Swan Cabin

Summary

Swan Cabin is a rustic log cabin situated within Nantahala National Forest near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to relax in the natural setting and take part in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and hunting. Guests must bring their own amenities and should be aware of the potential for extreme weather conditions and the need for four-wheel-drive vehicles during certain times of the year.

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 April 15 through October 31.

ATTENTION: Swan Cabin is considered remote, and is located at a high elevation where climatic conditions can be extreme and can change very quickly. Forest Service Roads 81 and 81 F that provide access to Swan Cabin are gravel roads. During certain times of the year, these roads may be muddy or covered with snow. During ideal conditions, Swan Cabin may be accessed with two wheel-drive vehicles. During muddy or snow covered conditions, four wheel-drive and higher clearance vehicles are required. Please be aware that staying at Swan Cabin requires proper preparation, thorough review of predictive weather reports, and the ability to be self-sufficient during unplanned weather events, which can happen at any time of the year. Refunds will not be issued for inclement weather conditions or the inability to access the cabin due to inclement weather conditions.

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 Santeetlah Lake.

Facilities

The cabin offers three rooms on the lower floor and a loft on the upper floor. 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 located 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. The cabin does not have locks on the door. A picnic table, grill and fire ring are located outside. The woodstove has been removed, so visitors are advised to bring their own heat source.

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. All equipment must be carried in from the parking area, located approximately 100 feet from the cabin. 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. 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. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as lanterns or flashlights, bedding, towels, cooking and eating gear, food, garbage bags, toilet paper and other necessities.

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.

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.