A tree downed by a storm did substantial damage to the Pulltite Cabin at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri/NPS

A storm-downed tree that crashed through the roof of the historic Pulltite Cabin at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri has led to closure of the area around it while crews work to repair the damage. 

The tree, about three-feet in diameter, crushed part of the metal roof and buckled the south wall of the cabin, according to the National Park Service. The force of the impact also broke mortar between the logs and caused other structural damage. 

Park crews are working on a plan to remove the tree safely without causing additional harm to the structure. With no access road to the site, the opportunity to use large equipment is extremely limited and could make the project very challenging.  Following removal, the National Park Service will perform a structural assessment of the building and stabilize it to prevent further deterioration. There is no estimated time frame for completing these steps. 

Pulltite Cabin is located along the Current River across from Pulltite Campground and can only be reached by hiking the trail from the river. Visitors should stay at least 100 feet away from the cabin but can still use the main hiking trail to view Pulltite Spring.  

The cabin draws its name from the logging industry that existed in this part of today's national park more than a century ago. According to the Park Service, a nearby spring was known as "Pulltight" for it was "a tight pull for the horses as they worked to make it up the steep hill heavily laden with meal after visiting the Watson Mill. "

The way down to the mill was so steep that the driver would have to brace the back wheels of the wagon with a chain or tree limb. This prevented the wagon from running over the team of horses. To retain control, he would have to pull tightly on the reins to slowly guide the team and wagon down the hill. Therefore the area became known as Pulltight. The spelling was shortened recently to "Pulltite." 

The Pulltite Spring once hosted three mills. After the last of the mills shut down in 1911, the six-man “Pulltight Corporation” built the cabin that stands there today, the Park Service noted. It served as a vacation lodge for the men, who found the area beautiful and peaceful. The cabin was built in the unique French style, where vertical logs prevent the need for notching and stacking. In the center of the cabin, an impressive 38-foot log stands. Construction of the cabin was completed in 1913.