OVERVIEW

Mill Fork Woodland has tremendous recreational value located near the confluence of Mill Fork and Gauley River in Webster County. The land has been managed for timber products for years. Timber trails throughout the property make for great recreational activities. Joins the Cranberry Wildlife Management Area and is less than a 45 minute drive from Cranberry Wilderness Area, Summersville Lake and Gauley River National Recreation Area.

ATTRIBUTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

• 87.25+/- acre multi-use parcel suitable for recreation, residential, long term timber investment and excels as a wildlife paradise
• 7 rivers and four lakes are within an average one hour’s drive. These include the New River, Gauley River, Cherry River, Cranberry River, Elk River, Little Kanawha River, West Fork River, 3,000 acre Summersville Lake, 2,650 acre Stonewall Jackson Lake, 1,500 acre Sutton Lake and 970 acre Burnsville Lake
• Close to proximity to National and State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas and National Forest properties
• 30 minutes to Webster Springs, county seat of Webster County and Summersville, county seat of Nicholas County
• Just over a 1.5 hours’ drive to Charleston, the State Capitol and WV’s largest metro area and jet service
• Fur bearing – deer, black bear, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox, chipmunk, opossum
• Area winged wildlife includes Neotropical songbirds, turkey, grouse, eagles, herons, hawks, owls, ravens, king fishers, ravens, crows, and hummingbirds
• Cell phone coverage is good with 4G service
• An easy drive to higher population areas of Charleston, Pittsburgh, Beckley, Clarksburg
• Years of professional forest and wildlife management
• State and County-maintained roads for superior access
• Several interior trails provide access to nearly every corner of the property
• Elevations range from 2115′ to 2515′
• Low taxes, low population density, little or no light pollution
• Nearby rivers and lakes are ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing
• Great fishing is found in the lakes and rivers. Species include small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike and bluegill

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: N 38.362964, W -80.572323
Address: No 911 address is assigned to a property without structures. Google Maps shows that 153 Mill Fork Rd, Camden-On-Gauley, WV 26208 is across the street from property
Elevation Range: 2115′ to 2515′

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. The SURFACE RIGHTS are intact and all rights the owner has will convey with the property. 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

This property is being sold by the boundary and not the acreage.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property frontage on the east side of County Route 48/4 Mill Fork Road northeast of Gauley Mills, West Virginia.

UTILITIES

Water: Public water on Mill Fork Road (CR 48/4)
Sewer: Public not available, private septic tank may be installed
Electricity: Along Mill Fork Road (CR 48/4)
Telephone: Along Mill Fork Road (CR 48/4).
Internet: Available through telephone, satellite or cellphone companies
Cellphone Coverage: very good throughout property, 4G in some areas

ZONING

Webster County has no zoning regulations in effect other than that which is enacted and enforced within the city limits of Webster Springs.

A permit is also required from the Webster County Health Department for septic systems.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property consists of various ages of forestland.

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: Book 256 Page 329,
Acreage: 87.25 +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Webster County, West Virginia
Glade District

Tax Maps/Parcels
4T/26.0 – 77.25 Acres
4T/27.2 – 10 Acres

2021 Real Estate Taxes: $143.40

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Webster County School District

Public Elementary School – Glade Elementary School
Public Middle School – Glade Middle School
Public High School – Webster County High School

DIRECTIONS

From Craigsville U.S. Post Office; Travel 174 feet on Red Oak Drive to Craigsville Road WV 20. Turn left on WV 20 for 0.4 mile, turn right on to Webster Road WV 20 travel 4.7 miles. Continue straight on Mayer Ave for 0.4 miles, stay straight on Gauley Mills Road WV 48/2 for 0.9 mile. Turn left on Mill Fork Road WV 48/4 travel 0.3 miles, the property is on the right.

RECREATION ON/NEAR MILL FORK FOREST

The Mill Fork Woodland offers many recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the proximity to the recreation mecca of Summersville Lake, Gauley River National Recreation Area, New River Gorge National Park and numerous Wildlife Management Areas.

Hunting Opportunities are abundant on Mill Fork Woodland. Whitetail deer, turkey, woodcock, squirrels and rabbits may be found throughout property. Off property there are several Wildlife Management Areas: Cranberry WMA, Big Ditch WMA, Summersville Lake WMA, Elk River WMA, Burnsville Lake and Stonewall Jackson Lake WMA. These four areas provide over 200,000 acres of habitat.

Cold Water Fishing can be found throughout the region. Many of the tributaries and portions of the Gauley River are stocked with trout. The head waters hold the native Brook Trout. Several special regulation sections of some streams offer fly-fishing only areas. The Cranberry Back-Country area hosts 16 miles of secluded trout fishing and may only be accessed by non-motorized transportation.

Warm Water Fishing in the Gauley, Elk and New Rivers is some of the best in the region. Smallmouth bass and muskie are the big draws. The Elk River is great for the novice kayaker or canoeist to fish, the Gauley and New Rivers are for the more experience boaters only but has the best fishing for trophy sized fish. The New River has an excellent population of the native Eastern Highlands walleye. This walleye subspecies grows faster and produce quicker than their northern cousins. Great fishing is found on both rivers for crappie, catfish, pike and bluegill.

Nature viewing – Attentive wildlife management has been geared not just too game animals. Equal consideration has been extended to increasing the numbers and diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls, hawks.

Stargazing-Planet Observation-Astrophotography

Complete to semi-complete darkness can be still be found on most of the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Water-sports enthusiasts will find the nearby New River, Gauley River, Cherry River, Cranberry River, Elk River, Little Kanawha River and West Fork River ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing. The 7 rivers and the 3,000 acre Summersville Lake, 2,650 acre Stonewall Jackson Lake, 1,500 acre Sutton Lake and 970 acre Burnsville Lake are all within an easy hour to hour and half drive. Great fishing is found in the 7 rivers and four lakes. Species include small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike and bluegill.

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
• Plain ole’ plinking: Grandpa’s old 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day
• All Terrain Motorsports

Mill Fork Woodland has several forest trails that are perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the forest’s terrain.

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Hiking

Along with ATV riding, existing forest trails may be used for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.

FOREST FARMING

The most common crops are medicinal herbs and mushrooms. Other crops that can be produced include shade-loving native ornamentals, moss, fruit, nuts, other food crops, and decorative materials for crafts. These crops are often referred to as special forest products. Here are some specific examples of crops:

• Medicinal herbs: Ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, passionflower, and mayapple
• Mushrooms: Shiitake and oyster mushrooms • Native ornamentals: Rhododendrons and dogwood
• Moss: Log or sheet moss
• Fruit: Pawpaws, currants, elderberries, and lowbush blueberries
• Nuts: Black walnuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts
• Other food crops: Ramps (wild leeks), maple syrup, and honey
• Plants used for decorative purposes, dyes, and crafts: Galax, princess pine, white oak, pussy willow branches in the spring, holly, bittersweet, and bloodroot and ground pine (Lycopodium)

WATER

Mill Fork is a perennial (blue line) stream that flows through the western portion of the property and which all run off from on property intermittent and ephemeral streams flow into. There should be frequent water flow in the streams and branches, particularly during rain events and periods of snow melt. Numerous springs may be found throughout the property.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The Property’s timber resource, 87.25 acres +/-, is composed of some quality young Appalachian hardwoods. This timber resource can be managed by the next ownership to provide long-term asset appreciation.

Prudent forest management called for timed selective harvests on portions of the forest under the supervision of a registered forester. Residual timber in these areas are considered well stocked.

Timber stands are generally fully stocked with excellent stem quality.

Species composition: 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:

• Black Cherry
• Sugar Maple
• Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood
• Red Oak Group
• White Oak/Chestnut Oak
• Soft Maple
• Hickory

Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked young high value trees, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultural legacy.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses.

SEVEN RIVERS AND FOUR LAKES

These rivers and lakes are within an easy one hour’s drive from the property. Mill Fork Woodland is located in the heart of the recreational mecca area encompassing the New River, Gauley River, Cherry River, Cranberry River, Elk River, Little Kanawha River and West Fork River. Within this vast area lies the 3,000 acre Summersville Lake, 2,650 acre Stonewall Jackson Lake, 1,500 acre Sutton Lake and 970 acre Burnsville Lake.

The nearby rivers and lakes are major contributors to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. There are many animals that live year round and at other times in the water and around the edges of the rivers/lake, including beavers, otters, minks, raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, king fishers, minnows, native fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrats, bull frogs, eagles, owls, hawks and redwing blackbirds.

Great fishing is found in these rivers and lakes with small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike and bluegill present in good numbers.

SURROUNDING AREA

CRANBERRY RIVER AND WILDERNESS AREA

The 47,815 acre Cranberry Wilderness and 14,000 acre Cranberry Backcountry in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Located in Pocahontas and Webster Counties, the area includes the entire drainage of the Middle Fork of the Williams and the North Fork of the Cranberry Rivers. Elevations range from 2,400 to over 4,600 feet.

Cranberry Wilderness and Cranberry Backcountry make up one of the largest backpacking areas east of the Mississippi River. Together there are 135 miles of hiking trails that provide a great opportunity of reasonably long distance trips (3 to 6 days) and some good loops. The scenery includes rugged mountains with streams, waterfalls and swimming holes. Hardwood forests dominate the lower elevations and spruce forests offer interesting variation on the peaks of the mountains.

CRANBERRY RIVER FLY FISHING

The Cranberry River is a confluence of its North and South Forks which rise on Black Mountain and Cranberry Mountain, respectively. In the past, naturally acidic water made the Cranberry River almost unlivable for warm water species. Thanks to the Department of Natural Resources’ addition of limestone to the water in recent years, the river’s PH levels have risen and its waters are now rife with wildlife, namely, trout. In fact, the Cranberry River holds more trout per acre than any other stream in West Virginia. The river consists of two sections; the easily accessible lower section and the remote backcountry section, which is the real crown jewel for anglers. Deep in the wilderness and unreachable by vehicles, the 16-mile backcountry section is well worth the hike. The Backcountry includes both the North and South forks as well as Dogway Fork, the river’s glorious 6-mile stretch designated for “Fly Fishing Only”. All three forks are excellent for brook trout fishing, but the backcountry section fosters plenty of rainbow and brown trout. It’s very likely you won’t be ready to head home after just one day, so check out the shelters available along the water for overnight trips. Glades Gate Google Map Coordinates: 38.208298, -80.282796

CRANBERRY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Cranberry Wildlife Management Area is a 159,170 acre National Forest in the counties of Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas and Greenbrier. The property is owned by U.S. Forest Service and managed by WV Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section and US Forest Service. Elevations ranging from 1,900 to 4,600 feet in mountainous terrain covered with mature hardwood forests.

Hunting Opportunities: Deer, Turkey, Bear, Squirrel, Rabbit, Grouse, & Snow Hare

Trapping Opportunities: Bobcat, Beaver, Mink

Fishing Opportunities: Summit Lake, North & South Forks of the Cherry River, Williams River, Cranberry River. There you can fish for trout.

BIG DITCH LAKE WMA

The 388 acre Wildlife Management Area in Webster County is located one-half mile from Cowen on County Route 30, 15 miles southwest of Webster Springs. Big Ditch is located in a valley with moderate side slopes offering small game, waterfowl and bow hunting.

Big Ditch Lake is a 55-acre warm water impoundment located 1 mile west of Cowen in Webster County. The lake is part of the Big Ditch Wildlife Management Area and is accessible from WV Route 20. Big Ditch Lake provides a warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, tiger musky, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, channel catfish, and carp. Growth of bass, crappie, and bluegill is fair and the lake provides good catches of these species. Growth and catches of channel catfish have been excellent. Six artificial fish attractors have been placed in the lake and are marked for fisherman use. Fishing accommodations provided for the physically disabled.

GAULEY RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

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.

CARNIFEX FERRY BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is located on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, minutes from Summersville Lake. This Park offers picnicking, reservable picnic shelters, hiking trails, three overlooks of the Gauley River, softball field, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and the Patterson House Museum. The park is seasonal in nature.

The 156-acre Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states, and commemorates the 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry, a major Union victory that led to the eventual Confederate withdrawal from western Virginia. Carnifex Ferry is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and is a popular site for Civil War reenactments.

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Superb water quality and sheer sandstone cliffs make Summersville Lake a unique place to visit. West Virginia’s largest lake; Summersville Lake has over 2,700 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) scuba diving, picnicking, hunting, and biking are the favorite activities enjoyed by nearly one million visitors 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.

The 5,974-acre Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) ranges across tableland forests and towering cliffs that famously overlook Summersville Lake. Game traditionally hunted in the management area includes bear, deer, grouse, squirrel, and turkey, though the lake is its principal attraction.

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK AND RESERVE

The Newest National Park in America at your back door…   Just a short 35 minute drive from the property will take you to the amazing New River National Park.  An awe inspiring visit that is sure to bring a new experience each and every time. Once you see it, it’s something you’ll never forget. Rock climbers have long prized the sandstone cliffs of West Virginia’s New River Gorge, which was designated as a national park and preserve in December 2020.  New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its 53 miles of free flowing whitewater that cuts through sandstone cliffs towering as high as 1,000 feet in the air. It boasts class III through V rapids and plenty of boulders to keep even the most experienced rafters engaged. The upper part of the river is calmer and more welcoming to new rafters. The area also boasts more than 1,500 climbing routes, as well as a 12.8-mile system of mountain bike trails built by the Boy Scouts.  There are moments, as you drift through the deep canyon walls of the New River Gorge, when it feels like you’ve got the whole world to yourself. It’s just you and the river, littered with massive, prehistoric boulders that were here when the coal mining camps were built, and the fur trading posts before them, and the Shawnee and Cherokee villages before those. In a river that geologists say could be one of the world’s oldest, you can lose yourself in time. Then the current picks up, and you’re back to paddling like mad, navigating the chutes and eddies of heart-pounding white water.  Since the 1960s, West Virginia’s New River Gorge has drawn adventure seekers to its rapids and rock walls, and those rafters and climbers have long considered it a hidden gem. But the curtain is being drawn back on the canyon, because part of it has become America’s 63rd national park. New River Gorge National River’s 72,186 acres is just like its name “New”.   The Newest National Park and Preserve in America.

BURNSVILLE LAKE

Beautiful Burnsville Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding along the Little Kanawha River. In addition to flood control, the 968-acre lake provides wildlife management and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, camping, cycling, picnicking, and nature watching. The choice is yours.

Boating is one of the most popular activities at Burnsville Lake. You can rent a jet ski for a fast-paced ride, a pontoon boat for a leisurely cruise, and a canoe for a bit of exercise. Three public boat launches are available. Visitors to the lake who are truly looking to escape for a while love the areas two campgrounds. The Riffle Run Campground is located near the dam and marina. This campground offers 60 sites. Bulltown Campground features 204 waterfront and wooded campsites with electric hook-ups. The Bulltown Recreation Areas offer a swimming beach with restrooms, boat launch ramp, fishing access, picnic shelters, and horseshoe pits. Fishing is a favorite Burnsville Lake pastime, and the reservoir is home to bluegill, carp, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, long-nosed gar, muskellunge, rock bass, sauger, saugeye, smallmouth bass, trout, sunfish, and walleye.