Pikes Falls Forest

Location

Pikes Falls Forest is in Windham County in Southern Vermont on Dalewood Road, off of Pikes Falls Road, which is connected to the access road to Stratton Mountain Resort. To get to the Stratton Mountain Resort, take Route 100 from the north or south, or Route 30 from the east or west. The location of the property places it close to three local ski areas; Bromley, Magic and Stratton, making Pikes Falls Forest ideal for both winter and summer outdoor recreation. The town of Manchester, Vermont is less than 20 miles away and offers numerous shopping and dining options. The property is 45 minutes away from I-91 in Brattleboro and 3.5 hours from Boston. New York City is 4.5 hours via I-87.  

Access

There is easy and direct access to the building site from the private road off Dalewood Road, and power is available at the street.

Site Description

Although much of the land is protected by a conservation easement from The Nature Conservancy, this easement allows for a five-acre homesite and sustainable forest management is permitted. Approximately 106 acres of land is part of a mature forest ecosystem that includes many older maples, beech, yellow birch, hemlock and white pine. Many of these trees are aged 70-150+ years old and provide a rich canopy for wildlife diversity. The forest floor is mostly open and easy to walk through as the older trees provide a high canopy that inhibits ground cover. Part of the property’s southern boundary is bordered by Ball Mountain Brook which flows into Pikes Falls natural swimming area.

The level homesite, with access directly off the well-maintained private road, is ready for building. With further tree thinning on the western boundary, the building site could have access to additional afternoon sun. There is plenty of room for whatever you might decide to build, be it a family home, vacation house or rustic cabin, the choice is yours.

Across Dalewood Road and Pikes Falls Road is one of Vermont's largest natural swimming areas, Pikes Falls. There are two sections with about a 10-foot drop each, ending in a 10 foot “slide” of smooth rock where swimmers can slip into the water below. The pool is about 10 feet deep and the large round swimming hole is known for its natural beauty and peaceful location.

Easement

The property will be sold subject to a conservation easement held by the Vermont Land Trust (VLT). The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the current owner and will assign stewardship to VLT upon acquisition of the land by the new owner. VLT is one of the most respected conservation organizations in the nation. A working forest “partnership” with VLT offers the new owner predictability and cooperation, given the long history and solid reputation this conservation organization has established regarding the easement lands under its jurisdiction. Easement details include:

·         Most sustainable and traditional forestry/agricultural activities are permitted to support the long-term stewardship of the protected property;

·         The property can be posted against public access;

·         Silvicultural activities can occur under an approved forest management plan;

·         The conservation easement allows for the development of a house site and associated structures within the 5 acre building zone.

A copy of the proposed conservation easement is available upon request.