Spence Cabin

About

Spence Cabin is a beautifully restored historic cabin originally built in 1928 as a vacation home for Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend who owned the Little River Lumber Company and Little River Railroad. Located within the Elkmont Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, the cabin sits in a scenic valley at the confluence of Jakes Creek and the Little River. The cabin offers four small meeting rooms ranging from 118 to 165 square feet, plus one larger 432-square-foot room with a gas fireplace. A warming kitchen includes a refrigerator and microwave but no cook stove. Furnishings include 40 folding chairs, six rocking chairs, and multiple tables. The 192-square-foot screened porch and stone patio provide excellent views of the Little River. This is a day-use only facility open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. No overnight camping or lodging is permitted. The cabin is ideal for small family gatherings, reunions, meetings, training sessions, or small weddings and receptions. Numerous hiking trails are nearby, including Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Laurel Falls Trail.

Directions

From Gatlinburg, drive south on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) for 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little River Road toward Cades Cove. Proceed 5 miles to the Elkmont Campground road and turn left. Go 1.4 miles and turn left just before the campground office at the sign for Elkmont Nature Trail. After crossing the bridge, take the second left into the parking lot. Parking for Spence Cabin is on the right as you loop through the lot.