Sharp Mountain Preserve, Georgia facts for kids
The Preserve at Sharp Mountain (also called The Sharp Mountain Preserve) is a nature-based community located near Jasper, Georgia in Pickens County. It is one of three mountain communities in Pickens County, and the only one dedicated to maintaining its natural amenities. There are 12 miles (19 km) of paved roads running through the community, but the population density is intentionally low (approximately 300 lots over 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) ranging in size from a minimum of 3 acres (12,000 m2) to a maximum of 37 acres.) The Preserve at Sharp Mountain was named the "Best Community for Outdoor Lovers" by Pinnacle Living magazine, Unlike many planned communities, the Preserve at Sharp Mountain does not have swimming pools and tennis courts with club houses or golf courses. Instead, the Preserve at Sharp Mountain offers many acres of green space, hiking and nature trails, a nature pavilion, waterfalls, a bird sanctuary, a butterfly garden and various nature parks. The community is gated to restrict use of its 12 miles (19 km) of privately owned roads to those living in the community. The Preserve at Sharp Mountain was developed by Four Seasons originally, which later became Naterra Land. Naterra's stated goal in all of its projects is "to better connect people with nature." Naterra Land sold out all of its inventory in the Preserve, and control of the community is now governed by a Property Owners' Association (POA). In 2011, the Preserve Association switched from being an HOA (Home Owners' Association) to being a POA (Property Owners' Association), each being viewed differently under Georgia law. In 2008 the Preserve became a recognized member of the national Firewise communities program and is one of the 13 in Georgia.
Location and environment
The community is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers 70-mile (110 km) panoramic views. The city of Atlanta can be seen on the horizon from Sharp Mountain (2,333 feet (711.10 meters) MSL @ LAT 34.43898, LON -84.506873) and Talley Mountain (1,903 feet (580.03 meters) MSL @ LAT 34.453723, LON -84.492457). The climate is that of a temperate southeastern forest. Flora includes red and white oak families, tulip poplar, maple, dogwood, and at the higher elevations, sourwood trees. Wild turkeys, deer, golden eagles, and an occasional black bear live within the community.
Proximity
Residents of the Preserve are an approximately ten minutes drive away from the Jasper business district and seven minutes from the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. North Georgia is also "wine country," and hosts a number of large wineries, one of which, is immediately adjacent to the Preserve on the southeast corner. The Sharp Mountain Vineyards produces approximately 11 tons annually with winery capacity of 800 cases per year. It has won several awards for its wines and is a popular stop on the yearly Georgia wine tour. The Pickens County airport with its 5000 x 100 foot (1524 x 30.5m) air strip at a field elevation of 1535' (468 m) MSL lies three miles (5 km) to the East.
Amenities
Community Features include:
- Acreage: 1,600 acres (640 hectares) encompassing parts of Sharp Mountain, Talley Mountain, and Henderson Mountain.
- Density: Zoned to allow no less than 3 acre (1.2 hectar) lots.
- Recreation: Hiking and biking trails, a bird sanctuary, wildlife feeding area, and 8 nature parks
- Parks: 8 different parks, each featuring gazebos, barbecues, playgrounds, native plant gardens, rock and hewn wood tables, and an open-air lodge and formal lawn.
- Infrastructure: Private gated community with 12 miles of wide paved roads, underground utilities with high speed DSL.
- Structures and Protections: Community has covenants and architectural guidelines.
- Security: Gated entrance with security cameras.
Images for kids
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Picture of gated entrance to estate with acreage adjoining The Preserve at Sharp Mountain, Georgia USA
