Ralston Acres - Historic Blackbelt Farm on the Cahaba River

Property consists of: Over 8000' of Cahaba River Frontage which is the only free flowing river in Alabama 470 +/- Acres of mature hardwoods 430 +/- Acres of different age pines from 6 years old to 24 years old 100 +/- Acres of green pastures or hay fields Mile long asphalt driveway leading into the property 2 stocked fishing lakes both fed by artesian wells 13 food plots for wildlife Two main houses Two Cabins One Cabin is the old bath house One was moved from downtown Marion Junction to the farm that was originally built in the early 1900's Original Horse barn and chicken coop from the 1950's Multiple shops like wood working, fabrication and equipment shed Full office and bathroom Excellent blackbelt soils are rich in nutrients for growing cows and timber Property offers excellent deer, turkey, duck, dove and small game hunting Overview: This property has been used for 3 generations of the Ralston's family to provide a living and raise their families. From farming to raising pigs and smoking meats to sell in town, to a campground and now a nicotine free business called Baccoff. The Ralstons have always found a way to make the land provide and pay for itself. The Cahaba River is the only river in Alabama not to be controlled by dams. It has more fish species in it than any other body of water in Alabama. The beautiful timber spanning across the property is full of white oaks, red oaks, other hardwood trees, cypress sloughs, and planted pines. Everywhere you turn they're something special to see. Property is shown by appointment only. History of the land: In the 1920's the lake area, Lake Lanier included a dance pavilion and a large pine board lined swimming pool fed by artesian water, owned by the Southern Railroad with is now Norfolk Southern that continues to use the track that crosses the land. The Southern Railroad sent many excursion trains to Lake Lanier full of people from the local towns who would spend the day picnicking, swimming, fishing and dancing. Since 1938 the Ralston Family has owned the property and had multiple businesses there that have supported 3 generations of their family members. From Smoking meats in the 1940's to farming until the 1970's, to Lake Lanier Travel Park which was a founded by Elton and Claire Ralston. The Lake Lanier Travel Park Opened in the late 1970's which included powered camping spots as well as basketball, ping-pong, fishing, boating and a bathhouse, which is still there today and has been made into a beautiful apartment. The campgrounds closed in 1990. Since 1992 Russell Ralston pioneered the Nicotine free smokeless tobacco business called BaccOff.