Road surfaces can impact water quality in forested areas. A study in the Southern Appalachians compared different road types and found that paved roads produced the least sediment, while poorly maintained gravel roads produced the most. Gravel roads with erosion control measures also had lower sediment levels. Sediment decreased with distance from the road. Petroleum hydrocarbon levels from paved roads were below safety standards. Paving roads can reduce maintenance costs and sediment runoff.