Yellow Creek Tract
Collinsville, AL 35961
DeKalb County, Alabama
Ranch Description
The beauty of Yellow Creek Tract is captured in its flowing waters, with strong potential for recreation, wildlife, and timber investment including:
-25 acres of 23-year-old loblolly pine plantation ready for thinning or future harvest
-Beautiful Yellow Creek frontage with deep pools, including the “Otter Hole”
-Wildlife-rich habitat with oak mast, cover, and game sign throughout
-Recreational appeal for hunting, fishing, hiking, and swimming
The Yellow Creek Tract is located in the southernmost reaches of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Alabama. Valleys in this region are farmed or used for timber, while ridges support natural stands of mature mountain hardwoods. The tract is surrounded by timber producing properties and cropland. Lake Weiss and the Coosa River are just 5 miles away, while the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville can be reached in less than 45 minutes.
The surrounding landscape offers abundant recreational opportunities tied to state and national parks. The property is about 15 minutes from Interstate 59 at Exit 205. The town of Collinsville is a 10-minute drive west and offers groceries, fuel, and dining. Fort Payne and Gadsden are within 30 minutes and provide hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and major medical centers. Several small airports are nearby. Huntsville International Airport is about one hour away, and Atlanta's airport is just over two hours.
Access to Yellow Creek is currently by permission across adjoining properties. We have permission for viewing, but showings must be scheduled by appointment to alert neighboring landowners. In the past, County Road 65 to the west and County Road 73 to the east provided access for timber operations, with CR 73 currently in use.
Power is available a short distance away, as nearby farms and residences are already connected. Although the property has no internal roads or trails, the pine plantation is open and easy to navigate by foot or Atv. Reaching the Otter Hole is worth the walk.
The tract has been managed for timber production and recreational use. Access is currently by permission across neighboring land, though securing legal access would open opportunities for residential development. The terrain is hilly, with elevations from 975 to 1,105 feet. Soils are well drained and highly suitable for timber production.
Yellow Creek is a large, scenic feature of the property, containing several deep pools that may have once been used for swimming. One pool, known as the “Otter Hole,” has even been home to playful otters. Wildlife is abundant, supported by sawtooth, white, and chestnut oaks that provide acorns for forage. Game sign is common throughout the tract, further enhancing its recreational value.
A timber inventory was conducted in the summer of 2025. Volumes were provided by the current ownership's property manager, with product values applied by F&W Forestry Services, Inc. Volumes and values are not guaranteed.
The tract includes approximately 25 acres of 23-year-old loblolly pine plantation. This stand is ready for thinning, but it can also be allowed to grow until final harvest. If timber production is the primary goal, waiting another 2 to 5 years will allow much of the pulpwood to transition into higher-value chip-n-saw and sawtimber. In this market region, financial maturity is typically reached between ages 25 and 28, the optimal harvest window.
If replanting after harvest, loblolly pine will maximize production. Timber growth can also be enhanced with herbicides and fertilizers, both of which generally provide a solid return on investment. If wildlife or aesthetic goals take priority, thinning may be more appropriate than a final harvest. Once thinned, prescribed burning every 2 to 3 years is recommended to improve habitat, enhance aesthetics, and reduce wildfire risk.
Strips of hardwood run along Yellow Creek and its tributaries. These should be maintained to preserve diversity, protect stream integrity, and enhance wildlife habitat.
Ranch Maps & Attachments
Directions to Ranch
The tract is accessible form Dekalb County Road 83. This tract is shown by appointment only. Call, text or email to schedule a showing and directions will be given.
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