“Cheap” and “free” are my favorite travel buzzwords. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Mountain City, Tennessee. In fact, some of the best things to do here are completely free.
Mountain City has the highest elevation of any town in Tennessee. It’s beautiful here and much quieter than the busy towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The mountain scenery draws people from across the globe. Many visitors to Sevierville never really see the mountains. That’s not the case when you come to Northeast Tennessee. Here, the call of the mountains soothes your soul. If you enjoy mountain scenery, local history, small-town charm, and getting outside, you can easily fill several hours without putting much of a dent in your wallet.
Here are three inexpensive—or completely free—things to do in Mountain City.
1. Walk Mountain City’s Musical Heritage Mural Mile – Free
Downtown Mountain City has an attraction that doesn’t require a ticket: the Musical Heritage Mural Mile.
The murals celebrate Johnson County’s strong connections to Appalachian, old-time, and bluegrass music. You can walk through downtown at your own pace, look at the artwork, take pictures, and explore a little of the town while you’re there.
Pick up a free walking tour map at the Johnson County Center for the Arts. Don’t forget to browse the gorgeous handcrafted items sold there. If you’re looking for something fun to do that doesn’t require hiking boots, this is a place to visit. There’s no admission fee, and parking is free, but you might just find a souvenir you love.
Cost: Free
2. Visit the Johnson County Welcome Center and Museum – Free
One of Mountain City’s easiest-to-miss attractions is tucked inside the Johnson County Welcome Center on Highway 421.
The small Johnson County Museum of History contains photographs, artifacts, and exhibits covering the history of the area, including rural Appalachian culture and Johnson County’s musical heritage. Best of all, the county tourism office says there is no charge to tour the museum.
The log-cabin-style Welcome Center is also a good first stop if you’re visiting the area. You can pick up brochures and information about other things to see around Johnson County.
This isn’t a huge museum where you’ll spend an entire day, but that’s part of the charm. Pair it with the Mural Mile or Ralph Stout Park, and you’ve got an inexpensive afternoon outing.
Cost: Free
3. Stroll Through Ralph Stout Park – Free
Ralph Stout Park is one of the easiest places in Mountain City to enjoy a few hours, and it’s one of my favorites. It’s a bustling place on Saturday mornings in the summer when the farmers market is open. Unlike other hiking trails in the county, the path at Ralph Stout Park is largely accessible, and you can park close by. Kiddos will enjoy the new playground. The park also has mature trees, a pond, picnic spaces, a skate park, and a nine-hole disc golf course. It’s also home to the Johnson County Veterans Memorial Wall.
Cost: Free
An Extra Stop: Johnson County Center for the Arts
Visit the gift shop at the Johnson County Center for the Arts for locally created crafts. If you’re looking to take a souvenir home, this is a good spot. You’ll find beautiful items to fit almost any budget. There is plenty of free parking beside the building and along the curb in front.
Other popular places to look for souvenirs include:
- Nalley’s Shirt Shop
- Local’s Deli
- Know Better Coffee
- 105 South Main
Johnson County Bonus Idea: Drive the Snake
Not for the faint of heart! It is often recognized as one of the most dangerous drives in the country. This portion of US 421 in Johnson County has 489 curves in just 33 miles, including many switchbacks and steep inclines! The area is especially popular with motorcyclists and sports-car drivers. This isn’t a drive to rush. On the Snake, the journey is the destination.
More ideas for visiting Johnson County:
- Have a picnic or walk the trails at Watauga Lake.
- Rent an ATV at Doe Mountain Recreation Area. Check pricing.
- Walk the grounds of the Trade Gristmill.
- See the Daniel Boone Trail Marker at the Trade Community Center.
- Visit the Copperhead Road Landmark in Butler, Tennessee.
- Visit the Museum of Butler, TN, and learn about the town that wouldn’t drown. There is a nominal admission fee.
Mountain City Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
One of the nice things about Mountain City is that you don’t necessarily need an itinerary or a big entertainment budget. It’s family-friendly and budget-friendly. Visit the Welcome Center. Walk the Mural Mile. Browse the Johnson County Center for the Arts. Take a picnic to the park, and enjoy the relaxed pace of the Appalachian Mountains here in Tennessee.
