Smith Gap Rd Fort Payne, AL 35968

This 51-acre tract, part of the historic Jerry Ellis estate, is located at the intersection of Highway 11 and Belfonte Road (Highway 85), one minute from Interstate 59 in Fort Payne, Alabama. The land has remained untouched by logging for over 100 years, preserving its old-growth hardwood forest. The property features gently rolling terrain, a mature stand of hardwoods, and abundant wildlife, including wild turkey and deer. A newly constructed roadbed winds through the property, and asphalt access is already in place to the property line. One homesite has already been cleared, making it suitable for a private residence, hunting retreat, or a family compound with room for multiple homes. The land features a wet weather spring, offering the opportunity for a pond. The land carries the legacy of Jerry Ellis, a direct descendant of DeKalb County’s early settlers and author of Walking the Trail. The property offers sunrise and moonrise views over Lookout Mountain. It is located 8 minutes from downtown Fort Payne, under 30 minutes to Mentone, and less than two hours to Huntsville or Birmingham. Chattanooga and Gadsden are both within an hour’s drive. This property is suited for a homestead, a nature retreat, or a long-term investment.