What is the max vehicle length at Swan Cabin?

Swan Cabin allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

Does Swan Cabin have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Swan Cabin does not have wifi.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Swan Cabin?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Swan Cabin. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Swan Cabin, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Swan Cabin?

There are 1 campsites at Swan Cabin and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Established Camping

Swan Cabin

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this locations facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?aid=90899 for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending t o this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.

Please do not bring your own lock and chain to lock the road gate. There is private land directly adjacent to Swan Cabin and access must remain available for private landowners to access their property. You may push the gate closed, but do not lock the gate.

Swan Cabin is located in the National Forests in North Carolina, surrounded by forested terrain. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 25°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and the Cherohala Skyway, offering opportunities for hiking and scenic drives.

Description

USDA Forest Service

National Forests in North Carolina

Overview

Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest, this primitive log cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan in a different location, then later it was moved to its current location near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The cabin and the surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Swan Cabin offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax on the front porch and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness. This cabin, which sleeps up to ten people, is available from April 15 through October 31. ATTENTION: Swan Cabin is considered remote, and is located at a high elevation where climatic conditions can be extreme and can change very quickly. Forest Service Roads 81 and 81 F that provide access to Swan Cabin are gravel roads. During certain times of the year, these roads may be muddy or covered with snow. During ideal conditions, Swan Cabin may be accessed with two wheel-drive vehicles. During muddy or snow covered conditions, four wheel-drive and higher clearance vehicles are required. Please be aware that staying at Swan Cabin requires proper preparation, thorough review of predictive weather reports, and the ability to be self-sufficient during unplanned weather events, which can happen at any time of the year. Refunds will not be issued for inclement weather conditions or the inability to access the cabin due to inclement weather conditions.

Recreation

There are several nice hikes in the area, including the 3-mile Swan Meadows and the 7-mile Stratton Bald Trails. There is an easy 5-minute hike from the cabin to a waterfall. Nearby boat ramps are available on Santeetlah Lake.

Natural Features

The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is particularly known for its old-growth forest of oak, poplar and hemlock within the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This is one of the largest old-growth forests east of the Mississippi. Sun-loving wildflowers are abundant in the spring, and rhododendron, azalea and mountain laurel bloom in the late spring and early summer. The 2 major watersheds in this wilderness are Slickrock Creek and Little Santeetlah Creek. The mouth of Slickrock Creek has the lowest elevation in the wilderness at 1,086 feet. Swan Cabin is situated near the highest elevation in the wilderness: 5,341-foot Stratton Bald in the Unicoi Mountain Range.

Nearby Attractions

Swan Cabin is an ideal base for exploring the pristine Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only a short drive away and makes an excellent day trip.

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Location

Swan Cabin is located in North Carolina

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.