Property Description
This is a unique opportunity to own one of the most picturesque properties in the region that has been owned and maintained with a conservation ethic in mind. The capstone is the 2,190 feet of frontage on the South Branch Cattaraugus Creek in the popular “Zoar Valley” area. The property sports no fewer than seven waterfalls ranging from 5 to 25 feet, quality swimming holes and multiple natural water flows over the rock wall faces creating an awe-inspiring property ideal for relaxation and reflection. Besides its inherent beauty, the South Branch is also known for rainbow trout and the occasional catches brown trout stocked in neighboring tributaries. The area is further “protected” by The Nature Conservancy being the adjacent neighbor across the South Branch from this property.
The property consists of a mix of open agricultural fields and forest. The fields are being actively farmed gaining a tax reduction on the farmed acreage. Corn and hay are the primary crops produced. The balance of the property is in forest being professionally managed under a NYS 480-a management plan which provides a significant reduction in taxes in exchange for proper management. The forest is in excellent condition being comprised of maple, cherry, oak, tulip poplar, beech, birch, hemlock and much more. A small area (4 acres) of “old growth’ hemlock exists as well providing additional diversity. The last timber inventory in 2013 reported the value then at $46,000.
The diversity here has created ideal conditions for game and non-game species alike. Deer, bear and turkey are all abundant offering quality hunting opportunities along with squirrel, rabbits, ruffed grouse and more! In addition, the Zoar Valley Multiple Use area is only about 4 miles away offering additional recreation on 2,984 acres and nearly 11 miles of trout and steelhead water!
The excellent internal trail system offers hiking, mountain biking, ATV’ing, x-country skiing and great access for hunting, bird watching and more. A deeded, unrestricted right of way 20 feet wide exists that leaves this property, crosses a neighboring timber tract, then reenters this tract prior to “The Falls” area on this property. In addition, a small gravel pit exists on-site which can be used to maintain the driveway and trails as needed. The property title does allow for the adjacent owner (Anastasia Johnson, her 3 children and their guests) to access the creek along this same right of way from her property by walking only. Their access right ends when the property is no longer owned by her or her 3 children. They do not have rights to any other part of this property beyond the trail.
A truly spectacular opportunity awaits the new owner for a primary home or camp, fishing and/or hunting retreat, holistic retreat and more with a long-term timber investment all on your own private, quiet quality preserv
The adjacent low energy, green construction, 1,760 sf home at 9581 Marek Road may also be purchased separately if desired.
Oil, gas and mineral rights were reserved by a previous owner and do not transfer.
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- Switala 5-ACRE Survey
- Switala 9581 Marek Road Survey Plat
- Switala Ortho Map
- Switala Topo Map
- Switala 480a Stand Map & Schedule
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[property_maps title=”Property Maps” type=”type 1″]
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