Donley Cabin
Closed until further notice due to damage to the bridge crossing North River, caused by flooding during Easter 2020. The bridge is required to access the cabin from the parking area.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
About
Built in 1861, Donley Cabin is a historic double-pen structure combining English, Germanic, and Swiss chalet-type architectural influences rarely seen combined in Southern Appalachia. The primitive one-room cabin sits in a wooded area of Cherokee National Forest's Tellico River region at 2,000 feet elevation, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into Appalachian frontier life. The cabin accommodates up to six guests on a full-size metal bed frame and two bunk beds (mattresses not provided). Amenities include a kitchen table with chairs, rocking chairs on the front porch, an interior fireplace, outside grill, and a composting toilet outhouse. There is no electricity, running water, or potable water on site. Guests must bring all supplies including bedding, lanterns, food, water, and toilet paper. The surrounding area offers excellent recreation including trout fishing in the North River and nearby tributaries, hiking on trails like Sycamore Creek Trail, and proximity to Big Cove Branch waterfalls. The 90-foot Bald River Falls lies several miles south. Hunters frequent nearby trails from September through December. The Cherohala Skyway scenic byway is easily accessible from the cabin.
Directions
From Tellico Plains, travel east on TN 165 (Cherohala Skyway) for 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 210 and continue approximately 10 miles past the Ranger Station. Turn left onto Forest Road 217 (North River Road) and proceed approximately 5 miles to the parking area on the right. From the parking area, follow the quarter-mile trail over North River to the cabin.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 476-9700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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