3 Illinois Spots Among America’s Most Coveted Fall Cabin Retreats, Finds Survey.  

• Survey of 3,003 on the most sought-after spots to own a cabin.
• Shawnee National Forest, Galena & Jo Daviess County + Starved Rock State Park Area included.
• Infographic included.

Owning a log cabin has year-round appeal. In summer, they’re a base for fishing, hunting, or swimming in nearby lakes. In winter, they turn into cozy hideaways, perfect for fireside evenings. In spring, the surrounding landscape bursts into bloom. But it’s fall when cabins truly shine, with vivid reds, oranges, and golds creating picture-postcard views right outside the window.

Texas Real Estate Source surveyed 3,003 respondents, asking them which part of the country they would most like to own a cabin. 

The top 10 were as follows:

#1. Estes Park, Rocky Mountain Gateway, Colorado
Framed by Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is one of the state’s most photographed fall destinations, where aspen groves light up the hillsides each September. Cabins dominate much of the local rental and residential market, from simple A-frames to classic log lodges. With median home prices in the mid-$500Ks, it’s a more accessible option than many of Colorado’s ski-focused resort towns.

#2. Pagosa Springs, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Nestled in the San Juans, Pagosa Springs offers golden aspen backdrops alongside hot springs that draw visitors year-round. Cabins are plentiful in the surrounding forests and valleys, often marketed as both vacation escapes and full-time homes. Median sale prices hover around the $550K mark, making it one of the more affordable mountain communities compared to nearby Telluride or Durango.

#3. Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino Mountains, California
In the San Bernardino range east of Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is a four-season resort town that comes alive in autumn with golden aspens and crisp mountain air. Cabins – from classic A-frames to updated log homes – dominate the housing stock and attract buyers seeking weekend escapes. With median home prices hovering in the upper-$500Ks, it remains more attainable than other Southern California vacation enclaves like Big Bear Lake.

#4. Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
Overlooking the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain bursts with red and gold in October, offering dramatic views across the valley. Cabins and chalets appear on the mountain slopes and in surrounding wooded neighborhoods. With Hamilton County home values averaging in the mid-$300Ks, it balances scenic living with proximity to a major city.

#5. Tupper Lake, Adirondacks, New York
Surrounded by wilderness, Tupper Lake is a fall foliage hotspot officially tracked in New York’s seasonal reports. The area is packed with rustic “camps” and log cabins, which still come on the market at approachable prices. Median values have generally ranged between $140K and $330K, making it a more realistic Adirondack option than neighboring Lake Placid.

#6. Mariposa County (Yosemite Gateway), California
Mariposa County, gateway to Yosemite National Park, sees spectacular fall foliage along its oak woodlands and foothill ridges. Rustic cabins are widely available here, marketed both as vacation rentals and full-time residences. With countywide median home values generally in the $350K–$450K range, the area offers a mix of natural beauty and affordability just outside one of the nation’s most iconic parks.

#7. Great Smoky Mountains, Sevier County, Tennessee
Bordering Tennessee, the Smokies deliver one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons thanks to diverse elevations. Rustic cabins are scattered throughout Swain County, many marketed as rental properties or seasonal escapes. With countywide median prices averaging in the $300Ks, it’s a relatively attainable gateway to one of America’s most visited national parks.

#8. Shasta County (Mount Shasta & Shingletown), California
Northern California’s Shasta region is a fall gem, where sugar maples and oaks turn brilliant shades beneath the shadow of Mount Shasta. Cabins are common in communities like Shingletown, often tucked into pine forests with mountain views. With median home prices in Shasta County sitting around the mid $300Ks, the area offers a relatively affordable entry point compared to coastal California markets.

#9. Ozark National Forest, Newton & Johnson Counties, Arkansas
The Ozarks stand out as Arkansas’s fall centerpiece, with hardwood ridges turning vivid red and gold in October. Cabins and log-style retreats are scattered throughout the region—especially near the Buffalo River and in forest-adjacent parcels. With home values in Newton and Johnson counties generally in the $200Ks to low $300Ks, it’s one of the more affordable mountain cabin markets in the South.

#10.⁠ ⁠Fairbanks & Chena River Valley, Alaska
Farther north, Fairbanks delivers a short but spectacular fall season when birch and aspen turn golden against crisp blue skies. Cabins are plentiful in the surrounding Chena River Valley, often marketed as both primary residences and rental retreats. With average values around $270Ks, Fairbanks remains relatively affordable compared to Alaska’s coastal hubs while still offering access to aurora viewing and vast wilderness.

3 Illinois locations emerged among the most sought-after to own a log cabin:

#57. Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois
Known for its sandstone bluffs and hardwood forests, Shawnee turns a brilliant mix of gold and crimson each fall. Rustic cabins are scattered throughout the region, particularly around Garden of the Gods and Lake of Egypt. With countywide home values in southern Illinois often in the low- to mid-$100Ks, it offers some of the state’s most accessible prices for buyers seeking a woodland escape.

#89. Galena & Jo Daviess County
Tucked into the rolling hills of northwest Illinois, Galena is a standout for fall foliage, with maples and oaks painting the valleys in October. Cabins, cottages and river homes are part of the housing stock here, many used as weekend retreats from Chicago. With median home prices in Jo Daviess County averaging in the mid-$200Ks, it’s one of the state’s more affordable scenic getaways.

#115. Starved Rock State Park Area, LaSalle County
Famous for canyons and waterfalls framed by colorful oaks and maples, Starved Rock draws crowds each October. Cabins and small vacation homes can be found in nearby towns like Utica and Ottawa, many marketed for both seasonal and year-round use. With median home prices in LaSalle County around the mid-$180Ks, it’s a realistic option for those looking to combine affordability with natural beauty.

Infographic showing the most coveted rustic retreats around the country

“Cabins capture something timeless – the idea of retreating into nature without losing the warmth of home. Whether people picture snow on the roof, leaves at their doorstep, or a lake just outside the window, the appeal is the same: a cabin feels like your own little piece of the world,” says Tony Gilbert, founder at Texas Real Estate Source.