Split Tree Farm
Chickamauga, GA
Only 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Split Tree Farm is 195± acres of gorgeous, rolling countryside located in one of North Georgia’s most cherished areas, McLemore Cove. A pastoral valley between Lookout Mountain and Pigeon Mountain, McLemore Cove is 15 miles of picturesque farmland and shady country lanes.
Split Tree is a farm of meandering pastureland mixed with mature hardwood forests that offers stunning views of the surrounding farmland and the mountains. The farm’s open land, minimal development, and numerous building sites make it the perfect place to set up a charming family farm, an equestrian or cattle operation, or a recreational retreat. This property has been well maintained and offers an incredible opportunity to become an owner of one of the Cove’s treasured farms. Split Tree had been owned by the same family and had not been on the market since the 1870s.
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Property Details
Location
Split Tree is located in the northwest corner of Georgia at the mouth of McLemore Cove off of West Cove Road with frontage and access on Route 193 as well. Sitting in the Ridge and Valley section of the Appalachians, McLemore Cove, a 15-mile valley between Lookout and Pigeon Mountain, consists of rolling pastures, lush hayfields, tall silos, and shady country lanes. Recognizing that the cove is indeed special, the state and the National Register of Historic Places have declared it the McLemore Cove Historic District. Encompassing 50,000 acres in Walker County, the Cove is by far the largest of Georgia’s eight rural historical districts.
Notably, the property is only 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, TN. Chattanooga has become one of America’s most dynamic middle-size cities with an array of exciting venues for nearby residents. New York Times is quoted as saying, “Not too small and not too big, Chattanooga is really the undiscovered gem of Tennessee.” This convenience to all of Chattanooga’s amenities is a real plus to owning Split Tree.
Driving Times:
– Lafayette, GA: 10 minutes
– Chickamauga, GA: 15 minutes
– Chattanooga, TN: 30 minutes
– Atlanta, GA: 1 hour 45 minutes
– Birmingham, AL: 2 hours
– Nashville, TN: 2 hours
Locale
A very unique feature of Split Tree is how well the property is located to so many other interesting venues. The surrounding recreational opportunities are endless and convenient; allowing for the property to act much bigger than its 195± acres. Here are just a few of the nearby properties one can enjoy.
McLemore Golf Course: For the golfing enthusiast is the brand new McLemore Golf Course, located just a quick 20-minute drive up Lookout Mountain from the front gate of Split Tree. The new 18-hole championship highlands course and 6-hole short course were designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Rees Jones and Bill Bergin. The 18th hole on the edge of Lookout Mountain can actually be seen from the property.
Crockford Pigeon Mountain WMA: This nearby 20,000± acre wildlife management area offers an abundant list of activities for one to pursue. Miles and miles of trails offer endless opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, and hike. Pigeon Mountain has many limestone formations, which have become a destination among elite rock climbers. Other activities include hunting, fishing, spelunking, and camping.
Cloudland Canyon State Park: Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state of Georgia, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton’s Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. A day hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing make for a wonderful time. Split Tree is only 20 minutes from this 3,500-acre state park.
Lula Lake Land Trust: A shining example of the benefits of conservation. Having protected over 4,000± acres on top of Lookout Mountain, the Lula Lake Land Trust has guaranteed these abundant resources will benefit both current and future generations. Many opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, hike, picnic, and just simply enjoy the outdoors are available on the Land Trust. Check out its Cloudland Canyon State Park connector trail! Split Tree is only 20 minutes from the Lula Lake Land Trust.
Climate
Lying within the United States’ humid subtropical zone, the area offers a mild, pleasant climate and four distinct seasons. Spring arrives in March with mild days and cool nights, and by late May, temperatures have warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days. On average, July is the warmest month of the year. The summer months tend to receive more precipitation than other times of the year, and the area has an average annual rainfall of 53 inches. Fall is marked by mild to warm days and cooler nights. Winter is usually mild, with the coldest days featuring lows near or slightly above freezing and highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Snow occurs sporadically, with an average annual accumulation of approximately 5 inches.
Improvements
Currently, the property only has modest improvements and it provides the perfect landscape to build structures with stunning views. Specifically, the hilltop view is sensational and would make for an incredible main house. Buried power is located in a number of spots deep into the property. There is county water in the center of the property as well as an already-in-place septic field. There is a very nice, partially paved driveway that takes you into the heart of the property.
Cabin: The property has a small, quaint 576± square foot authentic Appalachian, handmade cabin with one bedroom, one bath, a living room, kitchen, loft, and porch.
Guest Cottage: There is a small guest cottage with a living area, kitchen and a full bathroom.
Pole Barn: The property has a 100’X80’ pole barn constructed in 2009 for storage of farm equipment and to support the farm’s operations.
Additional Information
There is a conservation easement on only 66-acres of the property held by the Georgia Land Trust. This easement is on the western portion of the farm along West Cove Road. Within the easement, there are reserved rights for new construction on this portion of the property.
Recreational Considerations
With the perfect balance of open land and mature forests, the recreational opportunities at Split Tree are endless and it could easily be customized to fit any family’s interests. For years, the farm was used for equestrian purposes with fencing already in place. In recent years, a local cattleman has managed the fields for hay production, so the property has very healthy and well-maintained fields. Split Tree is the perfect property for any equine interests.
As to be expected, this undisturbed area of north Georgia is home to an abundance of wildlife. Deer and turkey thrive in this habitat and can consistently be found on the property. There is great open space for managing other hunting or outdoor interests.
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Broker’s Comment
“For a property with the price of Split Tree, it is hard to find everything it offers. It has gorgeous views, the perfect mix of open land and hardwood forests, and its proximity to the amenities of Chattanooga is incredibly convenient. This property has been in the same family since the late 1800s and truly offers a rare opportunity to purchase a spectacular piece of McLemore Cove.”