For buyers dreaming of true off-grid living, 2 Dog Hollow Rd in Reliance, Tennessee delivers exactly that. This secluded cabin sits on 1.75 acres surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, with access to the Hiwassee River, and runs entirely on solar power with a backup generator. Priced at 170,000 dollars, the property has already drawn nearly 4,000 views and 258 saves, with the listing itself projecting it will sell faster than 94 percent of nearby properties.
Property Snapshot
Built in 1982, this cabin offers 1 bedroom and 1 full bathroom across 884 square feet, priced at roughly 192 dollars per square foot. The 1.75-acre lot is tucked directly into the Cherokee National Forest, giving buyers a genuine wilderness setting without needing to travel deep into the backcountry to find it. Annual property taxes are just 338 dollars, and there is no HOA. The listing terms note a preference for cash offers.
Built for True Off-Grid Living
What sets this cabin apart is its complete self-sufficiency. Power comes entirely from a solar system with a backup generator, meaning there’s no dependence on the electrical grid at all. Heating runs on a propane floor furnace, cooling is handled by a window unit, and cooking is done on a gas stove and range, a setup built for buyers who want genuine independence rather than a home that merely looks rustic on the surface.
Inside, the cabin offers an open concept kitchen and wood flooring throughout, giving the small footprint a warm, cohesive feel. A screened porch and a separate covered porch provide two distinct outdoor living spaces, ideal for taking in the surrounding forest without dealing with insects during warmer months. An equipment building conveys with the property, adding practical storage or workshop space beyond the cabin itself. Water comes from a private well, with a septic tank handling sewer.
Cherokee National Forest and the Hiwassee River
The property’s location is a major part of its appeal. Sitting within the Cherokee National Forest and offering access to the Hiwassee River, one of Tennessee’s most popular rivers for rafting, tubing, and fishing, this cabin gives buyers direct proximity to some of the best outdoor recreation in the region. For anyone picturing a personal retreat centered around hiking, river access, and total immersion in nature, this location is difficult to beat.
Financing Options to Consider
The listing itself notes a preference for cash offers, which is common for off-grid properties relying on solar power rather than a traditional electrical hookup.
Cash is the most straightforward path here, and sellers of off-grid properties often favor it given the added underwriting complexity some lenders apply to homes without a grid electrical connection.
A conventional loan may still be possible with a lender experienced in off-grid or rural properties, though buyers should expect additional questions about the solar system’s age, capacity, and backup generator before approval.
A local or regional lender familiar with rural Polk County properties may be a useful resource, since some smaller banks and credit unions are more comfortable financing off-grid homes than larger national lenders.
Buyers should confirm financing terms and appraisal requirements directly with a lender before making an offer, given the property’s off-grid systems and rural forest setting.
Insurance Considerations
Insuring an off-grid cabin requires disclosing the solar power system and backup generator clearly to an insurance agent, since coverage for off-grid electrical systems can differ from standard grid-connected homes. The propane floor furnace and gas stove should also be disclosed, along with the well and septic systems. Given the cabin’s location within the Cherokee National Forest, it’s worth asking specifically about wildfire risk coverage, and about liability coverage related to the property’s proximity to the Hiwassee River.
Due Diligence Checklist for Buyers
Buyers should plan for a full home inspection covering the propane furnace, gas stove, and the overall structural condition given the cabin’s age. The solar power system and backup generator should be evaluated by a qualified technician to confirm capacity, condition, and expected lifespan. A well water test and septic inspection are essential given the property’s private systems. Buyers should also confirm the exact boundaries of the 1.75-acre lot, verify any easements or access agreements tied to the surrounding Cherokee National Forest land, and check with Polk County on zoning and any forest-adjacent building restrictions. A title search rounds out solid due diligence before closing.
The Reliance, TN Market
Reliance is a small unincorporated community in Polk County, Tennessee, known as a gateway to the Cherokee National Forest and the Hiwassee River, drawing steady interest from outdoor enthusiasts, rafters, and buyers seeking a genuine escape from city life. Off-grid and forest-adjacent properties in this area remain in strong demand, particularly given how few true off-grid cabins with river access come to market at this price point.
Final Thoughts
2 Dog Hollow Rd offers a rare, ready-to-use off-grid retreat: solar power, a backup generator, direct proximity to the Cherokee National Forest, and access to the Hiwassee River, all on a private 1.75-acre setting. With strong early interest already on record, buyers drawn to true off-grid living should move quickly to schedule a showing.
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