HIGHLIGHTS

• Six acres of level fields with 1300’ +/- of direct frontage on the the Greenbrier River
• Perfect for anglers and water recreation and Nature enthusiasts
• Adjoins the Greenbrier River Trail State Park for ¼ offering direct access to 77 miles of hiking, biking and horse riding
• Located in Pocahontas County, “The Alaska of the East”
• Ideal property to create a self-sustaining life-style (Permaculture)
• 20 minutes to the historic town of Marlinton with all town amenities & hospital
• Area offers unlimited soft recreational activities including rafting, camping, golfing, fishing, biking, swimming, hiking, bird watching, nature viewing, rock climbing and snow skiing
• Near the Monongahela National Forest, 5 State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas
• Dark skies with little or no light pollution for stargazing, star walking, astrophotography and planet observation
• Fantastic views of the river, national forest, distant mountains
• Water loving wildlife includes, sport fish, blue herons, wood ducks, mallards, raccoons, geese, turtles, bullfrogs, egrets, crayfish, muskrats, newts, salamanders, otters, and the all important insect and micro organism populations
• Abundant fur bearing species of deer, squirrel, rabbit, black bear, chipmunk
• Winged wildlife include eagles, hawks, owls, buzzards, ravens, wild turkey, and Neotropical songbirds
• Elevation is 2080’
• Electric and telephone service on-site
• Low taxes, low population density
• Easy access to the river with low banks and sandy beaches
• Ancient Black Walnuts, Sycamores and Oaks grow along the river

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 38.140974°(N), -80.155009°(W)
Address: Summers Dean Road, Buckeye, WV 24946.  No 911 address assigned to a property without structures.
Elevation: 2080 ft. +/-

WATER

The property has about ¼ mile of frontage on the Greenbrier River.

MINERAL RESOURCES

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

The property was surveyed in August 1992, by William E. Dilley, L. L. S. of Dunmore, WV.  A metes and bounds description prepared from that survey is contained in the owner’s deed. The northern boundary runs with what is now the Greenbrier River Trail, formerly the railroad.  The southern boundary runs with the low water mark of the Greenbrier River. The property is being conveyed by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water:  A well would need to be drilled
Sewer:  A private septic system would need to be installed
Electricity: On-site
Telephone: On-site
Internet: Satellite
Cellphone Coverage: No coverage in protected National Radio Observatory Quite Zone

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property is accessed by Summers Dean Road off Seebert Road Rt. 27. 

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.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

The property is mostly open field area with a narrow band of trees along the river.   

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 223 Pg. 185
Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Acreage: 6.747 acres.
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes: 

Pocahontas County (38), West Virginia 
Little Levels District (7) 

Tax Map 29 Parcel 37; Class 3 
2021 Real Estate Taxes: $444.88

SELF-SUSTAINING LIFE OFF THE GRID

Just like 175 years ago, when the first mountaineers settled the area, the property would be self-sustaining in times of necessity – even without electricity.

• Fresh water for drinking and cooking would come from springs or a drilled well.
• The river would supply fish, muscles, and crayfish for food.
• The land would provide fresh food (deer, and turkey).
• The rich river bottomland would be used to raise livestock, vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit orchards, and row crops of corn, oats and barley.
• Beehives would provide honey and beeswax for candles.
• The forest would provide firewood for heating and cooking, lumber for building, maple syrup and pounds of nuts (walnuts, beechnuts and hickory nuts).

ABOUT THE REGION

Watoga On The River is located in north central Pocahontas County in the mountains of southeastern West Virginia. The Pocahontas County region is renowned for its highland forests—woodlands that ascend to windswept summits more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Its highest peaks are among the highest in the Allegheny range of the Appalachian Mountain.

Though home to fewer than 9,000 residents, the county is among the largest in West Virginia at 942 square miles and includes vast areas of forest, much of which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Monongahela National Forest.

Much of the county lies within the National Radio Quiet Zone, an area of 110 square miles in Virginia and West Virginia in which radio transmissions are heavily restricted to facilitate scientific research at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank in northern Pocahontas County.

Heavy snows in the higher elevations may render forest roads impassable through much of the winter, though the valleys along the Greenbrier enjoy moderate winter weather. Heavy snows in December, January, and February help sustain tourism when more than 400,000 skiers and winter-sports enthusiasts visit Snowshoe Mountain, Silver Creek Resort, and the Elk River Touring Center.

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 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 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.  The Greenbrier River has electricity-generating capabilities.

GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK (BORDERS THE PROPERTY FOR ¼ MILE)

The Greenbrier River Trail  is an increasingly popular hiking, bicycling, 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.

WATOGA STATE PARK

The park consists of 10,100 acres filled with recreational activities including hiking, swimming fishing and boating. Vacation cabins are open year-round.  Watoga State Park offers many activities and attractions for guests to enjoy. Within the Park is Watoga Lake which provides fishing and rentals of SUP paddleboards, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.  Families can spend days relaxing by the poolside or playing fun games at the Watoga State Park Pool and the Rec House. 

Guests at Watoga State Park can enjoy endless hiking opportunities in the park boundaries as well! The Greenbrier River Trail State Park is also located less than five miles west of Watoga State Park, offering guests an opportunity to bike or hike long the award-winning, less than 1% grade, rail-trail. The nearby Greenbrier River also offers swimming, tubing and boating opportunities as well. Jack Horner’s Corner is 4 miles West of Watoga State Park, where guests can rent bikes, canoes, kayaks and tubes. Jack Horner’s Corner also sells convenience and camping items for those traveling in, as well as serving lunch and dinner! Enjoy pizza, BBQ, handmade sandwiches, wraps, ice cream and so much more on Jack Horner’s Corner’s outside viewing deck that seats guests along the Greenbrier River. 

On-site at Watoga State Park, there are a total of 34 cabins. Ten cabins offer the best of all modern amenities, from full kitchens, housekeeping wares, WiFi and are open year-round. 

24 Watoga State Park cabins take you back in time with their primitive appeal. These cabins are rustic, with fireplaces and are only open April-August. All cabins have a fire pit, where guests can enjoy sitting by the fireside while gazing up at our beautiful star-lined night skies. 

Camping is also available by reservation only at Watoga State Park. With two campgrounds, the 38-site Beaver Creek Campground and the 50-site Riverside Campground, Watoga State Park offers plenty of camping for families looking for a genuine outdoor adventure. Beaver Creek Campground offers 12 sites with electrical hook-ups, while Riverside Campground offers 38 sites with electrical hook-ups. Both campgrounds have sites that include grills and picnic tables, as well as a central bathhouse on the grounds, which houses coin-operated laundry and dishwashing stations.

Watoga State Park campgrounds are available for reservations Memorial Day-Labor Day. Campgrounds are then on a first-come, first-serve basis after Labor Day.

The Watoga State Park Office offers guests free WiFi, countywide information and maps. Be sure to stop by the Watoga State Park Office throughout your stay!

CITY OF MARLINTON

Small town hospitality meets maximum outdoor fun in Marlinton. Located perfectly between the free-flowing Greenbrier River and the famous Greenbrier River Trail. Marlinton offers all small-town amenities with shopping, hospital, modern schools, health and dental care, etc. The Greenbrier River offers numerous water based recreational opportunities including kayaking, swimming, tubing, snorkeling, wind surfing and some of the best small mouth bass fishing found anywhere. Snowshoe Resort is just ½ hours’ drive.

• Founded in 1749
• Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell, the first white residents of the Greenbrier Valley, had established themselves by 1749 at the mouth of Knapps Creek, the present site of Marlinton.  They were discovered living there by surveyors John Lewis and his son, Andrew, in 1751.  This property lies very near the original location of Marlin’s cabin.
• County seat of Pocahontas County
• Population about 1,000 in the city limits and some 8,500 county-wide
• Marlinton is located on highway US-219 approximately 10 miles north of Hillsboro, 30 miles south of Snowshoe, and 45 miles north of Lewisburg. The town is located on the Greenbrier River on the flank of the Monongahela National Forest. The Greenbrier River Trail courses through the town, which is part of the Snowshoe Mountain destination area during ski season.
• Local hospital and other health and dental facilities
• Retail businesses include hardware, building supply, grocery-deli, convenience-fuel, new and used car dealers, auto parts, fast food, spirts-tobacco, local restaurants, funeral homes
• Employment includes: State, Federal, County and Municipal government, hospitality, National and State Forests & Parks, Outdoor recreation, trucking, timber, sawmilling, quarrying, Dept of Education – school systems, Dept of Highways, Dept of Corrections, assisted living facilities, home health care etc.

SNOWSHOE SKI & RESORT

Snowshoe Mountain 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 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.

Estimated drive times to Snowshoe

Charlotte, NC – 6 hours
Charlottesville, VA – 3 hours
Columbus, OH – 5.5 hours
Lexington, KY – 6 hours
Pittsburgh, PA – 4 hours
Raleigh, NC – 6.5 hours
Roanoke, VA – 3 hours
Richmond, VA – 4 hours
Washington, DC – 4.5 hours

SENECA STATE FOREST

The 12,884-acre Seneca State Forest, which adjoins the cabin property to the south, is the second-largest state forest in West Virginia and one of the most remote properties in the state park and forest system. 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. A branch of the Appalachian Trail, it approaches within two miles of the cabin.

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 was 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.

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST

The boundary of the vast Monongahela National Forest encompasses more than 1,700,000 acres in mountainous eastern West Virginia and includes many of the highest peaks in the Allegheny Mountains. Eight national wilderness areas and nine national natural landmarks are located within the forest. Expansive groves of red spruce and balsam fir, rare south of New England, carpet many of the mountain tops within the forest. Highland sods and bogs are found in much of the area, including the regionally famous Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, a drive of about an hour from the cabin. World-renowned locals within the forest include Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods.

CRANBERRY GLADES

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has many interesting features that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including an exhibit hall, auditorium, events, and programs. The center also features a native plant garden, a nature trail, and many events geared toward children. While visiting the nature center, take a few minutes to walk the interpretive trail around the grounds. Signs will point out tree species and give facts on many uses of the trees. There is a beautiful overlook where you enjoy a picnic lunch and view the sites from Stamping Creek, just down the mountain, to the mountains of Virginia in the distance.

PEARL S. BUCK BIRTHPLACE

The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum showcases the home in which the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author was born in 1892.

BEARTOWN STATE PARK

The park is one large rock formation split into sections and clefts large enough for walkways. The Park is noted for its massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and unusual rock formations. A boardwalk allows easy access and interpretive signs provide insight into the area’s ecology.

DROOP MOUNTAIN BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK

This is the site of West Virginia’s significant Civil War battle. The battle is re-enacted each October for history buffs.

On November 6, 1863, the federal army of Brigadier General William W. Averell, in his second attempt to disrupt the Virginia-Tennessee Railroad at Salem, Virginia, faced again the Confederate troops of Brigadier General John Echols. Throughout the morning, Echols’ smaller Confederate Army held the high ground and blocked the roadway with artillery, but in the afternoon was overwhelmed by the crushing advance of Federal Infantry on his left flank.

Following the collapse of his lines, General Echols retreated south into Virginia with the remnants of his command. Federal troops occupied Lewisburg on November 7 but were burdened with prisoners and captured livestock; General Averell elected to return to his headquarters in Beverly.  He waited until early December to lead a third and ultimately successful attack on the vital railroad.

Operations in the Shenandoah Valley in the spring of 1864 drew remaining confederate troops out of West Virginia, thus leaving the new state securely under the control of the federal government for the remainder of the war.

The battlefield site was purchased by the state in 1928 and dedicated on July 4, 1929 as a memorial to the casualties of the battle.  The Park was rebuilt through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps who built a system of trails and a wooden observation tower.  Land acquisitions over the years resulted in the 267 acres the Park boasts today.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is located in the southern portion of Pocahontas County and is the site of West Virginia’s last significant Civil War battle.

The Division of Parks assumed administration of Droop Mountain Battlefield in 1937 after the Division of Forestry held stewardship for many years and the ark remains essentially the same as it was in the beginning.  A small Civil War museum was refurbished in 1974 from an early forest division cabin.

A replica Civil War cannon was acquired in 1965 and helps add period atmosphere to the park.  A re-enactment of the famous Civil War battle is held on alternating years complete with smaller skirmishes, ladies social, and period worship service.

Reports of ghosts and voices from the Civil War period, having been seen and heard in the park, have circulated through the years since the battle.  Reports from more recent years include the sound of galloping horses. A headless confederate specter has been reported to be seen on more than one occasion in addition to the figure of what appeared to be a sleeping confederate soldier lying against a tree.

Whether you come to hike the family-friendly trails, peer over the valley from the lookout tower, or probe the ghost tales in person, you will find Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park an exciting and educational experience.

GOLF

The Raven Golf Club at the Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers an incomparable golfing experience.  Ranked the #1 Public Golf Course in West Virginia by Golf Week Magazine, this majestic 18-hole course, designed by Gary Player in 1993, is a combination of beautiful surroundings, world class amenities and exceptional staff services.

With some dramatic 200 hundred-foot drops from tee to landing area, these links fit perfectly into their scenic mountain surroundings and offer spectacular views from nearly every tee. The beautiful course, set high in the Allegheny Mountains, is sure to capture both mind and spirit offering challenging tests of golf in a peaceful and inspiring setting.

The Pocahontas Country Club, located just south of Marlinton, is a challenging 9-hole course noted for rolling terrain and unmatched scenic surroundings. A good score here demands accurate approach shots and a deft touch around the green. The challenging signature hole is a 201-yard, elevated tee, par 3 that requires a long accurate tee shot over water.

Both courses are open to the public and provide an outstanding golfing experience for all levels of golfers.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Pocahontas County is the place to ride. We boast over 375 miles of trails that are open to bikes from gentle grades of rail trails to the exhilarating thrill of steep downhill single track, there are endless options for all enthusiasts. Whichever route you choose, you will be traveling through a rugged terrain that has challenged generations of “mountaineers” before you. For centuries, Shawnee Native Americans claimed these mountains as a seasonal hunting ground, teeming with wildlife in a vast forest crossed by pristine rivers. Pioneers with Scots-Irish, German, and English roots began settling in this wild area in the late 18th century. These strongly independent people persevered to create homes in remarkably difficult conditions. Soon, the mountain forests also attracted industry.

Beginning in the late 1800’s and lasting well into the 1920’s, most of the forested land in Pocahontas County was harvested for its magnificent trees and mined for its valuable coal. Railroad grades were built by Italian immigrants to reach nearly every ridge and hollow. Their hard labor, matched with horses and steam shovels, built many of the trails you can enjoy today. Thankfully, the forest has rebounded from this activity, so that today the mountains are once again “wild and wonderful”.

Our amazing biking is made possible by the vast amount of public lands in this county which include five state parks, two state forests and a large portion of the Monongahela National Forest. We are rural in nature, offering unmatched scenic beauty and quaint small towns. Our Mon Forest Towns Partnership is identifying ways to grow conservation and nature-based recreation in communities that result in environmental and economic gains. Together, we can contribute to a forest in which nature, visitors, communities, and economies thrive. We invite you to become a part of this new story.

When visiting our area, we recommend that you plan your trip ahead of time. Be prepared for limited cell phone coverage. Service is available in the Hillsboro, Marlinton, and Snowshoe areas from select providers. The village at Snowshoe Mountain, the town of Cass, local libraries, visitor centers, restaurants, and lodging offer guest Wi-Fi. You can stay in touch with the outside world, while enjoying Nature’s Mountain Playground.

MOTORCYCLE TOURING

From tracing the Appalachian Mountains, to riding alongside river bends in the valleys below – Pocahontas County is a motorcycle haven with impeccable routes and scenic vistas.

Nature’s Mountain Playground is a motorcyclist haven, from the elevated routes that trace our mountain tops to the easy curves that follow the river bends below – we have got the perfect ride here for you. Pocahontas County is a motorcycle mecca, with easy access to routes expanding into Virginia and into our neighboring West Virginia counties. From Seneca Rocks, to Goshen Pass, we are central to it all. Of course, you do not ever have to leave Pocahontas County – from the Highland Scenic Highway to scenic US Route 219 on your way in, our roads are in impeccable condition and provide road thrills all themselves. History, hospitality, and uniqueness all aid in making Pocahontas County an epic destination. Stay in an old company house and ride the scenic train at Cass Railroad State Park, or cruise by the world’s largest steerable telescope at Green Bank Observatory – the route you choose is up to you, but regardless of the direction you take off in, grand adventure is the end destination.

HORROCK STATION – YESTERDAY & TODAY

The Greenbrier River rail line was started in April of 1899, beginning at Whitcomb near Lewisburg. The rail line was completed in Marlinton in the spring of 1900. Horrock is located at mile post 29.64.  Horrock Station first appeared on the Station list in July of 1903, being a 10.5×15.5 building. Horrock Station was in operation until it was removed in early 1937.  A stub siding of 435 feet was built here in 1904 for Horrock’s Desk Company. It was north of the main line and connected on the west end.  It was not used by the Company after 1909 but remained in place until November 1935.  The Station was removed from the freight station list in November 1956 but remained a passenger flag-stop.

NEARBY GREENBRIER COUNTY

Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in American in 2011 and Horrock Station is just a 30 minute drive to the thriving downtown historic district. The downtown boasts a year round live theater, Carnegie Hall, several fabulous restaurants, antique shops and boutiques. There is also a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities along with all the big box stores.

Lewisburg is also home to the WV Osteopathic Medical School (600 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, medical, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture.

The Greenbrier County Airport, which has WV’s longest runway, is located just 25 minutes away and has daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC. The world famous Greenbrier Resort is 40 minute drive and Snowshoe Ski Resort is 90 minute drive. Roanoke is 2 hours, DC is 5 hours and Charlotte is 4 hours away.

The world renowned Greenbrier Resort, with 800 rooms and 1600 employees, is located 40 minutes away in the sleepy little town of White Sulphur Springs. The 4-Star resort has a subterranean casino and was previously home to the PGA tour, New Orleans Saints training camp.as well as playing host to the President of the USA and Congress.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Pocahontas County School District

Public Elementary School:
Hillsboro Elementary School

Public Middle School:
Marlinton Middle School

Public High School:
Pocahontas County High School