The large cottage was built in 1928 as a vacation home for Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend, who owned both the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The cabin was part of the Appalachian Club resort community, whose members escaped to the mountains in summer to enjoy tennis, picnics, dances, and swimming in the chilly waters of the river. The National Park Service has restored River Lodge to its historic appearance and it is now available for day use rental.