North Carolina / Graham County

Swan Cabin

Closed — Closed for the season. Swan Cabin operates April 15 through October 31. Reservations available via Recreation.gov at $25 per night.

About

Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest near Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, Swan Cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan and later relocated to its current location. The cabin and surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. This primitive three-room log cabin with a loft sleeps up to 10 people across nine beds with rope frames designed for sleeping bags. The cabin offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax on the front porch and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness. Swan Cabin has no electricity, running water, or locks on the doors. A pit toilet is located adjacent to the cabin, and a nearby spring may provide water after boiling or treatment. A woodstove has been removed, so visitors must bring their own heat source. Outside amenities include a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. The cabin is located approximately 100 feet from the parking area. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, including the 3-mile Swan Meadows Trail and 7-mile Stratton Bald Trail. An easy 5-minute hike from the cabin leads to a waterfall. The cabin sits near the highest elevation in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness at 5,341-foot Stratton Bald in the Unicoi Mountain Range. The wilderness is known for its old-growth forest of oak, poplar, and hemlock, one of the largest old-growth forests east of the Mississippi. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive away.

Directions

From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north. After about 2 miles turn left onto 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Pass the Ranger Office and continue to the stop sign (2.2 miles). At the stop sign, turn right, continuing on 143 West for approximately 6.9 miles. Turn right on NC 1134 toward Joyce Kilmer. Continue only about 50 feet. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 81. Continue on this gravel road approximately 8 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 81F and continue for 2.7 miles. Swan Cabin is located on the left, off of Forest Service Road 81F.

Nearby Campgrounds