DONLEY CABIN

About DONLEY CABIN

Overview Donley Cabin is a primitive and historic structure in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. The cabin does not have electricity, running water or locks on the door. Guests should be aware that visitors often frequent the cabin during tours of the area. It predates the Civil War and is among the oldest cabins available for rental in the Forest Service system. The cabin offers access to a variety of recreational activities, including numerous trails and streams. Visitors must walk a quarter-mile from the parking area, along a slight grade and over a bridge on the North River, to the cabin. All equipment must be carried in. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own amenities. No pets are allowed except for service animals. The cabin is available by RESERVATION ONLY. Walk-ins are not allowed.Recreation The one-room cabin contains a full-size metal bed and two bunk beds that can accommodate up to six people. All beds have bed frames but NO mattresses. There are hiking trails and fishing streams in close proximity to the cabin. The nearby Sycamore Creek Trail is a short drive north on Tellico River Road. The 2-mile trail starts near a picnic area and a fish hatchery and follows an old logging road and railroad bed along Sycamore Creek. Big Cove Branch, a tributary to the North River that contains two distinctive waterfalls and trout-fishing opportunities, is also not far from the cabin. Hunting is also a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the area from September through December. Hunters and their dogs may frequent the nearby trails during that time.Facilities The one-room cabin contains a full-size metal bed and two bunk beds that can accommodate up to six people. There is a rustic fireplace, kitchen table and chairs as well as rocking chairs available to sit on the cabin's front porch. An outhouse with a vault toilet, campfire ring and grill are availa

How to Get There

From Tellico Plains, Tenn., travel east on Highway 165 (Cherohala Skyway) for 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 210 and continue 9 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 217 (North River Road). There will be a sign for the Donley Cabin and North River Campground. Turn left onto Forest Road 217 and proceed for 5.5 miles to the parking area on the right. The condition of the road may require slow travel. Follow the quarter-mile trail over North River to the cabin.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to DONLEY CABIN

Heading to DONLEY CABIN? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)