If you’ve been searching for a true mountain getaway where your family can gather for summer adventures, $169,900
Cash purchase or line of credit only. If you’ve been searching for a true mountain getaway where your family can gather for summer adventures, colorful fall weekends, and cozy Christmas celebrations, this Doubling Gap log cabin may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Tucked into the mountains and surrounded by state forest beauty, this 1,400-square-foot cabin offers rustic charm, rare amenities, and a setting that invites you to slow down and reconnect with what matters most.
Located in the scenic Doubling Gap area of central Pennsylvania, this property places you in the heart of outdoor recreation. Just across the road you’ll find access to a pond for fishing and the renowned Colonel Denning State Park, offering hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, and horseback riding trails. The surrounding Tuscarora State Forest provides miles of woodland to explore, and hunting is permitted in designated areas of the state forest. If your idea of a perfect weekend includes fresh mountain air, forest trails, and evenings around a fire, this location delivers.
The cabin itself sits on nearly a half-acre of leased land within the Doubling Gap game lands area. The lease is a 10-year agreement at $200 per year, and the owner is responsible for paying real estate taxes, currently $1,476 annually. Because of the land lease and seasonal zoning designation, this property must be purchased with cash or through a line of credit—no traditional mortgage financing. Seasonal zoning does not specify a maximum length of stay per year, but buyers are encouraged to verify usage guidelines to ensure it meets their needs.
What makes this cabin especially rare is that it offers indoor plumbing and a septic system—an uncommon and valuable feature for properties located on game lands. Many cabins in similar settings rely on more primitive systems, but here you have the comfort and convenience of modern plumbing while still enjoying a rustic mountain environment.
From the moment you arrive, the classic log exterior and wrap-around porch create a warm, welcoming presence. The porch is more than an architectural detail—it’s an essential part of the mountain lifestyle. Picture mornings with coffee as mist lifts from the hills, afternoons with children playing in the yard, and evenings spent sharing stories as the sun sets behind the trees. In autumn, the surrounding mountains blaze with color. In winter, the cabin transforms into a snow-dusted retreat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Inside, you’ll find approximately 1,400 square feet of living space designed to accommodate extended family and guests. With four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this cabin provides plenty of room for everyone. Whether you’re hosting siblings, grandparents, or lifelong friends, there’s space to spread out and enjoy.
The all-original hardwood floors throughout the home add warmth and authenticity. Their natural grain and character complement the log construction, creating a cohesive, rustic atmosphere that feels both sturdy and inviting. These floors have stood the test of time and contribute to the cabin’s timeless appeal.
The living area serves as the heart of the home—a gathering place after long days outdoors. Imagine coming back from hiking or fishing, kicking off your boots, and settling in for board games, conversation, or simply relaxing together. The full kitchen allows you to prepare family meals with ease, whether you’re cooking a hearty breakfast before a day on the trails or a festive holiday dinner surrounded by loved ones.
Each of the four bedrooms offers flexibility. Use them traditionally for sleeping space, or designate one as a reading nook, hobby room, or bunk room for kids and grandkids. The two full bathrooms add practicality, making it easier for larger groups to stay comfortably.
Beyond the cabin’s walls, the property boundaries extend to walking trails that lead you deeper into the surrounding forest. Step outside and you’re immediately immersed in nature. Deer, turkey, and other wildlife are frequent visitors in the area, offering a daily reminder that you’re living in harmony with the outdoors.
Across the road, the nearby pond invites peaceful afternoons of fishing. Colonel Denning State Park is just moments away, offering a small lake for swimming, picnic areas for family gatherings, and trail systems that appeal to hikers and mountain bikers alike. Horseback riding trails add yet another dimension of recreation. For those who love the outdoors, this location is a dream.
Seasonal use zoning means this property is designed as a recreational retreat rather than a primary residence. That makes it ideal for those who want a dedicated escape from daily life—a place where family traditions can take root year after year. Imagine summer cookouts, fall foliage weekends, and Christmas mornings in a cozy mountain cabin. Over time, this property can become the backdrop for decades of shared memories.
The financial structure is straightforward: a 10-year lease at $200 per year plus annual real estate taxes of $1,476. Because of the lease arrangement, buyers must be cash purchasers or utilize a line of credit. While this requirement limits financing options, it also presents an opportunity for those seeking an affordable mountain getaway without the higher price tag often associated with fully deeded land.
This cabin offers a rare combination of rustic charm, modern plumbing, ample sleeping space, and direct access to state forest recreation. It’s not just a property—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about unplugging from daily stress, gathering around a table with family, and waking up to birdsong instead of traffic noise.
If you’ve been dreaming of a mountain retreat where your extended family can gather for summer adventures, fall foliage escapes, and cozy holiday celebrations, this Doubling Gap log cabin is ready for its next chapter. Bring your family, bring your traditions, and start making memories that will last for decades to come.
Cash purchase or line of credit only. Seasonal use property on leased land. Buyers are encouraged to verify all lease terms, zoning regulations, and usage guidelines.
