Discover Johnson County: Mountains, Lake, and Special Routes

Johnson County combines mountain landscapes, water, and unusual cultural stories. The county is known as “mountain and lake country” and is characterized by four mountains, three valleys, and a lake. On the north shore of Watauga Lake, you will find a travel setting that offers opportunities for active days as well as excursions to a museum, historic sites, and special regional attractions. When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worth deciding first what mix of activities you want for your trip: nature experiences, water, scenic drives, or culture.

Mountains, lake, and trails for active days

For excursions into the countryside, Doe Mountain Recreation Area offers 9,000 acres of protected mountain terrain. There, Doe Mountain Recreation Area adds OHV trails to the existing nature experiences. A section of the Appalachian Trail also runs through Johnson County. Those who enjoy combining longer trails with striking landscapes can take these options into account when planning their trip, without trying to fit all activities into a single day plan.

One specific hiking destination is the Gentry Creek Falls Trail. The trail crosses the creek 14 times and leads 4.5 miles to a double waterfall. The creek and the many crossings shape the character of this hike. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is another scenic spot on Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. For a quieter outing by the water, there is an accessible fishing pier in the Rat Branch access area at Watauga Reservoir.

Water, views, and individual routes

Johnson County also offers several options for trips that appeal to different interests. The Snake 421 Motorcycle and Sports Car Route runs through the county. The Copperhead Road Landmark is also included in the “Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail,” a self-guided driving route created by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. The landmark is located at Watauga Lake Winery in Butler and centers on a custom-built 1949 Dodge sedan featuring a mural of bluegrass star Tim White. Wine tastings are offered at Villa Nove Vineyards. Such destinations are well suited to planning a day trip that combines scenery, roads, and regional specialties.

Local history and culture

The history of Watauga Lake comes to life at the Butler and Watauga Valley Heritage Museum. The museum documents Butler’s relocation to higher ground to make way for Watauga Lake. Another historic destination is Trade Grist Mill, built around 1802 by Thomas Jones. It is located on US 421 in the town of Trade, on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, and is clearly visible from the road.

The Johnson County Center for the Arts provides another cultural focal point. It showcases works by more than 30 Appalachian craftspeople. Heritage Hall Theatre originated as a school auditorium built in 1923; it was restored and reopened as Heritage Hall Theatre in September 2005. Today, the Theatre presents performances and community events. Depending on the pace you want for your trip, you can alternate days in nature with cultural destinations like these and choose accommodation based on which experiences are most important to your travel plans.

More places to include in your search

You can also visit Mountain City as another destination at this level. If you would like to expand your search to other destinations at the same level, you can find Scott County, Dyer, Gibson, Lauderdale County, Jackson County, Cumberland County, and Putnam County here.

To the overview of higher-level destinations: Tennessee.