting
- Hunting is a popular activity in Perry County, with opportunities for deer, turkey, and other game.
Caney Fork River
- The Caney Fork River is located just outside of Perry County and is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Linden Courthouse Square Historic District
- The historic downtown area of Linden offers a glimpse into the county’s past with several historic buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Find Nearby Foreclosures

Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau is known for its active karst system. This area has a lot of limestone, which leads to underground erosion. Perry County TN is right in the middle of this, where water and rock shape the land.

There are over 120 sinkholes in Perry County, with depths from 15 to 90 feet. Digital maps show most sinkholes near fault lines, matching EPA’s risk assessments. About 40% of these sinkholes appeared in the last 20 years, showing more water activity.

Three big sinkholes have formed here in the last five years, all over 50 feet wide. Records show similar patterns during wetter times, pointing to water’s role in erosion. The Perry County Sinkhole TN is linked to weather and rock type.

Geologists say this area is a Level 4 karst hazard zone. They look at soil and rock layers to understand the risks. This helps communities plan safely in unstable areas.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Perry County’s karst landscape has seen big geological events in the last 20 years. Three cases from 2003 to 2023 show the dangers and scientific interest of these areas.

Key Events Shaping Modern Understanding

2021 Highway 438 Subsidence: A 75-foot-wide collapse stopped traffic for 11 weeks. Experts found that limestone bedrock was the main reason. The repairs cost $2.1 million, paid for by state grants.
2015 Agricultural Land Collapse: A farmer found exposed limestone layers when his machinery fell into a 20-foot hole. This showed fossil-rich strata from 450 million years ago.

Sinkhole Cave Archaeological Breakthrough

In 2017, explorers found 3,000-year-old mud glyphs at coordinates 36.324493,-83.956961. These Late Archaic period artworks show stars and hunting scenes. In 2019, it was named a National Historic Landmark, highlighting its cultural value in Tennessee’s karst formations.

County	Reported Sinkholes (2003-2023)	Notable Features
Perry	17	Active karst systems, archaeological sites
Humphreys	9	Limited urban development
Lewis	6	Stable bedrock formations

Perry County has sinkholes at almost twice the rate of its neighbors. This is because of its complex underground waterways and soluble bedrock layers.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Perry County TN sinkholes are a big problem because of the area’s karst geology. If you see sudden changes in well water color, cracks over ¼ inch, or round depressions in the ground, act fast. These signs mean the ground beneath is moving and needs a pro to check.

Mitigation Strategies

Keeping water away from your home is key to avoiding sinkholes. The EPA says to move downspouts 10 feet from your house and clean storm drains. Tennessee law requires sellers to tell buyers about sinkholes, so Perry County sinkhole maps are important when buying a home. FEMA’s flood insurance helps, but you might need extra coverage for sinkholes.

Professional Assessment Protocols

Geotechnical tests start with a visual check, then use radar and boreholes to see if the ground is stable. Companies like those in Barry County MO do the same to find out why sinkholes form. Make sure your contractor is certified by the Tennessee Board of Professional Geologists. Watching your home and getting it checked every year can catch problems early.

FAQ

Why is Perry County particularily prone to sinkhole formation?

Perry County’s geology is in Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. It has karst systems with Ordovician limestone. The EPA says it’s very susceptible because of the soluble bedrock. Surveys show 127 verified sinkholes in the county.

What notable sinkhole events have occurred in Perry County, TN, in recent years?

There have been three big incidents. In 2021, a sinkhole on Highway 438 cost .1M to fix. In 2015, a farm sinkhole showed ancient limestone. There’s also the Sinkhole Cave National Historic Landmark with 3,000-year-old mud glyphs.

What signs indicate that a residential property in Perry County might have a sinkhole?

Look for sudden changes in well water levels, cracks over 1/4 inch wide, and circular depressions. Also, if plants die suddenly. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation says to get a professional to check it out right away.

How do professionals assess sinkhole risks in Perry County?

Certified geologists do 3-phase assessments. They use radar surveys, borehole analysis, and hydrogeological modeling. These steps find cavities and predict stability. They compare the results with Tennessee’s karst maps.

What legal protections exist for Perry County homeowners regarding sinkholes?

Tennessee Code Annotated §66-5-208 requires sinkhole risk disclosure in property sales. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program covers sinkhole damage in certain areas. Homeowners need certified geological reports for claims.

What mitigation practices does EPA recommend for sinkhole-prone areas?

The EPA suggests keeping 50-foot buffers around karst features. Use French drains with a 1% slope. Avoid stormwater injection wells. Check foundation piers and subsidence markers every quarter on high-risk land.

Sinkholes in Perry County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes