Estes Gravel Pit Tract
Old Piedmont Gadsden Hwy : Piedmont, AL 36272
Calhoun County, Alabama
Ranch Description
Property Overview
Estes Gravel Pit Tract is a well-managed loblolly pine plantation featuring:
-Convenient access from County Road 66 with a gated entry
-25-year-old loblolly pine plantation thinned three years ago and is continuing to grow well
-Suitable for multiple uses including timber production, hunting, recreation, or a country home site
-A clearing near the entrance ideal for a cabin, home, or camp
-Located less than five miles from Piedmont, AL, and under 30 minutes to the Coosa River and Lake Weiss
Location
The Estes Gravel Pit Tract is located in the Piedmont region of central Alabama, just west of the southernmost reaches of the Appalachian Mountains. The area is known for its rolling hills and valleys, with a mix of timberland, farmland, and waterways.
The property is surrounded by other timbered tracts and lies less than 30 minutes from the Coosa River and Lake Weiss, both of which provide excellent fishing, boating, and recreational opportunities.
US Hwy 278 is only minutes away, and the tract is less than five miles from the town of Piedmont, Alabama, where fuel, groceries, dining, and medical care are available. Jacksonville is about 12 miles south, and Gadsden is approximately 18 miles west, both offering hospitals, hotels, and additional amenities. Several regional airports are nearby, while Birmingham and Atlanta airports are each about an hour and a half away.
Access
The tract's northeast corner meets the right-of-way of County Road 66, a paved and county-maintained road. While the property has little direct frontage, access is established through a gated entry that briefly crosses a neighboring tract, historically used for timber harvests.
Public utilities are located only a short distance from the property, further supporting its residential or recreational potential. Internal access currently consists of logging skid trails, which can be expanded and improved by following existing corridors.
Property Description
Under the current ownership, this tract has been managed for timber production. Its location, accessibility, and nearby utilities also make it suitable for recreational or residential use. The property features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 780 to 910 feet. Soils are well-drained and favorable for timber growth. A clearing near the gated entrance off County Road 66 provides an excellent site for a home, cabin, or hunting camp. The recent thinning of the pine plantation has improved wildlife habitat by increasing both forage and cover, making the property attractive for hunting and other outdoor recreation.
Timber Resource
A timber inventory was completed in the summer of 2025, with volumes provided by the ownership's property manager and product values applied by F&W Forestry Services, Inc. Figures are estimates and not guaranteed.
The property contains approximately 40 acres of 25-year-old loblolly pine plantation. Thinned three years ago, the stand is showing strong growth. If managed for timber, it should be allowed to grow for another 5 to 7 years, at which point pulpwood volume will transition into higher-value classes such as chip-n-saw and sawtimber. In this region, loblolly typically reaches financial maturity between 25 and 30 years of age, which would be the optimal time for harvest.
If timber production remains the objective, replanting with loblolly pine after harvest is recommended. Growth can also be enhanced through herbicide and fertilizer treatments, both of which generally show a return on investment.
For those prioritizing wildlife and aesthetics, additional thinning and periodic prescribed burning every two to three years are recommended. Controlled burns improve wildlife habitat, enhance aesthetics, and reduce wildfire risk.
Ranch Maps & Attachments
Directions to Ranch
From the interception of US Hwy 278 and AL Hwy 21 just west of the town of Piedmont Alabama, head west (towards Gadsden, AL) for about one mile. Turn left (south) onto Law Martin Road. Follow Law Martin Rd until it T-bones into Old Piedmont Gadsden Hwy (CR 66), which will be just over a mile. Turn right. After the turn, the tract will be up on the left in about half a mile.
More Ranch Details
More Ranches from Thom Milke
256.3 AC : $387K- 582 AC : $1.92M
- 87.7 AC : $203K
- 515 AC : $705K
- 88.5 AC : $359K
- 270 AC : $800K
- 256 AC : $831K
- 241 AC : $3.5M
- 130 AC : $261K
- 613 AC : $1.84M
- 261 AC : $428K
- 1,189 AC : $14M
