Johnson County is a small rural community located in northeast Tennessee in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. About Johnson County, Tennessee Hello Johnson County is a small rural community located in northeast Tennessee in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Our history is rooted in rural America farming followed by mills, timber and manganese mining. Our way of life is based in our southern Appalachia culture. We have a long musical heritage in Traditional Appalachian Music, and to this day, we have an annual Old time Fiddlers Convention celebrating our musical history. Rich in natural resources, we strive to protect and preserve, along with our culture and musical heritage. Our location and many protected natural resources make us an adventure paradise, attracting tourism and early retirees. Our county borders areas of two other states with thriving tourism markets, with the NC High Country to the southeast and Damascus, Virginia to the northwest. We are experiencing economic growth in our business sectors, tourism industry and real estate market. This growth is providing some good business opportunities in our area of northeast Tennessee. We are focused on community development to help drive our economic development. Our county services are continually expanding to meet the needs of our residents and those visitors who come to experience our culture and way of life. You are welcome in Johnson County, today, tomorrow or for a lifetime. Visit the Fiddlin' Fred Price statue at the Johnson County Center for the Arts Center located 127 College Street in beautiful Mountain City!

Contact information for the Johnson County Tennessee Sheriff Johnson County Sheriff Clifton Worley, Jr. 216 Honeysuckle St. Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: 423-727-7761 Fax: 423-727-5794 Email: sheriffcw@johnsoncountysd.org Visit Website

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.

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