Jackson Forest is an 18-acre multi-use residential and recreational property located in the popular Greenbrier River area of the New River Gorge Region.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 18-acre majestic forest with some ancient old growth trees
• Public water, phone and electric on site
• Ready to build homesite overlooking the valley and distant mountains
• 15 minutes to the world-renowned water recreation mecca including the 2000 acre Bluestone Lake, Mighty New River, Greenbrier River and the heart of the white water rafting country, the New River Gorge
• Dark skies provide for excellent star gazing and planet observation
• Wildlife is abundant with wild turkey, white-tailed deer, squirrel, song birds, owls and hawks
• Stunning long range views of the distant mountains with striking sunrises and sunsets
• Mature hardwood trees diversify the landscape and improve animal habitat
• Valuable timber and mineral rights will convey
• Winterplace Ski Resort located just 60 minutes away
• Land legacy of careful wildlife management coupled with outstanding long-term forest stewardship
• The area is perfect for hunters, anglers and water recreation enthusiasts
• Elevations range from 2362ft. to 2453ft.
• Just 15 miles to a hospital-emergency care facility
• Year-round state-maintained roads
• Low taxes, low population density

LOCATION

Located 2.5 miles north of Athens WV 24712.
Google Coordinates: 37.468422°(N), -81.029558°(W)
Address: Horton Lane, Speedway, WV 24712
Elevation Range: 1595 ft. to 2038 ft. +/-

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The 18-acre tract is all in forest that has been well managed over the years. It has one of the few remaining pockets of old growth timber left standing in West Virginia. The deep shade offered by the spreading crowns of the large oak, poplar, birch, white pine and hickory trees makes for a cool and inviting environment in which to enjoy a quiet walk.

The timber resource is composed of high quality Appalachian hardwoods. This well managed timber resource can provide a great deal of flexibility to the next ownership in terms of potential harvest revenue and can be managed to provide cash flow opportunities to offset holding cost and long-term asset appreciation.

The forest’s predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types, consisting primarily of: White Oak, Red Oak, Hickory, Beech, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Ash, Yellow Poplar and Black Cherry

A few “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest. These ancient trees, some 100-150 years old, have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Wooly Adelgid and The Emerald Ash Borer are present and it is anticipated that the Hemlock and Ash component will be in decline over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses. One could spend a lifetime getting to know this inviting environ.

Some of the forest was in fields prior to WWII and huge piles of field stone are found along the old field edges. These stone piles are a lasting testament of the backbreaking work the early mountaineers put in to create a homestead.

Beechnuts, Hickory nuts, sweet White Oak and Red Oak Acorns provide a sustainable food source for the squirrels, chipmunks, whitetail deer and wild turkey that live in abundance in the forest.

Many species of songbirds and woodpeckers that thrive in the special habitat that large older trees provide make their home in this special forest environ. It is exciting to see and hear the large and very vocal Pileated Woodpecker, with its bright red crest dressed in a black and white tuxedo, sweep through the tall canopy in search of a morning snack. Owls nest here nearly every year and provide lots of night-time and early-morning entertainment.

MINERAL RESOURCES

All rights the owner has will convey with the property.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property does not have current survey. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water: Public water is available
Sewer: Private Septic
Electricity: Onsite
Telephone: Onsite
Internet: May be possible through cable or Hughes Net
Cellphone Coverage: Excellent with 4G

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

Frontage on Horton Lane, a paved road maintained year round by the county.

ZONING

There is currently no county zoning in this area of Mercer County. Further information on county zoning may be answered by contacting the Mercer County commissioner.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

Mature forestland.

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 609 Pg. 88
Acreage: 17.99 acres +/-
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Mercer County, West Virginia
Plymouth District
Tax Map 12 Parcel 28.1; 17.99 AC NR SPEEDWAY; Class 3
2018 Real Estate Taxes: $217.14

SCHOOLS

Mercer County School District:

Public Elementary Schools:
Athens Elementary School

Public Middle Schools:
Mercer County Middle School

Public High Schools:
Mercer County High School

THE GREENBRIER RIVER

At 162 miles long, the Greenbrier is the longest untamed (unblocked) river left in the Eastern United States. 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.

The Greenbrier is formed at Durbin in northern Pocahontas County by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River, both of which are short streams rising at elevations exceeding 3,300 feet and flowing for their entire lengths in northern Pocahontas County. From Durbin the Greenbrier flows generally south-southwest through Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Summers Counties, past several communities including Cass, Marlinton, Hillsboro, Ronceverte, Fort Spring, Alderson, and Hinton, where it flows into the New River.

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 accommodated the celebrated Indian warpath known as the Seneca Trail (Great Indian Warpath). From the vicinity of present-day White Sulphur Springs the Trail followed Anthony’s Creek down to the Greenbrier 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 future Marlinton, Indian Draft Run, and Edray.

THE NEW RIVER AND BLUESTONE LAKE

The New River Gorge was a vast and largely unsettled wilderness until the C&O railroad was built on the eastern side of the river in the 1880’s. The railroad opened up the rich coalfields and virgin timber stands of the region. Early “mountaineers” settled the area and soon were carving out mountain farms and raising families.

The New River is the second oldest river in the world, preceded only by the Nile; it is the oldest river in North America. The New River is unique because it begins in Blowing Rock, N.C. and flows north through Virginia into West Virginia. The Nile and Amazon are the only other major rivers that also flow north. Year after year, it produces more citation fish than any other warm water river in WV. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, hybrid striped bass, and muskie are all common species of fish found in the New River and Bluestone Lake.

Bluestone Lake is over 2000 acres at summer pool and is the state’s third largest body of water. Great hunting and fishing opportunities abound at the 17,632 acre Bluestone Wildlife Area adjacent to the park and nearby Camp Creek State Forest.

SURROUNDING AREA

The surrounding area offers unlimited soft recreational activities including white water rafting, golfing, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and rock climbing. In 20 minutes you can catch the Amtrak train in Hinton and ride to the Greenbrier Resort, Chicago or New York City. The Beckley Airport is just 30 minutes away.

Jackson Forest is supported with the thriving community of Athens. The area is a strong economic generator with a solid workforce employed in county/state government, tourism, hospitality, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture. The surrounding area is richly blessed with a wide array of cultural events that keep life interesting and satisfying. Visit http://www.visitmercercounty.com/

Hinton, the county seat of Summers County is a 20 minute drive. Hinton, founded in 1871, grew rapidly as the hub of a growing railroad industry serving the New River coal fields, passenger travel and coast to coast freight lines. Today, Hinton serves the growing tourist and technology industries. Situate at the confluence of the New River, Bluestone River and Greenbrier River, adjoining the 2000 acre Bluestone Lake, Hinton is truly a gateway to water recreation. The 80,000 acre New River National River Park, Bluestone State Park, Pipestem State Park Resort and 17,000 acre Bluestone Wildlife Management Area are recreational cornerstones in the area. The new 10,000 acre Boy Scout high adventure camp is an hour’s drive. Hospital, grocery shopping, pharmacy, hardware/farm supply and dining are available.

Lewisburg is the county seat of Greenbrier County and home to the WV Osteopathic Medical School (800 students) and the New River Community and Technical College. In 2011, Lewisburg was named Coolest Small Town in America and is just a 55 minute drive to complete shopping, churches, schools, medical-dental facilities, fine dining, and a modern hospital. The area is a strong economic generator with a solid workforce employed in county/state government, tourism, hospitality, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture. The Greenbrier Valley and surrounding area is richly blessed with a wide array of cultural events that keep life in the valley interesting and satisfying. A year round live theatre, Carnegie Hall (one of four in the USA), fine dining, art galleries and boutiques make up the thriving downtown historic district in Lewisburg. The Greenbrier Valley Airport, with the longest runway in the state is just 1 hour 15 minutes away and has daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC.

The world renowned 4-Star Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is about an hour drive. Several other area golf courses are available in the area. Rock climbing, ziplining, horseback riding and the 100 + mile long Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail makes for a very active recreation area