Amid the joy of the holiday season—cocktail parties, Yankee swaps, living rooms layered in wrapping paper, and fridges packed with leftovers—there’s often a quieter feeling underneath it all: the pull to step away and reset.
For those moments when a nature-filled escape starts to sound essential, we’ve gathered a list of cabins designed for exactly that. Think time outdoors, a fire going, a few good books, and nights dark enough for uninterrupted stargazing—shared only with a dog or two, a partner, or no one at all. Each offers space to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the landscape.
Ahead, you’ll find cabins that range from pared-back and rustic to thoughtfully designed and indulgent, each suited to a different kind of escape. Consider them as you plan your travel for the year ahead and beyond. Wherever you’re headed, remember your naturally sustainable, seamless Merino Performance Innerwear to keep you comfortable and cozy inside and out.
Hatcher Pass Lodge
Where: Palmer, Alaska
The backdrop: Hatcher Pass sits in a rugged stretch of Alaska marked by steep peaks, active glaciers, and a mountain road that offers wide, uninterrupted views of the surrounding valleys.
The space: Climb up into the lofted queen bed in this two-story A-frame for a cozy night's sleep. Venture down the ladder in the morning to peek outside windows that frame the Matanuska Valley and Chugach Range.
Unexpected perk: Thanks to its remote location far from city lights, the lodge offers excellent chances to witness the aurora borealis dancing across the winter night sky.
Arid Peak Lookout
Where: Avery, Idaho
The backdrop: Located within the St. Joe River area of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, this lookout was built in the 30s as a way to detect and prevent forest fires from spreading. Among the conifer trees, look out for wild rivers, herds of elk, and soaring eagles.
The space: You can reach the tower by 3-mile hike and a climb up to the top. The space comes with mattresses, a propane lamp, wood stove, and cooking gear—plus bragging rights for years to come.
Unexpected perk: Built in the 1930s, the cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts, adding a fun sense of history to the stay.
Tye River Cabin Co
Where: Skykomish, Washington
The backdrop: Dense forest, a steady river, and misty mountain air at the western end of the Cascades make the setting feel calm and removed without being totally remote.
The space: A thoughtfully designed cabin with warm wood interiors, simple lines, and just enough softness to make staying in as appealing as heading out.
Unexpected perk: The river runs close enough to be heard from the cabin, adding a constant, low soundtrack to slow mornings and early nights.
Bolt Farm Treehouse
Where: Whitwell, Tennessee
The backdrop: Perched atop Whitwell Mountain, about an hour's drive north of Chattanooga you’ll find lush forest, long-range views, and hidden ponds.
The space: The treehouse-style cabin leans heavily on fairytale vibes. The interior is furnished with a velvet fainting couch, copper soaking tub, and king size bed under a crystal chandelier.
Unexpected perk: An onsite spa complete with outdoor hot springs and stone steam room means your adventure can come with some serious pampering.
Pond Cabin
Where: Kohler, Wisconsin
The backdrop: Set along a private pond just outside the shores of Lake Michigan, the cabin is set just outside Kohler-Andrae State Park with rolling sand dunes, tall grasses, and long stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline
The space: The two-bed, two-bath cabin pairs a cozy kitchen and living area with a wood-burning fireplace, picture-frame windows, and a wraparound porch leading to wooded paths by a nearby pond and seasonal creek.
Unexpected perk: Take a canoe out on the glassy pond if weather allows—or pack your skates to cut tracks along the ice.
Steep Ravine Cabins
Where: Stinson Beach, California
The backdrop: Tucked in Mount Tamalpais State Park just north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, this historic structure is perched on a blufftop overlooking a rugged coastline.
The space: Built in the 1930s and owned by the park, these primitive cabins have no heat or running water and it’s BYO bedding—but of course that’s all part of their off-the-grid charm. The solitude and unbeatable view kept famed photographer Dorthea Lange coming back here for almost a decade.
Unexpected perk: During low tide you can scramble down from your cabin to a private sea cove where dolphins, whales, and harbor seals like to frolic.
Sagebrush Cabin
Where: Big Timber, Montana
The backdrop: Accessible by a remote dirt road, the property is situated between the snow-capped Crazy Mountains and the lush Boulder River Valley. Expect moose, elk, and black bear sightings from the cabin and along the trails.
The space: The rustic-meets-luxe accommodations means floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor fireplace, bare wood walls, and a hot tub made for stargazing.
Unexpected perk: Enjoy 2 miles of private trails for hiking or snowshoeing. The popular Half Moon Pass trailhead is a short drive away.
Bonus fun fact: At the turn of the 19th century, Big Timber boasted the largest wool market in the country shipping out 5 million pounds of wool each year.
Good Morning Aframe
Where: Littleton, New Hampshire
The backdrop: Set on three private wooded acres in Littleton, the cabin sits in the heart of the White Mountains surrounded by sugar maples, yellow birches, and lodgepole pines.
The space: The A-frame keeps its original bones, with a simple open main floor, a wood-burning stove, and bedrooms tucked upstairs—all connected by a wrought iron spiral staircase.
Unexpected perk: Three different ski resorts—Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, and Franconia Notch—are less than 30 minutes away.
Gather Greene
Where: Coxsackie, New York
The backdrop: Tiny glass-sided cabins on 100 acres of forested land, complete with a shale quarry, private pond, and views of the Berkshires and Catskill mountains.
The space: Built atop a ridgeline, the jewel-box cabins have the feel of sleeping in a forest’s canopy. Raw pine walls include just a few notches so you have room for a few books and a mug of tea. Stretch out on the connected patio.
Unexpected perk: Snowshoes are available for guests to borrow so you can explore the forest all year round.
Rangeview Cabin
Where: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The backdrop: Accessible only by 1-mile hike, this rustic cabin is one of the few historic properties left in Shenandoah National Park, home to wetlands, waterfalls, and the rocky peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The space: Maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club the primitive stone cabin comes equipped with bunks, wool blankets, a wood-burning stove, and saws and axes for you to collect your own lumber. Water can be filtered from a clean creek running close by.
Unexpected perk: The cabin is located close to the Appalachian Trail, so you can expect to bump into interested through-hikers with plenty of stories to share.
What’s the most amazing spot you’ve ever stayed? We’d love to hear your stories—or even better see the pics! DM us anytime on Instagram at @branwynofficial or email at info@branwyn.com.
