Big South Fork's Black Bears: Bring Your Camera (And Your Common Sense!) - 08/29/09 10:47 AM
Last summer, I saw three bears. Actually...I think I saw the SAME bear three times! There has been an increase in bear sightings in the Big South Fork...because the bear population is increasing, with the species reintroduced to an area where it once thrived.
When European settlers began populating Tennessee in the mid-1700s, black bears were a common sight but, by the late 1800s, human encroachment had driven most of the black bear population from the area now known as Big South Fork.  Black bears had nearly been eliminated from the State of Tennessee by the 1900s due to loss of habitat, … (10 comments)

Tennessee: Three Different And Distinct Places - 08/28/09 11:59 AM
Tennessee is actually three different and distinct places, each with its own regional flavor. Traveling from west to east, you'll find that Tennessee is divided geographically into distinct areas; western Tennessee, middle Tennessee and eastern Tennessee. Major cities associated with Tennessee are Memphis in the west, Nashville in Middle Tennessee, with Knoxville and Chattanooga in eastern Tennessee.
The Mississippi River marks the state's western border. As you move east, land begins to rise farther above sea level and rolling hills begin to take shape. The Tennessee River marks the division between west Tennessee and middle Tennessee, which is known for its … (3 comments)

KUDZU: The Vine That Ate The South - 08/27/09 06:43 AM
I was driving through Atlanta a few years ago and I saw a billboard that read, "The Only Thing That Has Better Coverage Than Georgia Electric is Kudzu!" It made me laugh because anyone who has spent any time in the south knows about Kudzu. It will cover anything, very quickly. Some of its nicknames are "Foot-A-Night-Vine" and "Mile-A-Minute-Vine."
Kudzu was first seen in the United States at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, where it was promoted as a forage crop for cattle. Visitors to the exhibition were taken by Kudzu's large leaves and highly-fragrant  purple blooms, embracing the plant for … (7 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: So Many Trails, So Little Time - 08/26/09 02:17 PM
If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, and you've already bought a piece of land and had it cleared, built a house and a barn, gotten your fencing up and horses squared away and have made some new friends to ride with, the only issue you have now is that there are "so many trails; so little time."
There are a number of trailheads in the Big South Fork national park, where you park your trailer and ride out from there. People generally make plans to ride in different locations, and they will meet at … (1 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Time To Meet Some Riding Buddies - 08/25/09 12:34 PM
If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, and you've already bought a piece of land, had it cleared, built a house and a barn, gotten your fencing up and you now have horses happily eating hay in the sun, it's time to meet some riding buddies and hit the trail.
There are a number of equestrian communities in the area around Big South Fork national park, like Spruce Creek Acres, Ridge Top Acres, Rockhouse Ranch, White Oak and The Highlands, so it's a very supportive horse-oriented area. It's very easy to find people to … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK NATIONAL PARK: Split Bow Arch, Another Topographic Treasure - 08/25/09 12:29 PM
The Big South Fork national park is renowned, among other things, for having more natural arches than any other region in the eastern United States. One of the biggest, best and most well known is Twin Arches in the Middle Creek area of Big South Fork here in Jamestown, Tennessee, just up the road from where I live. The other is Split Bow Arch in the Bear Creek area of Big South Fork national park, near Stearns, Kentucky, which I didn't even know about until a few days ago. I packed a picnic and set off with a riding buddy to scope out the … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park - 08/24/09 03:21 PM
It's really amazing how often people who live close to "tourist attractions" never go to see them or use them. That seems to be the case with Pickett State Park. It's only about 5 miles or so from the front gate of Rockhouse Ranch, Spruce Creek or any of the campgrounds in the area. From the intersection of Highway 154 and Highway 297, where you'd turn right toward Big South Fork, it's 3 miles straight ahead to the park office and the entrance. 
The park lies within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest, adjacent to the massive 125,000-acre Big South Fork National … (2 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: You're in Horse Country Now! - 08/23/09 05:18 AM
When you move to the Big South Fork area in Jamestown, Tennessee, you're in horse country now! With several equestrian communities in the vicinity of Big South Fork national park, such as Spruce Creek Acres or Rockhouse Ranch, you'll find yourself living in a very supportive horse-oriented neighborhood. Both are within minutes...literally... of two trailheads into the park, the very popular Cumberland Trailhead and the new Troxel-Wood Trailhead on Obey Blevins Road.
Once you've bought a piece of land and had it cleared, built a house and a barn and gotten your fencing up, what's left? HORSES!
Most people who live in … (2 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK REAL ESTATE: Spruce Creek Acres, Lot #193 - 08/22/09 01:41 PM
HOOK UP AND HIT THE TRAIL! If you're looking for Big South Fork real estate, this is a wonderful lot in Spruce Creek Acres, right on the trail. It's one of the few that have a full hookup for an RV or a living-quarter horse trailer with water, electric and septic. The Big South Fork national park is a destination for trail riders and, while there are several horse campgrounds in the vicinity, they are usually full during the most popular seasons or on holiday weekends. This lot is usable now and, while you are enjoying it, you'll be building equity … (3 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Step Five Is Fencing - 08/21/09 07:33 AM
If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, and you've already bought a piece of land, had it cleared and have built a house and a barn, step five is fencing.  Most homeowners in equestrian communities surrounding the Big South Fork have at least two horses, and often more, so you can imagine that pasture and fencing is a big issue.
Four board fencing is very popular and you'll see a lot of it. The trails here are so wonderful and there are so many opportunities for outdoor activities that people do not want to … (5 comments)

JAMESTOWN TENNESSEE: Best of Both; 145 Woodland Drive - 08/19/09 09:47 AM
This charming country Cape is located on a quiet cul-de-sac side road only four miles from famed East Fork Stables and on the right side of Jamestown for country living, within easy commuting distance of Crossville! It's about a 20-minute drive to interstate 40 as well, for those who need to head in the direction of Knoxville or Nashville. 
Only two years old and in immaculate condition, it is tastefully done inside and out.  The master bedroom and bath is on the main floor, with two bedrooms and a full bath up. There's a half bath for guests conveniently located on … (3 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Step Four Is Building A Barn - 08/19/09 07:00 AM
If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, and you've already bought a piece of land, had it cleared and built a house, step four is building a barn. The Big South Fork national park offers the best trail riding east of the Mississippi, and is called "The Trail Riding Capital of the Southeast."  Most homeowners here have at least two horses, and often more.
Barns tend to be simple because winters are mild and horses don't need elaborate shelter. Up here on the Cumberland Plateau, "pop up" thunderstorms are common during spring and summer … (2 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK REAL ESTATE: If I Ever Sell This House, I Hope The New Owners Have Cats! - 08/18/09 09:24 AM
I live in an equestrian community, Spruce Creek Acres, near Big South Fork national park in Jamestown, Tennessee.  I not only live near the trail, I'm actually ON it; I turn onto the Spruce Creek Trail before  bearing left into my driveway. The house has a lovely screened porch at the back and it's fun to watch riders passing by.
Around the side of the house, there's another screened porch, known as "The Cat House."  Here are Tazz, a big bluepoint Siamese; Anhi, chocolatepoint princess and her half sister, Asia, a chestnut Oriental, whiling away a summer day. They're "indoor cats" but … (2 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Rockhouse Ranch, Horses Welcome Here! - 08/18/09 09:14 AM
Big South Fork, Tennessee, is a destination for trail riders and at Rockhouse Ranch, horses are welcome! Several equestrian communities have been developed near Big South Fork in recent years but Rockhouse Ranch is Big South Fork's most prestigious address. While it encompasses about 600 acres of the most beautiful land you'll see anywhere, there are only 35 homesites, with generous parcels ranging from 5-20 acres.
This exquisite parcel has 18.87 acres, some wooded but mostly open so you can tuck your new home in the trees and look out over established rolling pasture. There's picturesque wood fence on three sides; you can already … (2 comments)

Big South Fork, Tennessee: What Is There To Do For The "Horse Husband" Who Does Not Ride? - 08/17/09 08:08 AM
While trail riding is the main pastime in Big South Fork national park, Tennessee, there's plenty to do here for the "horse husband" who does not ride. 
First of all, four-wheeling is hugely popular here as well and this is, in fact, a destination of great renown for the four-wheeler crowd itself. Nearby Pickett State Park caters to four-wheelers and the area around Blackhouse Mountain is a particular favorite. These ATV trails are within about 15 minutes of the well-known equestrian communities including Spruce Creek Acres, Rockhouse Ranch and The Highlands).   
For fishermen, Dale Hollow Lake is about 20 miles to … (2 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Step Three Is Building A Cabin - 08/17/09 07:42 AM
If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, and you've already bought a piece of land and had it cleared, step three is building a cabin. The Big South Fork national park offers the best trail riding east of the Mississippi, so homeowners don't want to be slaves to upkeep and maintenance. ..they want to spend their time riding, hiking and enjoying the myriad of outdoor activities that the Big South Fork offers.
Cabins tend to have a rustic look, understated and generally unassuming.  Metal roofs are common, for longevity and low maintenance. Green is … (0 comments)

Emerald Coast Equestrian: Horse Property in Florida Panhandle - 08/16/09 10:18 AM
If you are looking for a horse property in the Florida panhandle, take a look at 1341 John White Road in DeFuniak Springs. This home was featured in the August 2005 issue of Southern Living Magazine. 
The house is set well back from the road, on 16 acres. It was built in 2004 and has a large master bedroom with a large walk-in closet; the large master bath has both shower and Jacuzzi. It is beautifully appointed with tile floors and the 9-foot ceilings are set off by molding. Two additional bedrooms and full bath, all on the main floor.  The … (6 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Step Two Is Clearing Your Land - 08/15/09 09:28 AM
If you're planning on moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, and you've chosen a piece of land, step two is clearing your land. There are two ways to do it, depending on the location and the lay of the land.
The traditional way is for a bulldozer to fell the trees, pushing them into a huge "burn pile," which will smolder for days. The advantage to doing it this way is that stumps are removed. The disadvantage is that bulldozers leave ruts. Another choice, especially if the land is lightly wooded, is to use a lighter piece … (6 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK REAL ESTATE: Opportunity Knocks; 3355 Leatherwood Ford Road - 08/14/09 07:09 AM
Opportunity knocks for the buyer who recognizes the potential that this cottage, located at 3355 Leatherwood Ford Road, has as a short-term rental in a high-traffic destination for Big South Fork trail riders. It's located right next to an established horse campground and enjoys excellent visibility on a main road, State Highway 297, which is also called "Leatherwood Ford Road."  Best of all and most appealing to trail riders visiting the Big South Fork national park, it's a matter of minutes to a major trailhead into the park and the best trail riding east of the Mississippi! 
The cottage has the … (2 comments)

Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Step One Is To Buy Property - 08/13/09 06:47 AM
If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, the first step is to buy property. Many of the cabins in the Big South Fork area were built for weekenders from Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga or down from Kentucky. For the most part, they are very simple and generally have a bedroom  and bath downstairs and a loft upstairs with a half bath (if there is one at all). Folks who are retiring to this area, drawn by the best trail riding east of the Mississippi, are in their 50's and 60's and they want creature comforts,  … (5 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK REAL ESTATE: The Little Cabin That Could; 108 Walking Horse Drive - 08/12/09 08:11 AM
This is THE LITTLE CABIN THAT COULD at 108 Walking Horse Drive. Centrally located in the highly desirable Spruce Creek equestrian community but tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac side road, this cabin is new construction, bright and airy. Low maintenance inside and out; it is sided with Cypress and has Pergo wood-laminate flooring within. Site work has been done for a horse shelter and electric hookup's in place for an RV/LQ trailer. Who would be the idea buyer for this property? The price is certainly appealing and, if you closed in the area under the overhang, you'd have a lot … (4 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK REAL ESTATE: 519 Highland Way; There's No Place Like (This) Home! - 08/11/09 02:20 PM
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. No place like this home, that's for sure!  Architect designed, professionally landscaped, professionally furnished...exquisite, elegant, perfect in every detail.  Yet you'll feel comfortable here the minute you enter because this house is made for country living. Protective covenants specify that homes be constructed of natural materials and that only earth tones be used, so that each blends beautifully into its setting. The creative mix used here awes without overwhelming; no matter which way you look, inside or out, it's a pleasure.
There are no other homes on Highland Way, to ensure your privacy, and there's plenty of room … (2 comments)

AuctionWorld: One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure! - 08/11/09 07:43 AM
The thing with auctions is...you never know what's around the next corner. For Auctioneer Darren Rudd, every day is a new day, full of possibilities...a world of possibilities... as people call him to consign various items or he goes to see about liquidating someone's estate.
Weekly auctions are held at AuctionWorld in Jamestown, Tennessee, every Tuesday night. Doors open at 5 and the auction starts at 6 but you'd best get there early as cars fill the parking lot, spilling out behind the building and on down the street! You can grab a chili dog or a burger at the snack … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: In The Heart Of Horse Country! - 08/10/09 11:03 AM
There's something about the shape of Tennessee barns that tells you you're deep in the heart of horse country. There's a softness to the rooflines that gives them a signature silhouette, so different from the crisp right angles and 12-pitch roofs that you find in other parts of the country. Of course, winters are mild here so barn builders don't have to factor in the "snow load" that is such a way of life in places like Vermont, upstate New York, Minnesota, Montana etc.  And there are no hurricanes, so barn builders aren't limited to the single story structures you'd find … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Timber Ridge Horse Campground - 08/09/09 08:36 PM
You know how it is when a business is "under new management"...usually that means that the new owners really, really TRY HARDER!!!!!!!! That's exactly what's happening at Timber Ridge Horse Campground in Jamestown, Tennessee. Dee and Lee Stevens bought the campground in May of this year, after it had been closed for a period of months. They went into high gear... mowing, weed whacking, pressure washing, stripping, disinfecting, removing dead trees, constructing new buildings, making picnic tables, mowing, weed whacking, pressure washing ...
And, IT SHOWS! Always a favorite with its shaded, pull-through campsites and proximity to Big South Fork national … (7 comments)

ROCKHOUSE RANCH: Big South Fork's Most Prestigious Address - 08/09/09 05:32 PM
Big South Fork, Tennessee, is a destination for trail riders. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area encompasses 125,000 acres and has hundreds of miles of trails for riding. It's called "The Trail Riding Capital of the Southeast" and, in fact, has the best trail riding east of the Mississippi!
Several equestrian communities have been developed near Big South Fork in recent years. If you're looking for a really special place, consider Rockhouse Ranch, Big South Fork's most prestigious address. While it encompasses about 600 acres of the most beautiful land you'll see anywhere, there are only 35 homesites, … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: An Archeological Treasure Chest - 08/08/09 11:54 AM
Located on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee and Kentucky, the Big South Fork national park contains 1,338 documented archaeological sites, more than in any other national park in the Southeast. The Plateau served primarily as a seasonal hunting ground for the Cherokee and Shawnee Indians, who never established permanent village sites. Deep gorges carved by eons of erosion have created impressive cliffs and arches throughout the area and they used, instead, caves and rockhouses cut by the streams and rivers along the walls of the steep canyons as their temporary quarters.
Originally these tribes were located throughout what are now the … (1 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Joanie's Specialty Sewing - 08/08/09 11:41 AM
When you live out here by Big South Fork national park, fifteen miles from Jamestown, Tennessee, how do you make a living? Well, you have to be clever and start a business of your own. You have to find a niche. And you have to be good at what you do.
My friend, Joan Waterbury, has done all of that. She is able to live in an equestrian community, minutes from the best trail riding east of the Mississippi, in what's called "The Trail Riding Capital of the Southeast," Big South Fork. She has found a way to support herself, two … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK REAL ESTATE: Ride Right Out Your Back Door - 08/06/09 05:04 PM

You're IN THE HEART OF HORSE COUNTRY here, able to ride right out your back door into the Big South Fork national park, the best trail riding east of the Mississippi! In fact, Big South Fork is called the "Trailriding Capital of the Southeast!" This home is in Spruce Creek Acres, an equestrian community with its own deeded trails throughout, where everyone has a little barn and a couple of horses. A centrally-located pavilion is the venue for monthly potluck suppers, where it's easy to meet people and connect with riding buddies.
This is a contemporary log home, with a very rustic look and feel, situated on … (4 comments)

JAMESTOWN TENNESSEE: The Rumor Mill Restaurant - 08/06/09 08:11 AM
It's no rumor...The Rumor Mill restaurant serves great food, simple as that. Centrally located in Jamestown, Tennessee, between Food Lion and Tractor Supply on the "main drag,"  it caters to the local populace as much as to the riders who throng to Big South Fork national park for the best trail riding east of the Mississippi.

Recently opened, it is owned by Debbie Duckworth who is no newcomer to the restaurant business. She and husband, John, opened their first restaurant in Eustis, Florida in 1995. After selling that, they recognized the opportunity to serve the community of day trippers attracted … (0 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Wildwood Lodge, A Bed and Breakfast For Humans & Horses - 08/05/09 01:24 PM
The magnificent, rugged Big South Fork national park attracts trail riders, hikers, white water rafters, wildflower enthusiasts, photographers, rock climbers and everyone who loves nature and the big outdoors. Wildwood Lodge Bed and Breakfast welcomes visitors to the area, both two- and four-legged, and makes them comfortable in lavish accommodations.
 Guests relax in Wildwood's ten sumptuous bedrooms, all with private bath. They come and go as they please with a private entrance, separate from the owners' own living quarters. They are delighted with the huge, home-cooked country breakfasts served each morning in the pleasant dining room, and love to curl up … (4 comments)

BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Beat A Trail To The Wild Horse General Store - 08/04/09 07:24 AM

Welcome to The Wild Horse General Store on Highway 297, about a mile from the Spruce Creek equestrian community out here by Big South Fork national park in Jamestown, Tennessee.
 Known locally for years as "Willie Lees," the store is now under new management. Shelves are stocked with essentials...a few treats, too...and that's not all. The packed parking lot tells the story!
Neighbor Vicky Slaven, well known in these parts for her home cooking, is ready at 6:30am, Monday through Friday, to serve a hot breakfast.  She also prepares a daily "Blue Plate Special" which has proven wildly popular (no … (0 comments)

See The Big South Fork From Your Saddle: Southeast Pack Trips - 08/03/09 06:35 AM
Larry McMillan, owner of Southeast Pack Trips,  is not only a legend in these parts, he's a legend in the world of trail riding. Certified by the National Park Service as a guide, he has the only customized pack trip excursions east of the Mississippi.  Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area is called "The Trail Riding Capital of the Southeast" and offers hundreds of miles of scenic horse trails. Larry has been guiding rides at Big South Fork for more than 20 years; he's had as many as 25 people in a group, on rides ranging from an hour … (0 comments)

Prices Plummeting In Areas Surrounding the Big South Fork, Tennessee...NOT! - 08/01/09 08:22 AM
With the general downturn in housing prices across the country, many prospective buyers wanting land or homes in areas surrounding the Big South Fork are astounded to find that prices have held firm, on the whole, and that owners are NOT inclined to accept ridiculously low offers. The reasons are twofold: 
First, land abutting one of the nation's nicest national parks, where you can ride right out your back door into the best trail riding east of the Mississippi, a destination known as "The Trail Riding Capital of the Southeast," is just like waterfront on the coast or on a lake. … (0 comments)

 
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Leslie Helm/Real Estate For Trail Riders

Jamestown, TN

More about me…

Tennessee Recreational Properties

Address: 515 Trailhead Lane, Jamestown, TN, 38556

Office Phone: (866) 731-7268

Cell Phone: (931) 704-3407

Email Me

I live minutes from the Cumberland Trailhead into Big South Fork National Park, in Spruce Creek Acres, an equestrian community that abuts the park itself. Horses are a major part of daily life here and this is a very active, supportive horse-oriented community. It is a gift to work as a realtor here, listing horse properties and selling horse properties to horse people! We joke that I've probably done more real estate on horseback than off! If you want to "live where you love to ride," let me help you find YOUR Big South Fork horse property .


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