Backpacking to Hobbs Cabin in Savage Gulf State Park

Let’s talk about Hobbs Cabin.

I stumbled across this little gem last year while scrolling through the Tennessee State Parks website and daydreaming about backcountry campsites. Hobbs Cabin is an old backcountry shelter you can reserve for the night. While it’s called a cabin, that term is used a bit loosely.

Think of it less like a modern cabin and more like a fully enclosed Appalachian Trail shelter or an old Cades Cove–style cabin. It’s simple, sturdy, and perfect for winter camping or for folks who are newer to backpacking but want a bit of extra protection from the elements.

The cabin is tucked deep inside Savage Gulf State Park, which is one of the most beautiful and rugged parks in Tennessee.

Getting to Hobbs Cabin

Getting to Hobbs Cabin is a bit of a slog, but it’s absolutely doable.

There are loop options, but several trails are often closed for maintenance, which can limit route choices. Below is the route we took. You’ll notice waterfalls on the map. We skipped those detours due to a late start and short winter daylight hours.

This trip included my two kids, my husband (who is not a big hiker), and two of my boys’ friends.

Since hiking after dark is a big no-no in Savage Gulf for very good reason, as the trail often runs along the edge of the gulf, we chose the most direct route.

If you follow this route, it’s about 9 miles one way.
AllTrails will lie to you and say it’s shorter. Trust me.

You can shave some mileage off on the way out, but several trail closures meant we had to return the same way we came in.

The elevation gain isn’t extreme, but it’s still a long day, especially for hikers who aren’t used to covering distance. That said, it is very doable at a steady pace.

A Little History of Hobbs Cabin

Hobbs Cabin dates back to the early 20th century and was originally built by early settlers and land users in the Savage Gulf area. Like many structures in the region, it was later preserved and maintained by conservation groups and park staff as Savage Gulf transitioned into protected land.

Today, the cabin is maintained by Tennessee State Parks and serves as a reservable backcountry shelter. It is one of the few enclosed overnight options in the park. Its simple construction, stone fireplace, and remote location give it a true step-back-in-time feel.

What Staying at the Cabin Is Really Like

Staying at Hobbs Cabin feels a bit like living out a Little House on the Prairie fantasy. Maybe that was just me, but I definitely longed for a Laura Ingalls Wilder existence as a kid.

On our first trip last winter, my husband and I had a couple of mice visit us overnight. This time, the weather was better, we cooked and ate outside, and stored all food outdoors. No mice at all.

That said, this trip was at full capacity with six people, and at least one person was snoring at any given time, which may have helped keep wildlife away.

The absolute best part of the cabin is the fireplace. It’s incredibly cozy in the winter.

I’ll admit it, we cheat a little and hike in Duraflame logs. They weigh about 1.5 pounds, but they’re worth it for a one-night winter backpacking trip, especially if the wood is damp.

We also lucked out because a Boy Scout group had stayed the night before us and done some maintenance around the cabin and privies. They left behind a generous stack of firewood, which was a major win.

Pro Tips for Hobbs Cabin

• Reserve early. Weekends book up fast.

• Avoid eating inside the cabin if possible and store all food outside. Mice are common.

• Bring a Duraflame log if you want a reliable fire, especially in winter.

• Pack extra headlamps or lanterns. The cabin is quite dark inside.

• Plan for mileage honestly. This hike is longer than many apps suggest.

Final Thoughts

Hobbs Cabin is a fantastic option for a winter backpacking trip, a first backcountry overnight, or anyone craving a cozy, no-frills wilderness stay. It’s simple, historic, and deeply charming, especially with a fire going and the sound of Savage Gulf settling in for the night.

I’ll happily keep coming back.