Puckett Cabin

Overview

A small historic wayside at milepost ~189.9, Puckett Cabin honors Orlean (Orelena) Hawks Puckett, the mountain midwife who assisted in more than 1,000 births and, remarkably, never lost a mother or child in her care. It’s a humble stop—just a one-room log cabin, a spring house, garden plot, rustic fencing, and interpretive signs—but the story packs a punch.

What You’ll See

• A compact 19th‑century log cabin and a small spring house set in a grassy yard with split-rail fencing.
• Clear interpretive panels that tell Puckett’s life story and her impact on local communities.
• A short, level walk from a tiny pull-off to wander the grounds and snap photos.

Why It’s Unique

Orlean Puckett’s life is astonishing and moving—she lost 24 infants of her own yet spent decades delivering babies across this rugged countryside, often traveling long distances in all weather. The site is preserved to commemorate her legacy; the Pucketts’ larger home is gone, and the current cabin was moved here for a family member, but it’s a faithful window into mountain lifeways.

How Long to Spend

Plan 10–30 minutes. It’s a meaningful pause on a Parkway drive, not a destination for a long visit.

Wildlife

This isn’t a wildlife viewing hotspot, but you might catch common Blue Ridge visitors—songbirds, squirrels, deer, maybe a wild turkey—around the quiet yard.

Good to Know

• Parking is tight (roughly a half-dozen spots) and there are no facilities—no restrooms, water, or food.
• Combine it with nearby Groundhog Mountain for a fuller outing and broader views.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer the calmest experience and easier parking. Soft light at the bookends of the day flatters the weathered logs for photos. Fall color adds extra charm, but expect more Parkway traffic then.