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.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 2:01PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
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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