OVERVIEW

Zion Mountain is a spectacular 683 acre “old timey-high mountain” West Virginia farm. The unspoiled hardwood forest offers a timberland investment opportunity with a ready-to-harvest timber resource. Situate in the heart of the New River Gorge recreation mecca, the property offers rural estate qualities with the upside potential for future cabin site development.

Zion Mountain offers a log home, rolling hay fields and meadows. Ridges and high knobs tower above the Greenbrier River valley floor with elevations approaching 3000’. Spectacular 30 mile long distant views from the upper reaches are reminiscent of the vistas in West Virginia’s northeastern highest mountains. There is little light pollution and the night sky is filled with millions stars for hours of serenity in your personal mountain retreat.

The 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. Capital value of the timber is estimated at $600,000.

Not surprising, the, forest, shrubs hay and pasture grasses are highly productive in producing tons and tons of oxygen while at the same time eliminating huge amounts of Carbon Dioxide; Nature’s way of reducing our Carbon Footprint.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Large 683 acre parcel rare in this part of southeastern West Virginia.
**Estimated $600,000 in ready-to-harvest Appalachian hardwood timber on 400 +/- acres.
*2474+/- sqft log home. 4BR, 3Bath, 2 Kitchens
*200+/- acres of rich hay land, pastures and meadows.
*4 blue line clear water streams flowing for a total of 2 miles through the heart of the property.
*Over 40 ephemeral streams feeding the blue line streams creating an interesting terrain.
*Renowned locally as the premier wildlife sanctuary in Summers County.
*4 stocked ponds with 5lb smallmouth bass. Lots of catfish & bluegill.
*Land legacy of careful wildlife management coupled with outstanding long-term forest stewardship.
*Nearby is the Greenbrier River, New River, 2000 acre Bluestone Lake – the gateway to water recreation and family fun;
*Perfect for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts.
*Spectacular long range views approaching 30 miles with a 300 degree viewing shed.
*High percentage of commercially – operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation.
*Potential for residential/recreational development.
*Elevations range from 1760’ to nearly 2660’
*Year round state maintained hard top access.
*Electric and phone available on site.
*Potential conservation value with its close proximity to New River Gorge National River Park lands.
*Low taxes, low population density,
*Little or no light pollution reveals a canopy of starts overhead.

LOCATION

Zion Mountain is located in Summers County, WV near Hinton and the unincorporated community of Bellepoint. This 683 acre agricultural- timberland-recreational opportunity is located in the scenic, mountainous region of southeastern West Virginia. The surrounding Summers County landscape is part of the southeastern Ridge and Valley Region, a scenic tapestry of elongated hardwood Allegheny & Appalachian mountain ranges. Much of Summers County remains undeveloped and is characterized by its scenic farm valleys, small communities and large expanses of hardwood forest.

Zion Mountain is one of the larger forest ownerships within this region and, therefore, represents an opportunity to create a classic family ownership legacy for the next tenure, or to carefully craft a rural residential project for future cabin sites. Terrain is typical of the region and considered rolling to mountainous, with upland hardwood flats and ridges separated by narrow hollows that flank the lower lying stream drainage.

Google Coordinates at gate: 37.6310504N -080.8270177W

ACCESS

Year round access to the property is excellent. The property fronts the hard-top state maintained WV RT 14/1 (Hartwell Road) for 2000’ on the southern portion of the property.

Internal access is considered excellent with over one half mile of permanent gravel driveway leading to the heart of the property and log home. Another two miles of unimproved 4×4 forest management road access nice stands of timber. Several trails provide access to nearly all corners for recreational opportunities including nature viewing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding and ATV riding.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

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.

A visit to Zion Mountain, with its high meadows, is stepping back in time some 120 years. This early farmstead is an excellent example of the how the early settlers lived and is a testament to hard work, perseverance and ingenuity. Manpower and horsepower were the tools of the trade in the late 1800’s. The 150 acres +/- acres of fields, is the results of countless hours of backbreaking work. The work is preserved in several stone piles found around the property.

Several tons of hay are harvested each year from the “near perfect” laying fields. These hayfields are noted for their complete lack of field stone, which is highly unusual for such a large expanse in this area of WV. Those areas that are not mown for hay are left in permanent pasture and routinely brushogged. One 5 acre area near the biggest pond has been left to grow up into a rabbit warren, to the delight of the beagles who love to give chase.

The fencing is spotty and in need of attention.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The distinguishing features of Zion Mountain’s timber resource include its unusually high hardwood sawtimber and pole stocking with a basal area/ acre of 120. This stocking is well above average for the region. 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.

2014 Timber Inventory:

Timber data in this report are based upon a 2014 timber inventory that was conducted for the ownership by an outside consultant. 120 points were sample on a 5×7 chain grid system using a 10 factor prism resulting in a total sawlog volume property-wide of 2,387,693+/- BF Doyle scale with 25,379+/- pulpwood tons. Details of the timber inventory report, maps and are available in the Zion Mountain Timber Report under Maps and Documents section.

Capital Timber Value of the timber and pulpwood is approximately  $637,773 as of November 2014.

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:

13% White Oak/Chestnut Oak
11% Red Oak Group
48% Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood
11% Sugar Maple/Soft Maple
17% A host of associate species

See report for details.

Stocking, Stem Quality, and Forest Structure:

Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultual legacy. Stem quality forest-wide can be considered excellent with the forest containing an abundant current and future veneer source.

Zion Mountain’s timber component has been well managed over the years and generally consists of two age classes that have been managed under even-aged silvicultural guidelines. The predominant timber stand contains 40-120 year old stems ranging in size of 10”-28” dbh. This stand was thinned some 40 years ago. This stand is on the cusp of graduating into higher-value sawtimber diameter classes over the coming decade.

The second distinct stand was established over the past 50 years when some of the farm fields and pastures were abandoned and the forest began to naturally regenerate. These stands represent a quality hardwood resource with a small pine component and will be reaching economic maturity in the next 20-40 years.

Sawlog & Veneer Value: These species dominate the sawlog and veneer value, collectively representing nearly 70% of total sawlog value.

The Red Oak group (11%)
White Oak group (13%)
Yellow Poplar/Basswood (55%)
Maples (11%)
Hickory (3%)
Black Cherry (3%)

The remaining value is spread across a diverse range of species including, Beech, White Ash, Black Walnut, Hemlock and other associates.

Diameter distribution:

Diameters are well represented across the commercial spectrum with a notable mature size class, as well as abundant pole size timber and growing stock. Average diameter with all products combined is ______”.

Breakdown by diameter class:

10” – __%
12” – __%
14” – __%
16” – __%
18” – __%
20”up – __%

Several “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest and field edges. These ancient trees, some 200-300 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 or Emerald Ash Borer. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is present and the majority of the Hemlock trees are severely stressed and will die out 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.

WILDLIFE

Zion Mountain is renowned locally as the premier wildlife sanctuary in Summers County. The mixture of hayfields/pasture, mature forest and abandoned farm fields, coupled with the abundant water supply from ponds, creeks and springs, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of “edge effect” created between field and forest is the perfect habitat for all the resident wildlife. White tail deer, wild turkey, squirrel, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds and raptors make up the resident wildlife population.

The hardwood forest provides the essential nutrient source and produces tons of hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and black walnuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, autumn olive berries and blackberries.

A number of Bald Eagles have been spotted up and down the Greenbrier and New Rivers and are a thrill to see with wingspans of 6-7 feet.

WATER

Zion Mountain is blessed with a year-round water source. Four blue line feeder streams drain from the side hollows off the property about one mile to the Greenbrier River valley floor below. There are over 40 ephemeral streams that flow during rain events and snow melt.

There are four nice ponds stocked with bass, and kids of all ages have fun fishing and skipping stones across the pond. Several large bullfrogs enjoy the pond as well and their nightly singing is a welcome sound.

A drilled water well serves the home.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The owner has chosen not to lease out any mineral-oil and gas rights and all rights the owner has will convey with the property.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The 683 acre property was surveyed by David L. Huffman, LLS, in July and August, 1974. Tract One contains 674.32 and Tract Two contains 8.68 acres. Survey plat is recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County Commission of Summers County, WV, in Plat Cabinet A-163.

Google Coordinates at gate: 37.6310504N -080.8270177W

TAXES AND ZONING

Property taxes for the 2013 tax year were $992.83. The parcel is listed in Greenbrier District, Summers County on Tax Map 10, parcel 109. The deed for the property is found in Deed Book 191, page 354.

911 Address: ______________

Local Post Office: Hinton WV 25951

As of October 2014, there is no countywide zoning in effect in Summers County. However, all prospective buyers should contact the Summers County Assessor in Hinton regarding any issues involving zoning, developments or building codes.

UTILITIES

Electric – Mon Power
Propane – R.T. Rogers
Landline Phone – Frontier
Internet – May be available through Frontier
Cable TV – DirectTV or Dish Network
Water – There is drilled water well serving the log home. There are naturally occurring springs that could be developed for a water source.
Sewer – Septic.
Trash Pickup – Curbside
Cell phone coverage is excellent in this area.
USPS and Overnight Couriers deliver to the area

LOG HOME

Gross Footage: 2474’ +/-
Built circa 1994

Total Rooms: 13
Downstairs Bedroom 1: 10×12
Downstairs Bedroom 2: 10×12
Downstairs Den: 15×31
Downstairs Kitchen: 7×12
Downstairs Bath: 8×11
Downstairs Rec Room: 10×11
Downstairs Utility Room: 7×15
Main Kitchen: 10×13
Main Bathroom: 7×9
Main Den: 15×27
Main Media Room 10×13
Master Bathroom: 7×12
Master Bedroom: 12×12
Attic: small unfinished
Front Covered Porch 7×24
Main Screened Back Porch 8×10
Main Back Deck: 8×30
Main Covered Front Porch: 8×44
Downstairs Covered Porch with Concrete Floor: 8×44

Foundation: Block
Siding: Log
Heating: Electric baseboard, wood stove, propane wall unit, Passive Solar
Cooling: Passive (open windows) or AC window units, seldom necessary
Roof: Metal,  new in 2013
Flooring: Hardwood, Carpet, Linoleum, Tile

Items to Convey: To be determined at time of sale.
Items Negotiable: To be determined at time of sale.

OUTBUILDINGS

24’x24′ metal shop building with electric and concrete floor. Double garage doors with separate back entrance door.

CEMETERY

As is very common on old mountain farms, there is a cemetery sitting high atop a knob on the southern boundary property. The oldest marked grave is that of O.C Harvey, Born 1862, and Died 1913. The owners have granted access for families wishing to visit their ancestors’ graves.

SURROUNDING AREA

The surrounding area offers unlimited soft recreational activities including white water rafting, golfing, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and rock climbing. Snow skiing at the Winterplace Ski Resort is less than an hour away. In ten 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 45 minutes away.

Zion Mountain is supported with a great community known for its friendly residents and laidback lifestyle. Hinton, the county seat of Summers County is a 10 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.

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.

Zion Mountain is located in the heart of the recreational mecca area encompassing the New River and 2000 acre Bluestone Lake at Hinton. 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.

The largest and most popular 4th of July day parade in the state is hosted by nearby Alderson. The sleepy town of Alderson is a 20 minute drive and amenities include churches, elementary school, grocery store, hardware/farm supply store, motel, bank, Dollar General, gas/convenience stores, medical clinic and restaurants. Alderson is also home to “Camp Cupcake”, the minimum security federal prison where Martha Stewart spent her vacation.

Lewisburg, a 40 minute drive, 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. 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.

In 2011, Lewisburg was named Coolest Small Town in America and is just a 35 minute drive to complete shopping, churches, schools, medical-dental facilities, fine dining, and a modern hospital. The airport, with the longest runway in the state is just 45 minutes away and has daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC.

The world renowned 4-Star Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is a 40 minute 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.

GREENBRIER RIVER AND RIVER TRAIL

Zion Mountain is a 10 minute drive to the lazy Greenbrier River. The Greenbrier River is 173 miles long is the last free flowing river east of the Mississippi. It is an excellent river to float or canoe and is well known for its large and small mouth bass fishing. 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, just 10 minutes away.

The property is a 40 minutes ride to the Greenbrier River Trial and is operated by the West Virginia State Parks. The trail is a 77-mile long former railroad, now used for hiking, bicycling, ski-touring, horseback-riding, and wheel-chair use. The trail passes through numerous small towns and traverses 35 bridges and 2 tunnels as it winds its way along the valley. Most of the trail is adjacent to the free-flowing Greenbrier River and is surrounded by peaks of the Allegheny Mountains.