Discover Johnson County, Tennessee — a welcoming mountain community where heritage, natural beauty, and opportunity meet. Access county services, local government resources, and explore things to do in Mountain City, Shady Valley, and Butler. Stay informed, get involved, and experience the best of Northeast Tennessee. Welcome to Johnson County TN Government | Discover johnsoncountytn Mountain City Johnson County Courthouse Photo credit: Dennis Shekinah Beautiful Watauga Lake Photo credit: Sheila Stout Caldwell Johnson County Courthouse Photo credit: Dennis Shekinah 1/37 Subscribe for Updates Subscribe Now Thanks for submitting! STAY CONNECTED TODAY! BE IN THE KNOW Welcome to Johnson County TN, your destination for today, tomorrow, or a lifetime! COURTHOUSE HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm County Clerks Office Only Saturdays 8:30am-11:45am County Transfer Station Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm County Phone Directory Johnson County TN Government Public Notices PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, January 12 at 6:00PM Upper Courtroom Johnson County Courthouse Download Notice & Agenda BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, January 15 at 6:00pm Upper Courtroom Johnson County Courthouse JOHNSON COUNTY COMMISSION Thursday, January 15 at 7:00pm Upper Courtroom Johnson County Courthouse Download Agenda Packet Download Amended Agenda JOHNSON COUNTY COMMISSION WORKSHOP Monday, January 26 at 5:15pm Board Room JCBE Central Office Download Notice & Agenda CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE VIEW LOCAL UPDATES For Hurricane Disaster Recovery Updates, please follow: Johnson County -TN Long Term Recovery Group Phone: 423-440-2883 Email: JCTNrecovery@gmail.com NOTICE FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION: You must apply for FEMA Flood Permits in the Property Assessors Office. Questions: 423-727-7692 CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE VIEW TN QUIT WEEK 2026 Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the United States, despite a significant decline in the number of people who smoke. Over 16 million Americans have at least one disease caused by smoking. This amounts to $170 billion in direct medical costs that could be saved every year if we could prevent youth from starting to smoke and help every person who smokes to quit. Contact the Johnson County Health Department to learn how you can be a quitter! calendar of events Follow Johnson County Government Featured COMMUNITY POST

Find Johnson County TN events and programs on our Calendar of Events. click on image to enlarge view 1/18 Johnson County Calendar of Events event submission guidelines submit your event for free

Information about services offered by the Johnson County TN Health Department located in Mountain City. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Health Department Caroline Chinouth, Johnson & Carter County Director Caroline.Chinouth@tn.gov Office Phone: (423) 727-9731 Fax: (423) 727-4153 Johnson County Health Department 715 West Main Street Mountain City, TN 37683 Services of the Johnson County Health Department include: WIC (Women Infants and Children) supplemental nutrition program, EPSD&T “well child” screenings (Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnostic, & Treatment), vital records (birth and death certificates), dental health services, environmental health, health promotion, immunizations, nutrition education, Family Planning, breast and cervical cancer screening program, pregnancy testing, home visiting and case management, Phenylketonuria (PKU)/newborn screenings, communicable disease services, HIV testing and counseling, and sexually transmitted disease program. For more information about services offered by the Johnson County Health Department, or to schedule an appointment, call 727-9731.

Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(g), the following Public Records Policy for Johnson County, TN Government is hereby adopted by the Johnson County Commission to provide economical and efficient access to public records as provided under the Tennessee Public Records Act (“TPRA”) in Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501, et seq. Public Open Records Policy Updated 02/18/2021 Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(g), the following Public Records Policy for Johnson County, TN Government is hereby adopted by the Johnson County Commission to provide economical and efficient access to public records as provided under the Tennessee Public Records Act (“TPRA”) in Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501, et seq. download policy & request form here The Public Records Request Coordinator for Johnson County is Sheila Caldwell. Requests to inspect public records may be submitted orally or in writing. Requests for copies of public records must be submitted in writing using the Public Records Request Form. Download a copy of the Public Records Policy and Request Form. Johnson County Mayor c/o Amanda Hall – email Public Records Request Coordinator 222 W. Main Street Mountain City, TN 37683 423-727-9696 Under state law, the County Clerk serves as the clerk of the county’s legislative body (County Commission). As such, they are tasked with all of the administrative duties related to the Commission, such as the recording of minutes, publishing of agendas, and providing adequate public notice of meetings. If you have questions regarding when and where meeting notices and agendas are posted, you need to contact the office of County Clerk Tammie Fenner. You can reach her office by email or by calling 423-727-9633. All documents are in PDF format and require a viewer to open the file. 2025 PUBLIC NOTICES & AGENDAS NOTICE & AGENDA: Budget Committee Meeting - January 16, 2025 AGENDA PACKET: County Commission Meeting - January 16, 2025 NOTICE: Planning Commission Meeting - February 10, 2025 NOTICE & AGENDA : Budget Committee Meeting - February 20, 2025 AGENDA PACKET: County Commission Meeting - February 20, 2025 NOTICE: Disabled Access Committee Meeting - February 24, 2025 AGENDA PACKET: Joint ECD Meeting - March 4, 2025 NOTICE & AGENDA : Beer Commission Meeting - March 10, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Planning Commission Meeting - March 10, 2025 NOTICE & AGENDA : Budget Committee Meeting - March 20, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : County Commission Meeting - March 20, 2025 NOTICE & AGENDA : Beer Commission Meeting - April 14, 2025 NOTICE & AGENDA: Budget Committee Meeting - April 17, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : County Commission Meeting - April 17, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : County Commission Meeting - May 15, 2025 AMENDED AGENDA : County Commission Meeting - May 15, 2025 NOTICE & AGENDA : Budget Committee Meeting - June 19, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : County Commission Meeting - June 19, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : County Commission Meeting - July 17, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Joint ECD Meeting Meeting - August 19, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Solid Waste Committee Meeting - August 19, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Johnson County Commission Meeting - August 21, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Planning Commission Meeting - September 8, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Johnson County Budget & Commission Meeting - September 18, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Johnson County Commission Meeting - October 16, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Joint ECD Committee Meeting - November 10, 2025 AGENDA PACKET : Planning Commission Committee - November 10, 2025 AGENDA PACKET: Johnson County Budget & Commission Meeting - November 20, 2025 AGENDA: Beer Commission Meeting - November 24, 2025 AGENDA: Solid Waste Committee Meeting - December 15, 2025 AGENDA: Parks & Recreation Committee - December 15, 2025 AGENDA: Beer Committee Meeting - December 15, 2025 AGENDA : Budget Committee Meeting - December 18, 2025 AGENDA : County Commission Meeting - December 18, 2025 AGENDA : Special Called Commission Meeting - December 31, 2025 2025 COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 Find 2022 & 2023 archived records here . Find 2024 archived records here. Please note that previous years predate the launch of the website and are not available electronically.

If interested in employment with Johnson County, please pick up and submit an employment application from the Mayor’s Office at the Johnson County Courthouse. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES If interested in employment with Johnson County, please pick up and submit an employment application from the Mayor’s Office at the Johnson County Courthouse. You may also download and print the employment application here . Equal Employment Opportunity Information

Contact information for Johnson County TN Emergency Management Services. County Emergency Management Jason Blevins, EMA Director 216 Honeysuckle Street Mountain City, TN 37683 Email: ema@johnsoncountytn.gov Phone: (423) 727-2507 Follow us on Facebook

A directory of administrative offices for Johnson County Tennessee. Johnson County Administrative Offices Russell Robinson, Director ACCOUNTS & BUDGETS 423-727-7977 The Director of Accounts and Budgets, is responsible for making sure the county books are kept in compliance with all state and local rules and regulations and in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). The Director of Accounts & Budgets and his staff work closely with the County Mayor in developing financial information for the various county departments, the Budget Committee, and the County Commission regarding all areas of finance. This office plays a key role in making sure the County is and stays in a stable financial position. Melissa Hollaway CIRCUT COURT CLERK 423-727-9012 Website - Pay Civil & Criminal Fines Some of the clerks’ duties include the following: Attending each court session with all the papers for the cases on the docket; Administering oaths to parties and witnesses who testify; Keeping minutes of the court in a well-bound book or in an electronic format so long as certain rules relating to the safekeeping of the records are followed; Maintaining the rule docket and an execution docket in which all court judgments or decrees are entered in order of rendition and all receipts and disbursements in a case are entered; & Maintaining indexes for all books and dockets that are kept by the office. Tammie Fenner JOHNSON COUNTY CLERK 423-727-9633 Website The county clerk has numerous duties, including acting as clerk of the county legislative body, issuing motor vehicle titles and registrations, collecting privilege taxes, and overseeing the issuance of beer permits & marriage licenses. Sherrie Fenner CLERK & MASTER 423-727-7853 423-727-7012 (fax) sfennerclerkandmaster@outlook.com Website Read Bio Here Cheri Lipford, Certified Administrator of Elections ELECTION COMMISSION 423-727-8592 Website The Johnson County Election Commission has the statutory responsibilities of registering voters and conducting elections. Honorable Jeffery C. Lowe GENERAL SESSIONS/JUVENILE JUDGE 423-727-9486 The criminal wing of the Sessions Court handles all criminal cases charged in the county. It can render disposition on misdemeanors and probable cause hearings on felonies. The civil wing of the Sessions Court handles all damages cases up to $25,000, all detainer summonses, and orders of protection. The Juvenile wing has exclusive jurisdiction of dependent neglect children, truant children, and unruly children. It also legitimates children and collects child support on behalf of the children under its jurisdiction. Jeff Wagner HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 196 Pleasant Valley Road | Mountain City, TN 37683 423-727-7851 Sandy Hammons, Litter Control Officer LITTER CONTROL Recycling Center Address: Election Avenue | Mountain City, TN 37683 423-501-1005 Matthew Lewis, Assessor PROPERTY ASSESSOR 423-727-7692 The assessor’s duties include two basic functions: appraisal and assessment of taxable real and personal property in the county that is not appraised by the state. NOTICE FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION : You must apply for FEMA Flood Permits in the Property Assessors Office. Questions: 423-727-7692 Freida May, Register of Deeds REGISTER OF DEEDS 423-727-7841 Website The primary function of the register is to make and preserve a record of instruments required or allowed by law to be filed or recorded, including but not limited to deeds, powers of attorney, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, contracts, plats, leases, judgments, wills, court orders, military discharges, records under the Uniform Commercial Code (primarily fixture filings),and other types of documents. T.C.A. § 66-24-101. The records provide public notice of property ownership, liens, contracts, and other transactions that affect the public interest. The register’s office is in the county seat, and the records and papers must remain in the office at all times. T.C.A. §§ 8-13-106, 8-13-107. Leah Charland, Community Coordinator SAFE BABY COURT 423-460-4491 Safe Baby Court is a specialized court program that was established for infants and toddlers (birth through 3 years of age). The program strives to find new ways for families to connect with community service providers and provide a strong foundation for infant mental health. The goal is to reduce maltreatment and traumatic experience during significant brain development of infants and toddlers, while increasing family accountability in conjunction with community program interaction to achieve permanency. Children served are either at risk of entering foster care or currently in care. Mayor Larry Potter SOLID WASTE 423-727-6921 378 Industrial Park Road | Mountain City, TN 37683 TRANSFER STATION HOURS Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:00p m | Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm Closed on recognized holidays Lisa J. Crowder TRUSTEE 423-727-9062 Johnson County Courthouse | 222 W Main Street | Mountain City, TN Website The county trustee has three major functions among other duties: (1) collecting the county’s property taxes; (2) accounting for and disbursing county funds (including proper apportionment and determination of fund availability); and (3) investing temporarily idle county funds. Bill Caldwell & Karen Manuel VETERAN'S AFFAIRS & SAFETY 208 College Street | Mountain City, TN 37694 423-727-7929 Karen Manuel - email Bill Caldwell, VSO - email The Johnson County Veterans Service Office is available to assist and answer any questions you may have with your veteran benefit claims. They also provide assistance with insurance issues and supplemental policy information, as well as information for low-income veterans, their families and neighbors. Cameron Stanberry YOUTH SERVICES OFFICER 423-727-9486 The Youth Services Officer of the County meets with unruly and delinquent juveniles and their families to counsel the youth, make appropriate referrals to public as well as private agencies, and to provide information for us by the court. Ryan Carroll JOHNSON COUNTY ATTORNEY 423-727-9671

The Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center offers after school and summer programming to the students of Johnson County. These services are made possible through County/City funding, grants, and contributions. The center is also used by several local organizations as a meeting place. Hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm (Summer Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm - According to school schedule) Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center Joey Beth Souder, Director 214 College St Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-2942 Email: jsouder@mountaincitytn.org County/City Community Center The Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center offers weekly and monthly activities, including crafting, book club, health and wellness activities, and much more. For students, the Center offers after-school tutoring, activities, and an after-school meal/snack sponsored by local businesses and other generous donors. The Center also provides many local organizations with a monthly or weekly meeting place and is available to rent for special events. For more information about the Community Center and what the center has to offer, or to inquire about renting event space, please contact the Center at (423) 727-2942. Information regarding upcoming events, classes, closures or other schedule changes is also posted on our facebook page. Be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on all of our activities! For more information about the center, please follow us on Facebook !

Food Stamp; Families First; Child Care Certificate; Medicaid; and TennCare for Johnson County TN Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Department of Human Services Dist. 1, Cty. #46 370 Cold Springs Road Mountain City, Tennessee 37683-4022 Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Phone: (423) 727-7704 FAX: (423) 727-4404 FIELD MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR 1 - Colene Conover Services: Food Stamp; Families First; Child Care Certificate; Medicaid; and TennCare - Click here for more information and to apply.

Johnson County TN is a Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. We know that at the heart of a competitive economic development strategy is community development, so we diligently work to enhance and improve our community assets. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT There are tremendous opportunities to grow and develop your business in Johnson County. We are experiencing economic growth in our business sectors, tourism industry and real estate market. We are continually expanding our county services to meet the needs of our economic development. We are a Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. We know that at the heart of a competitive economic development strategy is community development, so we diligently work to enhance and improve our community assets. You are welcome to come and be part of our economic growth. Tennessee is a right to work state. Johnson County Tennessee Business and Training Services for Your Company include . . . Skilled, competent employees are the linchpin of your company. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Industrial Training Service (ITS) offers a wide variety of workforce training development and support services to both new and established companies through the state. ITS can help you meet your initial training needs, assist in developing a customized training program, and help offset instructional expenses. In short, ITS can help you build the workforce your company needs to succeed. Additional Training from the Industrial Training Service include . . . Skilled, competent employees are the linchpin of your company. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Industrial Training Service (ITS) offers a wide variety of workforce training development and support services to both new and established companies through the state. ITS can help you meet your initial training needs, assist in developing a customized training program, and help offset instructional expenses. In short, ITS can help you build the workforce your company needs to succeed. Employee Recruitment & Screening Recruitment and screening services will be provided by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Utilizing the client/company’s prepared job specifications, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will recruit and screen persons for their company. Those individuals who meet the business’s specifications will be referred to the company for employment considerations. Pre-employment Assistance Pre-employment instruction is designed to focus on developing entry level skills in new employees. The program caninclude basic skills upgrade and allows the company to observe participants for employee placement. Job Specific Training Formal classroom training instructs prospective employees in specific skills which is designed for a particular company’sneeds. On-The-Job Training (OJT) Instruction that focuses on the development of specific skills and knowledge vital to production. Training is provided by company technicians and or instructor mutually acceptable to the Industrial Training Services and the company. Training may take place in the classroom or at the company site. Vendor – or manufacturer of actual products or service equipment may be used by the client when utilizing delivery of specific skill training. System Support Instruction associated with plant wide applications. Instruction may include new methods for increasing mechanization, quality, materials handling, etc. Development and Coordination support the cost association with the development of instructional materials and coordination of the overall training program. Workforce Development Leadership training is directed to providing supervisors’ team leaders, and managers with the interpersonal skills necessary to motivate and lead production. workers towards accomplishing organizational goals. Team Training is provided for manufacturing/production employees where interpersonal communication is important in fostering interdependence, cooperation, commitment, motivation, etc. Instruction Certification of company personnel insures the availability of certified instructors not only at start up but also on a long term basis. The week-long certification seminar provides candidates with the facilitation skills necessary to deliver a wide range of program.

View the most recent census and demographic data for Johnson County TN. Johnson County Census & Demographics Population estimates, July 1, 2021, (V2021) . . . . . . 18,170 PEOPLE Population Population estimates, July 1, 2021, (V2021) . . . . . 18,170 Population estimates base, April 1, 2020, (V2021) . . . . . 17,948 Population, percent change – April 1, 2020 (estimates base) to July 1, 2021, (V2021) . . . . . 1.2% Population, Census, April 1, 2010 . . . . . . 18,244 Age & Sex Persons under 5 years, percent . . . . . . . 4.3% Persons under 18 years, percent . . . . . . 16.9% Persons 65 years and over, percent . . . . . . 23.3% Female persons, percent . . . . . . 46.3% Race and Hispanic Origin White alone, percent . . . . . . 95.9% Black or African American alone, percent . . . . . . 2.2% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent . . . . . . 0.4% Asian alone, percent . . . . . . 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent . . . . . . Z Two or More Races, percent . . . . . . 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, percent . . . . . . 2.1% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent . . . . . . 93.9% Population Characteristics Veterans, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 1,503 Foreign born persons, percent, 2016-2020 . . . . . 1.5% HOUSING Housing units, July 1, 2019, (V2019) . . . . . . 9,019 Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 75.5% Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $133,700 Median selected monthly owner costs -with a mortgage, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $891 Median selected monthly owner costs -without a mortgage, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $294 Median gross rent, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $552 Building permits, 2020 . . . . . . 1 Families & Living Arrangements Households, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 6,979 Persons per household, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 2.26 Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1 year+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 89.8% Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+,2016-2020 . . . . . . . 3.0% Education High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 80.6% Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 11.9% Health With a disability, under age 65 years, percent, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 16.0% Persons without health insurance, under age 65 years, percent . . . . . . 12.4% Economic In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 39.2% In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 39.1% Total accommodation and food services sales, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 9,262 Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 42,839 Total manufacturers shipments, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 165,435 Total retail sales, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 108,792 Total retail sales per capita, 2012 . . . . . . $6,012 Transportation With a disability, under age 65 years, percent, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 16.0% Persons without health insurance, under age 65 years, percent . . . . . . 12.4% Income & Poverty Median household income (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 . . . . . . . $38,090 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 . . . . . . $22,955 Persons in poverty, percent . . . . . . 18.6% Businesses Total employer establishments, 2020 . . . . . . 233 Total employment, 2020 . . . . . . 3,501 Total annual payroll, 2020 ($1,000) . . . . . . 143,571 Total employment, percent change, 2019-2020 . . . . . . 4.6% Total non-employer establishments, 2018 . . . . . . 1,050 All firms, 2012 . . . . . . 1,330 Men-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 796 Women-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 364 Minority-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . F Nonminority-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 1,286 Veteran-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 114 Nonveteran-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 1,115 Geography Population per square mile, 2010 . . . . . . 61.1 Land area in square miles, 2010 . . . . . . . 298.48 FIPS Code . . . . . . 47091 Value Notes Estimates are not comparable to other geographic levels due to methodology differences that may exist between different data sources. Some estimates presented here come from sample data, and thus have sampling errors that may render some apparent differences between geographies statistically indistinguishable. Click the Quick Info  icon to the left of each row in TABLE view to learn about sampling error. The vintage year (e.g., V2021) refers to the final year of the series (2020 thru 2021). Different vintage years of estimates are not comparable. Users should exercise caution when comparing 2016-2020 ACS 5-year estimates to other ACS estimates. For more information, please visit the 2020 5-year ACS Comparison Guidance page. Fact Notes (a) Includes persons reporting only one race (c) Economic Census – Puerto Rico data are not comparable to U.S. Economic Census data (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories Value Flags -Either no or too few sample observations were available to compute an estimate, or a ratio of medians cannot be calculated because one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest or upper interval of an open ended distribution. F – Fewer than 25 firms D – Suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information N – Data for this geographic area cannot be displayed because the number of sample cases is too small. FN – Footnote on this item in place of data X – Not applicable S – Suppressed; does not meet publication standards NA – Not available Z – Value greater than zero but less than half unit of measure shown QuickFacts data are derived from: Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, Current Population Survey, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Non-employer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits.

Explore the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains Tennessee; discover attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Johnson County Attractions Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Highlands, Johnson County, Tennessee offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters of Watauga Lake, hike or ride the trails at Doe Mountain Recreation Area, or take a drive along The Snake, a famed route for motorcyclists. Charming Mountain City boasts unique shops, local dining, and the Musical Heritage Mural Mile, celebrating the area’s deep roots in old-time and bluegrass music. History lovers can visit the Museum of Butler to learn about the “Town That Wouldn’t Drown,” while nearby vineyards, farm markets, and seasonal festivals make Johnson County a year-round destination Tennessee's Best Kept Secret Johnson County is home to many types of attractions including historical sites, museums, theater, parks and music. There are also several nature based attractions such as Watauga Lake, Doe Mountain Recreation Area, and the Snake Motorcycle and Sports Car Route. Continue to scroll down for more videos and links to more to do! In April of 2023, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Legislative Body designated the iconic rock anthem, Copperhead Road by Steve Earle, as the 12th State song. In honor of this recognition, Johnson County Tourism partnered with The Waterfront Group to create a very unique landmark to capture the musical history and moonshine legends of this area of Tennessee. The landmark is free to visit and we encourage photos! The unveiling of the Copperhead Road Landmark in 2024 also kicked off the Copperhead Road Music Fest held over Memorial Day! Our Log Cabin Welcome Center warmly welcomes visitors to Johnson County. It is conveniently located on Hwy 421, in the middle of Mountain City, which is our county seat. Here you will find a small history museum with exhibits that present our history and showcases original artifacts and pictures from the past. Johnson County Welcome Center Open Monday-Friday only. 716 S Shady St, Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-5800 Antiquing In Johnson County, you will find small and large antique shops for those searching for new treasures during their visit here. Appalachian Trail The famous 2,100 mile hiking trail meanders through our area offering some of the best hiking in the world. In our area this trail will take you along mountain ridges overlooking Shady Valley around pristine Watauga Lake and actually across the Watauga Dam and by incredible Laurel Falls. Backbone Rock Our county is home to Backbone Rock which is a natural wonder located in the Cherokee National Forest. It is known as the shortest railroad tunnel in the world. This unique rock formation hovers over Hwy 91 and provides a lasting memory. There is also a picnic area and hiking trails for your enjoyment. BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND AND PAVILIONS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO EFFECTS FROM HELENE. Doe Mountain State and local governments purchased Doe Mountain to keep it from being commercially developed and to provide an outdoor recreation area for this part of Northeast Tennessee. This 8,600 acre family wilderness area provides over 50 miles of blazed adventure trails for ATV riders, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Eco-Agriculture The history of Johnson County is rooted in rural American farming, the timber industry and mining industry. The county has transformed into a tourism destination with some eco-agriculture attractions such as Harbin Hills Farm, an organic farming operation with the Mountain Music Stage venue featuring music performances by some talented local musicians. Our county is also part of an American Viticulture Area which is a designation for areas that have the right geographic features to produce high quality wine grapes. We have a thriving vineyard and two local wineries serving award winning wines. The Watauga Lake Winery is located in a restored historic school building where you can participate in tours of the winery facilities and enjoy wine tastings. The vineyard offers a touch of Tuscany where you can dine while enjoying incredible views and attend some of the many scheduled events during the year. Heritage Hall This theater is a quality venue showcasing some great theatrical productions and musical performances. The theater venue is actually located in a restored turn of the century building and features an active calendar of events. Johnson County Farmer's Market The main work of the Johnson County Farmers Market is to help strengthen a sustainable local agricultural and food economy. Follow us on Facebook for current schedules and locations: @johnsoncountyfarmersmarket Johnson County Museum of History The Johnson County Welcome Center houses a small History Museum that presents the history of our area, our rural Appalachian culture and our long musical heritage. There are some nice exhibits to view as you learn about our history There is no cost to tour this museum. Johnson County Veterans Memorial Wall Located in Ralph Stout Park in Mountain City Tennessee, the Johnson County Veterans Memorial Wall commemorates our local hometown heroes that have served our great nation proudly. As they have stood for us, so shall we stand for them. Our Veterans Memorial Wall honors our brave service men and women and their sacrifice to protect our freedom and their courage to uphold their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Museum of Butler TN This first rate museum will amaze you with its quality exhibits and original photographs that bring to life the relocation of the town of Butler to make way for the creation of Watauga Lake. This museum is open on weekends between Memorial Day and late October. Guided tours are available by appointment. The Johnson County Center for the Arts The Art Center is located in Heritage Square in downtown Mountain City, Tennessee. This non-profit art center showcases Appalachian crafts, art and products produced by local artisans. They also offer a very active art class schedule, so be sure to check out the schedule to find a class in which you would like to participate. The Snake The famous Snake 421 Motorcycle and Sports Car Route runs through our county providing some of the best motorcycle touring in the southeastern United States. The Shady Valley Country Store is the hub for this ride and is located at the intersection of US Hwy 421 and TN Hwy 91 in Shady Valley, Tennessee. You are invited to come and ride the 489 curves over two mountains and through one valley. Trade Grist Mill The mill is located on the east side of US 421 in the village of Trade, on the TN/NC border. While the mill is located at the back of the road, it can easily be seen from the highway. Originally known as the Jones, May, Snyder Mill, it is now called the Trade Grist Mill. The mill was built around 1802 by Thomas Jones who migrated from North Carolina and homesteaded land on Roan Creek in an area known as Key Station, near Trade. Watauga Lake Johnson County is on the north side of Watauga Lake in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This is one of the cleanest lakes in America making it a choice family lake destination. There are public beach areas, picnic areas, campgrounds and boat ramps. Here you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as skiing, sailing, pontoon boats, canoeing and kayaking in a cool clean mountain lake. Watauga Lake Winery Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our Watauga Lake Winery revives a 40s-era school house rich in lore against a stunning mountain backdrop. Our Annual Festivals SHADY VALLEY FESITVAL OF QUILTS APRIL MOUNTAIN CITY SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL JULY LONG JOURNEY HOME LABOR DAY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER COPPERHEAD ROAD MUSIC FEST TBA OLD BUTLER DAYS SELMA CURTIS PARK AUGUST TRADE MILL DAYS CURRENTLY SUSPENDED TBA MOUNTAIN CITY FIDDLERS CONVENTION OCTOBER CRANBERRY FESTIVAL SHADY ROCK SCHOOL OCTOBER CHRISTMAS ON MAIN FIRST SATURDAY DECEMBER