Facility Details - SWAN CABIN, NC

Overview

Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest, this primitive log cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan in a different location, then later it was moved to its current location near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The cabin and the surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century.

Swan Cabin offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax on the front porch and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness. This cabin, which sleeps up to ten people, is available from the end of March through the end of December.

Natural Features:

The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is particularly known for its old-growth forest of oak, poplar and hemlock within the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This is one of the largest old-growth forests east of the Mississippi. Sun-loving wildflowers are abundant in the spring, and rhododendron, azalea and mountain laurel bloom in the late spring and early summer.

The 2 major watersheds in this wilderness are Slickrock Creek and Little Santeetlah Creek. The mouth of Slickrock Creek has the lowest elevation in the wilderness at 1,086 feet. Swan Cabin is situated near the highest elevation in the wilderness: 5,341-foot Stratton Bald in the Unicoi Mountain Range.

Recreation:

There are several nice hikes in the area, including the 3-mile Swan Meadows and the 7-mile Stratton Bald Trails. There is an easy 5-minute hike from the cabin to a waterfall. Nearby boat ramps are available on the Santeetlah River.

Facilities:

The cabin offers three rooms on the lower floor and a loft on the upper floor. A Fisher wood stove heats the dwelling. Nine beds are offered, which include three double bunk frames, two single bed frames and a double bed frame. Each are strung with rope to accommodate sleeping bags. A pit toilet is adjacent to the cabin, and a nearby spring may provide a water source, although it should be boiled or treated. There is no electricity or running water at the cabin. A picnic table, grill and fire ring are right outside.

Visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water, as well as supplies and equipment for food preparation. Tents may be pitched in the surrounding meadows for groups of more than ten.

Nearby Attractions:

Swan Cabin is an ideal base for exploring the pristine Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only a short drive away and makes an excellent day trip.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) Berry Picking Birding Broom & Dust Pan Campfire Rings Firewood Grills	Hiking Hunting Parking Area Picnic Area Pit Toilets Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove
Within 10 Miles
Boat Ramp Fishing	River Access
Greater Than 10 Miles
Ranger Station

Know Before You Go

Running water is not available at the cabin
Cell phone service may be unreliable in this area
The cabin is locked; combination is needed prior to arrival
Click here for more information about National Forests in North Carolina

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
35.35972, -84.00306
35°21'35"N, 84°0'11"W

From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north. After about 2 miles turn left onto 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Pass the Ranger Office and continue to the stop sign (2.2 miles). At the stop sign, turn right, continuing on 143 West for approximately 6.9 miles. Turn right on NC 1134 toward Joyce Kilmer. Continue only about 50 feet. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 81. Continue on this gravel road approximately 8 miles. Turn right onto 81F and continue for 2.7 miles. Swan cabin is on the left off of 81F.