OVERVIEW

Where the West Fork and the East Fork meet to form the Greenbrier River, sits this amazing opportunity to own the Greenbrier Beginnings @ Durbin.  This well-situated tract of land contains 7.87 surveyed acres with frontage on the Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River.  The old home site area has continued to be very well maintained for decades and is ready for a new home, recreational cabin, or primitive camp site area.  A mature bottomland forest with pine and spruce plantings along with native hardwood species combine to configure the remainder of the property.  Assorted recreational opportunities abound near this wonderful tract of land in scenic Pocahontas County, West Virginia – “Nature’s Mountain Playground.”

ATTRIBUTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

• Approximately 1,750 feet of river frontage/access on the Greenbrier River
• Approximately 335 feet of boundary in the center of the West Fork Greenbrier River
• Perfect for anglers, water recreation and nature enthusiasts
• 7.87 acres surveyed in 2012
• 2 acres +/- of maintained, well-manicured open land
• Outstanding recreational opportunities nearby
• Adjacent to the 921,000-acre Monongahela National Forest
• United States Forest Service (USFS) Greenbrier District Ranger Station less than 5 miles away in Bartow, WV
• Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort approximately 30 miles away.
• Numerous fishing watersheds close by including the Greenbrier River, Buffalo Lake, Shaver’s Fork of the Cheat, Seneca Lake and many more.
• Train enthusiasts will enjoy the historic Durbin Rocket and the Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad System along with the nearby Cass Scenic Railroad.
• The Greenbrier River Trail and the West Fork Trail offer nearly a combined 100-miles of old railroad grade designed for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
• The Green Bank Observatory, previously known as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is nearby.
• Located in West Virginia’s “Radio Quite Zone.”  This area offers substantial relief to those suffering from magnetic sensitivity.
• Shopping, city/town amenities and hospitals available in Marlinton, WV (50 minutes) and Elkins, WV (45 minutes)
• Jet airports located in Lewisburg, WV and Bridgeport, WV
• Four seasons climate – the autumn season is spectacular and summers warm and breezy

LOCATION

Google Coordinates:  38.544587 (N), -79.835884 (W)
Address: East River Drive, Durbin, WV.  A 911 physical address is not assigned to a property without structures
Elevation Range:  +/- 2,708’ to +/- 2,719’

Approximate Driving Times

Towns

Durbin, WV: Less than 5 minutes
Elkins, WV: 45 minutes
Lewisburg, WV: 1 hour 40 minutes
Marlinton, WV: 50 minutes
Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort:  45 minutes

Airports

Greenbrier Valley Airport, Lewisburg, WV: 1 hour 40 minutes
North Central WV Airport, Bridgeport, WV:  1 hour 45 minutes

Recreation
Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort 45 minutes
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass: 25 minutes
Green Bank Observatory, Greenbank, WV: 15 minutes
Seneca State Forest: 45 minutes
Buffalo Lake:  20 minutes

DIRECTIONS

From Marlinton:  Take Route 39 East for approximately 5.25 miles and take a left onto Route 28 North toward Cass and Green Bank.  Travel Route 28 North for approximately 15.4 miles and bear left to continue on Route 28 North.  Travel another 15 miles and take a left onto Route 250 & 92 toward Bartow.  Travel for 4 miles to and through the town of Durbin and take a left onto Grant vanDevender Road.  Travel 1/3 mile and take a left onto East River Drive. Go 0.80 miles and cross railroad track to enter the property.

From Elkins:  Take Route 219 South for approximately 16 miles and bear left onto Route 250 & 92.  Travel Route 250 & 92 for approximately 18 miles and take a right onto Grant vanDevender Road before entering the town or Durbin. Travel 1/3 mile and take a left onto East River Drive. Go 0.80 miles and cross railroad track to enter the property.

WATER RESOURCES

Greenbrier Beginnings @ Durbin has approximately 1,750 feet of river frontage at the headwaters of the Greenbrier River.  Additionally, the property boundary is found to be in the center of the West Fork of Greenbrier for approximately 335 feet.  This makes a total of 2,085 feet of river frontage or approximately 0.40 miles.

MINERAL RESOURCES

West Virginia is one of the states in the US that has two separate ownership titles; those being SURFACE RIGHTS and MINERAL RIGHTS.  All rights the owner has will convey with the property. A mineral title search could be conducted by a title attorney at the same time when the surface title search is being conducted.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

Greenbrier Beginnings @ Durbin was surveyed by Professional Surveyor Leon G. Mallow in July through October 2010 with a last revision in August 2012. The survey is not of record in the Office of the County Clerk of Pocahontas County.  However, the survey along with the metes and bounds description provided from the survey can be incorporated into a new deed and recorded at closing.  All property corners established from this survey are still in place.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

East River Drive (a gravel city-maintained road) ends at the property.

UTILITIES

Water: Well
Sewer: Septic System would have to be installed
Electricity: At the property
Telephone: At the property
Internet: Maybe possible through Starlink or other satellite-based internet
Cellphone Coverage: None

ZONING

Pocahontas County currently has no zoning outside of corporations and flood zone areas. However, all prospective buyers should consult the County Government and, also the Health Department for any changes and details regarding zoning, building codes, and installation of water wells and septic systems.

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: Will Book 25 Page 551 – Deed Book 362 Page 5 – Deed Book 362 Page 691
Acreage: 7.87 acres by survey (Revised August 2012)

Real Estate Tax Identification:
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Durbin Corporation
Tax Map 6 Parcel 5

2024 Real Estate Taxes: $111.20

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Pocahontas County School District

Public Elementary School:
Green Bank Elementary – Middle School

Public Middle School:
Green Bank Elementary – Middle School

Public High School:
Pocahontas County High School

RECREATION

GREENBRIER RIVER

The Greenbrier River is 162 miles long is the last free flowing river east of the Mississippi. It is primarily used for recreational pursuits and well known for its fishing, canoeing, kayaking and floating opportunities. Its upper reaches flow through the Monongahela National Forest, and it is paralleled for 77 miles by the Greenbrier River Trail, a rail trail which runs between the communities of Cass and North Caldwell.  It is the gateway to water recreation and fun as it is at most times lazy and easy to navigate.

The Greenbrier River is formed by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River in the town of Durbin, West Virginia. From Durbin the Greenbrier River flows southwesterly through Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, and Summers Counties. It flows through several communities including Cass, Marlinton, Hillsboro, Ronceverte, Fort Spring, Alderson, and Hinton. The Greenbrier River joins the New River in the town of Hinton, West Virginia.

It has always been a valuable water route, with the majority of the important cities in the watershed being established riverports. The river gives the receiving waters of the New River an estimated 30% of its water volume. Over three-fourths of the watershed is an extensive karstic (cavern system), which supports fine trout fishing, cave exploration and recreation. Many important festivals and public events are held along the river throughout the watershed.

Along most of its course, the Greenbrier River accommodated the celebrated Indian warpath known as the Seneca Trail (Great Indian Warpath). From the vicinity of present-day White Sulphur Springs, the trail follows Anthony’s Creek down to the Greenbrier River near the present Pocahontas-Greenbrier County line. It then ascended the river to the vicinity of Hillsboro and Droop Mountain and made its way through present Pocahontas County by way of the future town of Marlinton, Indian Draft Run, and Edray.

The Greenbrier River is one of the longest untamed rivers in the eastern U.S. From source to mouth, it flows 162 miles through some of the most scenic lands in eastern West Virginia, descending out of the loftiest mountain forests through some of its most beautiful bluegrass farms. The stream is a favorite destination for anglers and paddlers and is ideal for light tackle and fly fishing. The river in Pocahontas County is traditionally stocked with trout once in February and once every two weeks in March, April, and May. Because it is undammed, the river benefits from a lack of motorized river traffic. Much of the upper river is too shallow to accommodate deep-draft boats, to the benefit of kayakers and other recreational paddlers.

GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK

The Greenbrier River Trail is an increasingly popular hiking, bicycling, cross country ski-touring, and horseback-riding route that extends more than 77 miles from near I-64 at Lewisburg, in the south, to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, in the north. Especially on weekends, the trail-access parking area at the Clover Lick depot may be busy with recreational enthusiasts. The trail was named by Backpacker magazine one of the top ten hiking trails in the U.S. The depot is also a popular river launch site for kayakers and canoers. At less than a 1% grade, this trail is perfect for families.

Take your family on a bicycle ride – forget the city, the traffic, and the rush. Relax, enjoy the scenery and the wildlife here in Pocahontas County along one of West Virginia’s most successful rail-to-trail conversions.

Beginner and intermediate mountain bikers will appreciate the packed gravel surfaces on the majority of the trail.  More advanced bikers will find greater challenges on the adjoining mountain trails and abandoned logging roads that characterize the national forest bordering the trail.

Horseback riders will find days of exhilarating fun from one end of the trail to the other and back again.  Amenities along the Greenbrier River Trail include potable water and primitive camp sites.  Rest room facilities are located every 8 to 10 miles.

WEST FORK TRAIL

The West Fork Trail is a pleasant 22-mile trail that snakes its way through a remote mountain setting and follows the West Fork Greenbrier River for most of its route. The soothing rumble of the river complements the trail’s serene environment. This is a great path for mountain biking, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing.

The trail begins in the small community of Glady. Even though the trail appears to be flat, you will find yourself on a gentle decline as the trail follows the river downstream from Glady. For the first 5 miles, the trail takes a higher route above the western side of the river and pops in and out of small groves of conifers, offering great views of the surrounding hills. It also intersects with other hiking trails within the forest, including the High Falls Trail (good for your waterfall fix). The West Fork Trail then levels out with the river and travels the remaining 17 miles to the town of Durbin following the river southward.

Meandering through the mountains, the trail and the river make sweeping 180-degree turns through a tight valley surrounded by steep hillsides. The West Fork Greenbrier River is a popular fishing spot, and you are bound to see a number of anglers along the way.

The trail comes to an end in the town of Durbin, a quiet Appalachian town that has wonderful little lunch spots and a nice Main Street corridor. There is a bonus rail-trail nearly a mile long, the Widney Park Rail-Trail, which can be accessed downtown. In Durbin, one can also catch the Durbin Rocket Excursion Train, an antique steam locomotive that offers beautiful views of the mountains and Greenbrier River in the Monongahela National Forest.

SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT

Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort is a 45-minute drive and is among the most popular ski resorts in the east-central U.S. The resort, at 4848’ elevation, includes two ski areas, two terrain parks, and 57 downhill slopes that uniquely descend from the ski villages at the top of the mountain. The resort is also among the chief destinations for mountain biking in the two Virginias. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has designated the Snowshoe Highland Ride Center as a silver-level destination. The resort boasts 23 restaurants and pubs, 34 lodges and cabin villages, and supports many off-mountain lodging venues year-round.

SENECA STATE FOREST

West Virginia’s oldest and largest state forest, Seneca State Forest is located in Pocahontas County with 12,884 acres of lush woodlands to explore. Recreational opportunities include boating in Seneca Lake or the nearby Greenbrier River or hiking or biking 23 miles of trails.

Public hunting and fishing are available throughout. Campgrounds are located near the center of the forest, along with rustic cabins. The forest’s historic Thorny Knob Fire Tower is also available for rent as a unique lodging option. The 330-mile Allegheny Trail passes through the forest on its route along the Allegheny Mountains.

THE DURBIN ROCKET

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad’s Durbin Rocket tourist operation makes use of nearly 6 miles of former Chesapeake & Ohio secondary trackage, a branch-line that connected to the C&O east-west
mainline at Ronceverte, West Virginia, and extended northward nearly 100 miles through Marlinton and the lumber town Cass as far as Durbin. Much of the route followed the grades of the scenic Greenbrier River, rising nearly 1000 feet over a hundred miles — hence the name of the railroad’s division. The first tourist operations at Durbin in the 1990s made use of a 20-ton Whitcomb switcher and a few pieces of converted rolling stock. Later a 1910 Climax geared steam locomotive was employed and more passenger cars added — including a refurbished Railway Post Office car. In recent years, a rare 3-truck geared Heisler on loan from nearby Cass Scenic Railway has been the principal tourist power on the 2-hour run downstream from Durbin and back again. Currently work is underway to rehabilitate the Greenbrier Division trackage between the end of the Durbin Rocket line and Cass, West Virginia. This will connect the previously isolated Durbin Rocket operation to the rest of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad tourist system in the region.

CASS SCENIC RAILROAD STATE PARK

The home of one of the most popular excursion trains in the U.S. and the restored ghost town of Cass, this popular state park is among the most popular railroad and timber industry heritage sites in the U.S. In addition to the train, which ascends to Bald Knob, at 4,842 feet above sea level, one of the highest summits in the state, the park boasts one the best-restored lumber towns in the nation. Twenty-two company houses in the town have been restored as vacation cabins while other historic structures house the depot and a museum, restaurant, visitor center, and workshops.

GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY

One of the most remarkable scientific institutions in the U.S., the Green Bank Observatory has attracted astronomers and sightseers to the region since the 1950s. Established by the National Science Foundation, it is located in this remote area because of the protection against radio interference the mountains provide. The world’s largest steerable radio telescope operates here, as does the Tate telescope employed in the first U.S. search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The observatory is central to the National Radio-Quiet Zone, a federally managed area of more than 13,000 square miles in which sources of radio interference are limited.

BUFFALO LAKE

Lake Buffalo is a 22-acre lake that offers fishermen a quiet retreat. It is regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Lake Buffalo is located near the town of Bartow.

Facilities include a parking lot, a picnic area, and a concrete boat ramp. While the lake is open year-round, toilets are closed in winter. For those looking for an extended stay, there are dispersed campsites in the area.

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST

The Monongahela National Forest is a national forest located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia. It protects over 921,000 acres of federally managed land within a 1,700,000 acres proclamation boundary that includes much of the Potomac Highlands Region and portions of 10 counties.

The Monongahela National Forest includes some major landform features such as the Allegheny Front and the western portion of the ridge-and-valley Appalachians. Within the forest boundaries lie some of the highest mountain peaks in the state, including the highest, Spruce Knob (4,863 ft). Spruce Knob is also the highest point in the Allegheny Mountains.

The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and tourist attraction, hosting approximately 3 million visitors annually.  The backwoods road and trail system is used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Many miles of railroad grades are a link in the recreation use of the forest. (The longest is the Glady to Durbin West Fork Railroad Trail which is 23 miles long.) Recreation ranges from self-reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas, to rock climbing challenges, to traditional developed-site camping. Canoeing, hunting, trapping, fishing (particularly trout fishing), and wildlife viewing are also common recreational activities within the forest.