Turkey Pen Property

Ranch Description

Turkey Pen is one of the few remaining large properties adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest and at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This could be the last time this property is available for private ownership. The property provides an excellent opportunity for the buyer seeking a significant scenic landscape with immense privacy and protection provided by its noteworthy, forever-wild neighborng lands. Here, a unique recreational retreat can be developed that would recognize the significance of its natural resources.

The property is conveniently located one hour from Knoxville, Tennessee, to the north, and one hour to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the southwest. With over 3 miles of frontage on both sides of Mount Pleasant Road, a county-maintained gravel road, the access is exceptional for a property of this size. On the property, there are over 13 miles of maintained, interior roads that are well-gated along the county road for security. In addition, there are about 7.5 miles of maintained trails for horseback and ATV riding.

The property offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities Along the private roads and trails, there are 21 cleared sites, each strategically situated on high knolls providing scenic vistas and game feeding sites. There is nearly 4,000’ feet of frontage along Chilhowee Lake, where Bolden Knight Bluff provides fine views of the lake and National Park beyond. There is great fishing and boating on Tellico Lake, Chillhowee Lake, and Citico Creek. Hunting opportunities include black bear, white tail deer, wild hogs, eastern wild turkey, and ruffed grouse.

The property boasts many historic buildings. In the center of the property, there is a rustic, nine bedroom lodge with kitchen and dining area; a one room, two bath caretaker’s quarters; and a barn and storage building. Further out, there is a one bedroom Carringer cabin and the historic Happy Top Church. All of the facilities are currently usable but will need modern upgrades to renew their full potential. The covered wooden bridge and the Happy Top Church add to the character and unique history of this unique property.

The forest at Turkey Pen has been managed by a professional consulting forester since 1998. A mature forest encompasses most of the property. White pine, hemlock, yellow pine, mixed oak, hickory, and yellow poplar comprise the majority of the species found on the property. The forest was completely inventoried by professional foresters in the fall of 2014.