Donley Cabin
Closed — Closed until further notice due to a missing bridge crossing North River. The bridge was damaged by flooding during Easter Weekend 2020 storms and has not been replaced.
From Recreation.gov
The Donley Cabin will remain closed until further notice due to health and safety concerns due to the missing bridge.
Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30
Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30. The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site. Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.
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.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Donley Cabin is a primitive and historic structure in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, predating the Civil War and ranking among the oldest cabins available for rental in the Forest Service system. The one-room cabin sits in a wooded area at an elevation of 2,000 feet within the forest's Tellico River area, known for its three rivers, tributaries, and waterfalls. The cabin contains a full-size metal bed and two bunk beds that can accommodate up to six people. All beds have frames but no mattresses are provided. The cabin has no electricity, running water, or locks on the door, and guests should be aware that visitors often frequent the cabin during tours of the area. A composting toilet is available on-site. Visitors must carry all equipment a quarter-mile from the parking area along a slight grade and over a bridge on the North River to reach the cabin. The surrounding area offers access to numerous hiking trails and fishing streams. The nearby Sycamore Creek Trail is a 2-mile trail following an old logging road and railroad bed. Big Cove Branch, a tributary to the North River, features two distinctive waterfalls and trout-fishing opportunities. The area is known for abundant brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Hunting is popular from September through December. The cabin is located several miles north of the 90-foot Bald River Falls and near the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway.
Directions
From Tellico Plains, 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). Turn left onto Forest Road 217 and proceed for 5.5 miles to the parking area on the right. Follow the quarter-mile trail over North River to the cabin.
Nearby Campgrounds
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) 253-8400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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