§ 02 — OVERVIEW
Please be advised: due to health and safety concerns, occupancy within Swan Cabin will no longer be permitted. However, group camping outside the cabin in adjacent grassy field is allowed.
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 Group Campsite offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness. This group campsite is available from April 15 through October 31. ATTENTION: Swan Cabin Group Camp 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 Group Camp are gravel roads. During certain times of the year, these roads may be muddy or covered with snow. During ideal conditions, Swan Cabin Group Camp 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 Group Camp 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 group camp due to inclement weather conditions.
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 group camp to a waterfall. Nearby boat ramps are available on Santeetlah Lake.
Tents may be pitched in the surrounding meadows for group camping. A pit toilet is located adjacent to the group camp, and a nearby spring may provide a water source, although it should be boiled or treated. There is no electricity or running water at the group site. A picnic table, grill and fire ring are available for use. Visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water, as well as supplies and equipment for food preparation. All equipment must be carried in from the parking area, located approximately 100 feet from the group camp. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own amenities. Hunting is also a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the area from September through December. Hunters and their dogs may frequent the nearby trails during that time.
§ 03 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 04 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 05—08 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 06 — REVIEWS
§ 07 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 08 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
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 Group Camp is situated near the highest elevation in the wilderness: 5,341-foot Stratton Bald in the Unicoi Mountain Range.
Swan Cabin Group Camp 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.
§ 01 — VITALS
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Trip Reports
0 reports
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
No cell coverage detected at this coordinate.
Today
70°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
10 mph SW
Jun
67°F
Rain Showers Likely then Partly Sunny
5 to 10 mph NW
Sat
69°F
Mostly Sunny
0 to 5 mph N
Sun
71°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 5 mph S
Mon
67°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
10 to 15 mph SW
Tue
66°F
Rain Showers Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 mph W
Wed
68°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 5 mph N