PROPERTY OVERVIEW

ATTRIBUTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

• Forty-one acres adjoining the 3,000-acre Summersville Lake, the state’s largest body of water
• Potential for development, power-driven by proximity to Summersville lake and nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – America’s newest national park
• Forest Inventory conducted by a registered forester establishes an estimated commercial timber value of $86,000 (select harvest of the mature trees)
• Suitable for a weekend getaway or permanent residence
• City amenities are a short drive to Summersville, the Nicholas County seat
• Twenty minutes to Fayetteville and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
• Four season climate – fall is spectacular and summers warm and breezy
• Ninety minutes from Charleston, the State Capitol and WV’s largest metro area (pop. 250,000)
• Jet airports in Lewisburg, Beckley and Charleston, WV, and Roanoke VA
• Surveyed recently
• Dark skies, affordable taxes, low population density, relaxed lifestyle

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 38.204183°(N), -80.857500°(W)
Address: Arrow Circle, Mount Nebo, WV 26679.  No 911 physical address is assigned to a property without structures.
Elevation Range: 1792 ft. to 2000 ft. +/-

Drive Times

Towns and Highways

• Beckley: 50 minutes
• Charleston: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Lewisburg: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Summersville: 10 minutes
• US 19: 5 minutes

Airports

• Charleston Regional Airport 1 hour 30 minutes
• Greenbrier Valley Airport, Lewisburg: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Raleigh County Memorial Airport: 55 minutes
• Summersville Airport (rural): 15 minutes

PROPERTY DETAILS

WATER RESOURCES

A dashed blue line stream flows through the property for about ¼ mile before leaving the property and draining directly into Summersville Lake. There should be water flow during rain events and snow melt.

MINERAL RESOURCES

All rights the owner has will convey with the property.  West Virginia is one of the states in the US that has two ownership titles, those being SURFACE RIGHTS and MINERAL RIGHTS. A title search for mineral rights ownership has not been conducted.  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

The property was surveyed in December 2023 and is shown on a plat prepared from that survey. The northwestern property boundary runs with the painted Summersville Lake boundary for 682 feet. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

• Water:  May be possible to connect to a public water system, or a well could be drilled
• Sewer:  Private septic system would need to be installed
• Electricity:  Available nearby
• Telephone:  Available nearby
• Internet:  Telephone service or satellite service such as Starlink or HughesNet
• Cellphone Coverage:  Good

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

Currently used access is over a subdivision travel way. A recorded deed describes a 30-feet-wide access right of way.

ZONING

Nicholas County has no zoning regulations in effect other than that which is enacted and enforced within the city limits of Summersville and Richwood.  All prospective purchasers are encouraged to contact the Nicholas County Health Department and the Nicholas County Flood Zone Administrator regarding installation of septic systems, water wells, and flood insurance requirements.

Nicholas County ordinances and contact information can be found at the following website:  http://www.nicholascountywv.org/ordinances/default.aspx

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 241 Pg. 707
Nicholas County, West Virginia

Acreage: 41.36 acres +/- by recent survey

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Nicholas County (34), West Virginia
Wilderness District (9)
Tax Map 8 Parcel 15; Class 3

2024 Real Estate Taxes: $470.48

SCHOOLS

Nicholas County School District

Public Elementary School:
Mt. Nebo Elementary School

Public Middle School:
Summersville Middle School

Public High School:
Nicholas County High School

Colleges:
New River Community and Technical College (Summersville campus)
Nicholas County Career and Technical Center

Private Schools:
New Life Christian Academy (PreK-12)

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property has historically been used as forestland.

(This summary is an estimation of current property use as determined from aerial photography.  It is made subject to the estimation of property boundaries and any errors in the interpretation of land use type from the aerial photography utilized.)

FOREST / TIMBER RESOURCES

A forest inventory recently conducted by a registered forester establishes an estimated commercial timber value of $86,000 (selective harvest of the mature trees).

Forest-wide, the wooded area is fully stocked, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultural legacy. Stem quality forest-wide can be considered excellent with the forest containing current or future timber value.

Several “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest and old field edges, some estimated at 150 years old.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer and the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid could be present which may result in the ash and hemlock trees becoming severely stressed over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

WILDLIFE

The property is one of several premier wildlife sanctuaries in Nicholas County.

The nearby New River supports otter, beaver and fisher, as well as blue heron, raccoon, opossum and chipmunks.

The mature forest coupled with the lake make for the perfect wildlife habitat. The hardwood forest produces tons of acorns, hickory nuts beech nuts and black walnuts. White tail deer, wild turkey, black bear, coyote, squirrel, raccoon, bobcat, fox and many species of songbirds and raptors make up the resident wildlife population.

A few bald eagles have been spotted around the lake and are a thrill to see with wingspans of 6-7 feet.

ON-PROPERTY RECREATIONAL AMENITIES

Nature viewing is next in line of recreational activities. Wildlife viewing is not just for larger animals. Equal consideration is given to a diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls, eagles and hawks. White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, geese, squirrel, raccoon, fox and rabbit make up the resident wildlife population.

Stargazing-Planet Observation

Near total darkness can be still be found on the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Shooting-sports devotees find all the land and privacy needed to enjoy:

• Paintball-Airsoft-Laser Tag-Archery tag
• Shotgun sport shooting including Skeet, Trap, Double Trap and Sporting Clays
• Rifle & Handgun shooting: bullseye, silhouette, western, bench rest, long-range, fast draw
• Archery and Crossbow competition shooting
• 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day

All Terrain Motorsports

The property is perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. Riders are welcome to ride all public roads that do not have a painted dividing line and there are miles and miles of open roads in the area. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the forest’s terrain.  Dirt bikes can also be a lot of fun and they come in all sizes and horsepower to fit anyone who enjoys being on two wheels.

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Hiking

The land may be used for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding and the area offers several state and national parks geared for these activities.

SURROUNDING AREA RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Residency in the New River Gorge region offers access to a seemingly limitless variety of recreational pursuits. Its parks invite hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, paddling, rock climbing, ziplining, and whitewater rafting. The area accommodates several walking and field sports facilities, including stadiums, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. The winter months are not let out—Winterplace is an hour’s drive south, offering skiing and snow-tubing.

EIGHT RIVERS AND TWO LAKES

The rivers and lakes are within two hours drive from the property: Long Point is in the heart of the recreational mecca area encompassing the Gauley River, New River, Greenbrier River, Cherry River, Cranberry River, Meadow River, Elk River, and Bluestone River. Within this vast watershed lies the 3000-acre Summersville Lake and the 2000-acre Bluestone Lake.

Gauley River

Great fishing is found in the rivers and lakes populated with small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike, stocked and native trout, and bluegill.

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, the New River produces more citation fish than any other warm water river in WV.

Summersville Lake is over 3,000 acres at summer pool and is the state’s largest body of water. Bluestone Lake is over 2000 acres at summer pool and is the state’s third largest body of water.

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE

Summersville Lake

Superb water quality and sheer sandstone cliffs make the 3000-acre Summersville Lake a unique place to visit. West Virginia’s largest lake; Summersville Lake has over 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline. Boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing for large- and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and catfish, (trout are stocked below the dam in the spring and fall), camping, scuba diving, picnicking, hunting, and biking are the favorite activities enjoyed by nearly two million visitors who visit the region annually.

Technical rock climbing and whitewater rafting are available year-round, with scheduled whitewater releases below the dam on the world class Gauley River in September and October. Adjacent to the lake is Mountain Lake Campground , with cabins, camping & RV hookups and many other conveniences for guests. Sarge’s Dive Shop and the lake’s marina are located on the lake with grocery stores, restaurants, and service stations located nearby in Summersville.

Boating
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, Long Point Area and Picnic Area. There is a small Day Use fee for boat launching. Frequent boat launchers may purchase an Annual Day Use Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access passports may be used for a 50% discount at all Federally operated areas where a fee is charged.

Camping
Camping at Summersville Lake is restricted to developed camping areas only – there is not random camping. Battle Run Campground is a class A Corps operated campground which has day use facilities, a boat launching ramp, access to fishing, showers, trailer waste disposal facilities, playground, universally accessible restrooms, parking, swimming and picnic areas. Battle Run Campground is now part of the National Recreation Servation System. Reservations can be made by dialing 1-877-444-NRRS or on the web at ReserveUSA.com. For more information during recreation season call the campground at (304) 872-3459.

Handicapped Access
Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office, Dam site and picnic area, Battle Run Area, and Long Point Area.

Hiking
Foot trails (Hiking) are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, and Long Point.

Marina
Summersville Lake Marina is located at the Long Point Area. The marina number is (304) 872-1331. Additional information can be found at Summersville Lake Marina & Sarge’s Dive Shop. There is a $3.00 Day Use fee for boat launching.

Swimming
A swimming beach is located at the Battle Run Area. Lifeguards are not provided. Swim at your own risk. Swimming is prohibited on launch ramps.

Visitor Center
A Visitor Center is located at the Information office.

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE – AMERICA’S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK!

The sign at entrance to Canyon Rim Visitor Center at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Fayetteville, West Virginia.

One of the most exciting destinations for hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling in the eastern United States, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was established by the National Park Service in 1978 and includes more than 80,000 acres in and adjacent to the New River Gorge and the valley of the New River. More than a million visitors annually climb rocks along the rim of the gorge near Fayetteville and paddle its whitewater runs on the New and its tributaries. Countless miles of hiking and biking trails wander the park and climb into the surrounding mountains. The nearby Gauley River National Recreation Area likewise attracts thousands of tourists annually, notably rafters during “Gauley Season” in autumn when the river runs strong.

The 70,000-acre New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a unit of the United States National Park Service (NPS) designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1978 as a national river, the NPS-protected area stretches for 53 miles from just downstream of Hinton to Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted. The park was officially named America’s 63rd national park, the U.S. government’s highest form of protection, in December of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a relief bill.

West Virginia is home to parts of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a foot path that stretches more than 2,100 miles between Maine and Georgia; the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, which cuts through 16 states for 4,900 miles; the Bluestone National Scenic River; and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Now, over 70,000 acres of land, bordering 53 miles of the gorge, has earned the government’s protection.

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is rich in cultural and natural history and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. New River Gorge is home to some of the country’s best whitewater rafting, mainly from the Cunard put-in to the Fayette Station take-out and is also one of the most popular climbing areas on the East Coast.

Home to the New River, which drops 750 feet over 66 miles, with its Class V rapids, has long drawn adventuresome rafters and kayakers to this whitewater area. The New River, which flows northward through low-cut canyons in the Appalachian Mountains, is one of the oldest rivers on the planet.

Rock climbing on the canyon walls, mountain biking and hiking on trails that flank the river, and wildlife viewing—bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons, beavers, river otters, wild turkeys, brown bats, snakes, and black bears—are all popular activities within the park.

The New River Gorge Bridge is a work of structural art. Construction of the bridge began in 1974, and was completed in 1977. The Bridge spans 3,030 feet in length and is the third highest bridge in the U.S., at 876 ft. During Bridge Day, an annual one-day festival celebrating the construction of the Bridge, BASE jumpers launch off the 876-foot bridge and parachute down to the New River. New River Gorge is the only national park in the U.S. that permits this extreme activity.

President Jimmy Carter signed legislation establishing New River Gorge National River on November 10, 1978 (Pub.L. 95–625). As stated in the legislation, the park was established as a unit of the national park system “for the purpose of conserving and interpreting outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects in and around the New River Gorge and preserving as a free-flowing stream an important segment of the New River in West Virginia for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Act was incorporated into the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, changing the designation to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Less than 10% of the original national river was re-designated as a national park, where hunting is no longer permitted, while the remainder is a national preserve with little change.

NEW RIVER

The New River is shared by boaters, fisherman, campers, park visitors and local neighbors.  The New River is recognized as the “second oldest river in the world” and is estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old. Its headwaters begin near Blowing Rock, NC and is one of the few rivers in North America that flows northerly.

Class I, II, III, IV and V rapids dot the entire 320 miles of New River making it a great paddling, tubing, and white rafting adventure. Beautiful cliffs, bluffs, and mountain views make it one of the most scenic rivers on the east coast.

New River Gorge National River includes 53 miles of free-flowing New River, beginning at Bluestone Dam and ending at Hawks Nest Lake. The New River typifies big West Virginia style whitewater. Within the park it has two very different characters. The upper (southern) part of the river consists primarily of long pools, and relatively easy rapids up to Class III. It is a big powerful river, but very beautiful, always runnable, and providing excellent fishing and camping. There are a number of different river access points, and trips can run from several hours to several days.

The lower (northern) section of river is often referred to as “the Lower Gorge.” In a state that is justifiably renowned for colossal rapids, the Lower Gorge has some of the biggest of the big with rapids ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V. The rapids are imposing and forceful, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, crosscurrents, and hydraulics. Some rapids contain hazardous undercut rocks.

Fast water, big rocks and lazy/slow stretches are features of the New River. Water sports enthusiasts will find the New River ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing. Great fishing is found in the New River with bass (largemouth, smallmouth and rock), flathead catfish, channel catfish, muskie, walleye and bluegill present in good numbers.

GAULEY RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Gauley River

The Gauley River was added to the National Park System in 1988.  The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features.  Dropping 26 feet per mile through a gorge that averages 500 feet in depth, the Gauley is noted for its outstanding whitewater and is one of the most technical rivers in the nation, contains several class V+ rapids.  The Meadow River gradient averages 71 feet per mile.

The Gauley River and its gorge have been a barrier as well as a corridor for human activity. The area was used for fishing and hunting by Native Americans for 10,000 years and was populated by Europeans in the late 1700s near the mouth of Peters Creek.  The confluence of the Gauley and Meadow rivers was the site of an 1861 Civil War battle. Union troops forced Confederate forces from their position overlooking the Gauley. The site is part of Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park.

In the late 1800s railroads and lumber companies came to the gorge to harvest its vast supply of timber.  Coal and gas development followed shortly after are still economic powers in the area.  Vegetation is diverse and abundant. Extremes in topography, elevation and microclimate have caused tremendous variation in plant life. Most of the recreation area is below 2,000 feet and contains the central hardwood forest type. Tree species found in this timber type include the red and white oak, American beech, yellow poplar, hemlock and dogwood. Such vegetation supports a wide variety of wildlife species.

SURROUNDING AREA

SUMMERSVILLE, WV
Summersville is the county seat of Nicholas County, West Virginia. Summersville was formed in June 1820 and was primarily a farming community. During the winter of 1864-65, both Union and Confederate armies were encamped in Summersville or nearby. It was during that winter that the town and all its buildings were burned to the ground. Although the war ended soon after, the destruction of the town was discouraging, and citizens were very slow to return and rebuild. By 1884, Summersville was again home to over 100 citizens, and slowly became the commerce center of the county.

Centrally located in the mountains of West Virginia, Summersville offers endless opportunities for fun-filled days enjoying beauty, adventure, history and relaxation. There are a host of festivals in the summer and fall and check out the event schedule at the Summersville Arena & Conference Center. Summersville is easy to navigate and offers a large selection of lodging to match any budget. Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining. Winter, spring, summer or fall, Summersville has something to offer couples, families, adventure seekers, historians, or just those seeing relaxation.

Summersville has many quaint shops that are ideal for browsing and finding the perfect gift or souvenir. There are many primitive shops, specialty shops, antiques, sporting goods, department stores, and collectibles and food items unique to the area. Summersville also offers several “big box” stores including Big Lots, Lowes, Peebles, Grand Home Furnishings, and Walmart.

Summersville also offers the Summersville Arena & Conference Center, which is a 73,000 square foot multi-use facility constructed jointly with the City of Summersville and the West Virginia Army National Guard. The facility offers a 24,000 sq. ft. arena, 2,000 seats for events such as basketball games, an additional 2,400 seats available for a “staged” event, and a 3,600 sq. ft. convention area. Summersville has a public library.

There is also a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities. Summersville Regional Medical Center is located on Route 19 in Summersville, West Virginia. In operation since 1968, SRMC has served Nicholas County and the surrounding area for over four decades and is the second largest employer in the county.

FAYETTEVILLE
Fayetteville’s historic district is both charming and one of the most attractive locations for outfitters shops, boutique shops, and specialty restaurants in West Virginia. More than a dozen antiques shops were operating in the Fayetteville area in summer 2017, and five independent restaurants in the district were offering an outstanding selection of unique cuisine. Fayetteville is central to the travel-destination area as well as the legal center of the Fayette County. Its population in 2014 was estimated at 2,892.

OAK HILL
Oak Hill is Fayette County’s largest municipality and its economic center. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 7,730. Plateau Medical Center, the largest hospital in the county, is located off the US-19 expressway on Main Street in its downtown. The city has recently increased its investment in recreational and quality-of-life improvements and has acquired land for the new outdoor-adventure park approaching the edge of the New River Gorge.

THE SUMMIT: BECHTEL FAMILY NATIONAL SCOUT RESERVE

As a result of unrivaled access to recreation, the Boy Scouts of America established its national Jamboree site here encompassing 12,000 acres and has invested over $300,000,000 in the acquisition and buildout of the site.

The Summit is the home of the World Jamboree as well as the National Scout Jamboree. The Summit is the national leadership center for the Boy Scouts of America as well as one of the organization’s five high-adventure bases. More than 50,000 scouts and leaders from all over 40 countries attended the World Jamboree in 2019.