John Ownby Cabin

The John Ownby Cabin is a historic log structure in the Great Smoky Mountains built from white pine with two small windows and a distinctive stone chimney. The single room and simple interior layout reflect how mountain families lived in this remote community during that era.

This log structure was built in 1860 and is the last remaining building from the former Forks-of-the-River settlement that once existed in the mountains. When the national park was established, mountain communities like this were relocated, making this cabin a surviving reminder of earlier settlement patterns.

The cabin shows building methods that early mountain residents developed using materials from their surroundings. The simple structure with wooden walls and creek-stone mortar reflects how people built their homes by hand.

You can reach the cabin by following the Fighting Creek Nature Trail, which starts from behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center within the national park. The path is well marked and the walk involves mostly gentle terrain that most people can manage comfortably.

The original fireplace has never been restored since it was built and still shows the authentic craftsmanship of the 1800s. Visitors can see the actual mortar work and stone placement methods that builders used more than 150 years ago.

Location: Sevier County

Inception: 1860

Made from material: wood

GPS coordinates: 35.68944,-83.54722

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06