Should I shut off the propane at the tank when I close up my cabin for the season?

Depends on what's protecting your pipes

Before you shut that valve, ask what keeps the cabin from freezing. If your propane fireplace, or a propane furnace, is the freeze protection, leave the gas on and set it to hold a minimum temperature. Shutting off the fuel to save a few dollars can cost you burst pipes in a hard WNC freeze.

If nothing on propane needs to run all winter, closing the tank's service valve is a reasonable safety step.

Shutting off isn't just flipping a lever

If you do close the tank valve, understand what reopening involves. Air works into the lines while the gas is off, the pilot goes out, and the system should be leak- and pressure-tested before it's relit. That's licensed work, not a DIY reopening, so plan for a service visit when you get back to the place rather than a scramble on arrival night.

The standing-pilot middle ground

Plenty of cabin owners leave a standing pilot lit through the off-season. A pilot burns very little gas, keeps the appliance dry and ready, and skips the shut-off-and-relight dance entirely, a sensible option if the tank has fuel and someone checks on the property.

Whichever way you go, book annual service in late summer or early fall, before you're depending on it. Call (828) 545-0525 to line up a closing or opening visit.