Lucinda P
January 22, 2020
So beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend it. Can't wait to go back
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Featured amenities
Parking
About Donley Cabin
Donley Cabin is a primitive and historic structure in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. The cabin does not have electricity, running water or locks on the door. Guests should be aware that visitors often frequent the cabin during tours of the area. It predates the Civil War and is among the oldest cabins available for rental in the Forest Service system.
The cabin offers access to a variety of recreational activities, including numerous trails and streams. Visitors must walk a quarter-mile from the parking area, along a slight grade and over a bridge on the North River, to the cabin. All equipment must be carried in. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own amenities. No pets are allowed except for service animals. The cabin is available by RESERVATION ONLY. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
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Parking and Transport
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Lucinda P
January 22, 2020
So beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend it. Can't wait to go back
Helpful
Location & Directions for Donley Cabin
250 Ranger Station Road, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 United States
Elevation: 729 ft
Getting There
From Tellico Plains, Tenn., travel east on Highway 165 (Cherohala Skyway) for 5 mi. Turn right onto Forest Road 210 and continue 9 mi to the intersection of Forest Road 217 (North River Road). There will be a sign for the Donley Cabin and North Ri...
From Tellico Plains, Tenn., travel east on Highway 165 (Cherohala Skyway) for 5 mi. Turn right onto Forest Road 210 and continue 9 mi to the intersection of Forest Road 217 (North River Road). There will be a sign for the Donley Cabin and North River Campground. Turn left onto Forest Road 217 and proceed for 5.5 mi to the parking area on the right. The condition of the road may require slow travel. Follow the quarter-mile trail over North River to the cabin.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via Highway 165 (Cherohala Skyway), which is approximately 5 miles from Tellico Plains.
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The closest entrance is: Townsend Entrance
Approximate drive: 39.2 mi · over 1 hr (67 min)
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Tellico Plains, TN
Population: 1,146
Nearby city: Knoxville, TN
Approx. 45 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 876 ft
Tellico Plains, TN
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service