_edited.png)
Introduction To Swan Cabin
Nestled deep in the Nantahala National Forest, Swan Cabin offers a unique, rustic retreat for those seeking adventure and simplicity. After a challenging ride, arriving at this primitive cabin was a rewarding experience that transported us back to simpler times. Here’s an inside look at what you can expect when staying at Swan Cabin.
Rustic Cabin Details
Swan Cabin's charm lies in its simplicity and the sense of history it carries. The common room serves as the heart of the cabin, equipped with two twin beds—one with a mattress and one without. A hearth, which once housed a wood stove, stands as a reminder of the cabin's past. On the opposite side of the room, a table with a tablecloth sits next to a bookshelf filled with supplies left by previous guests. These include paper plates, canned vegetables, butane fuel, dish soap, flatware, bug spray, and mouse traps. While not maintained, these items are left as a courtesy for future visitors.
Swan Cabin Bedrooms and Loft
The first floor of Swan Cabin features two bedrooms. One room has a set of bunk beds, both equipped with mattresses. The second bedroom has a full-size bed frame but only a twin-size mattress. It also includes a chair and a closet with hangers, though we opted to keep our clothes tightly sealed in dry bags rather than use the closet.
The loft area contains two sets of bunk beds, but upon inspection, we found them unusable due to the absence of mattresses and the presence of rat droppings on the wooden supports. We decided to clean the mattresses in the bedrooms with wet wipes to ensure they were free of any rat urine or feces before sleeping on them.
The Front Porch and Grounds
The front porch of the cabin is a cozy spot, furnished with two long benches and a table. Numerous nails have been strategically placed for hanging clothes to dry, both inside the cabin and on the porch.
To the left of the cabin, there's a gathering spot with benches, a picnic table, a fire pit, a grill, and lamp posts, making it ideal for outdoor socializing. To the right, a swing hangs from a tree, providing a relaxing place to unwind. Further to the right is the outhouse, which features a concrete floor, sturdy walls, a window, and a lockable door. Keeping the door closed is essential to prevent critters from entering, and a rock placed outside helps keep it shut. Additionally, the toilet seat lid must be kept closed to control the gnats, which were a significant nuisance. Fly trap tape hanging from the ceiling also helped mitigate the problem. The outhouse is stocked with toilet paper, a maintained amenity for guests.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking for the cabin is located a short distance away, up some elevated grass steps. A gate prevents vehicles from coming closer to the cabin, and a sign inside explains that automobiles and adventure vehicles are not allowed near the cabin. During our stay, we were visited by forest service staff who came to clean the outhouse, ensuring that the facility remains usable for all guests.
Maintaining the Cabin
Guests must leave the cabin as clean, if not cleaner than they found it. Maintaining the cabin's condition is the responsibility of those who stay there, ensuring it remains a welcoming retreat for future adventurers.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll share the details of our second day of riding, filled with more excitement and scenic views.
Relevant Links
Comments