Mountain City, TN

Travel Guide

This was probably the most framing that I put into a photograph, and I realized that as I took the picture. I wanted to capture Mountain City, TN in a different way, other than just the beautiful mountains or the gristmill. This photo of all the arrowed signs facing different directions within the city signifies not only what the city has to offer, but the rich history and diversity. Each part of the sign can tell its own story to Mountain City. For example, Doe Mountain is full of recreation and beautiful landscapes, while you can find more history at Heritage Hall, which is a 1923 former high school auditorium. And keeping with the contrasting theme of new while preserving the old Appalachia, compare the Trade Gristmill to the Welcome Center. The Trade Gristmill has been around since 1802 and is one of the first working gristmills in the Johnston County Area. Compare that to a place like the Mountain City Welcome Center, which a spot designed to inform tourists about all the area has to offer such as the gristmill, and you have the old Appalachia becoming part of the new. #appalachianechoes
This was probably the most framing that I put into a photograph, and I realized that as I took the picture. I wanted to capture Mountain City, TN in a different way, other than just the beautiful mountains or the gristmill. This photo of all the arrowed signs facing different directions within the city signifies not only what the city has to offer, but the rich history and diversity. Each part of the sign can tell its own story to Mountain City. For example, Doe Mountain is full of recreation and beautiful landscapes, while you can find more history at Heritage Hall, which is a 1923 former high school auditorium. And keeping with the contrasting theme of new while preserving the old Appalachia, compare the Trade Gristmill to the Welcome Center. The Trade Gristmill has been around since 1802 and is one of the first working gristmills in the Johnston County Area. Compare that to a place like the Mountain City Welcome Center, which a spot designed to inform tourists about all the area has to offer such as the gristmill, and you have the old Appalachia becoming part of the new. #appalachianechoes
This is another example of the new vs. the old Appalachia through contrasting nature with development. Instead of a shopping and entertainment center, this is of a newly developed home that is (most likely) hundreds of thousands of dollars. It sits on a smaller hill, right off highway TN-91 in Wills, TN, an extremely small junction halfway between Laurel Bloomery and Mountain City. The frame doesn’t contain as much nature as other photos purposely. The goal in that is to show we can combine the new needs of Appalachia with the old beauty, but at a certain point, the new may strip away ‘too much’ of the old. #appalachianechoes
Americourt Hotel

Americourt Hotel

2.5 out of 5
450 Dotson Lane Mountain City TN
Stay at this motel in Mountain City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (528 reviews)
Friendly staff

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Get rates
Americourt Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

3 out of 5
165 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC
The price is ₩147,310 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
₩147,310
₩166,092 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
Tge breakfast was phenomenal berter than the waffle house no kidding nicest hotel staff ever and maintenance was roghg on the issue woth the fireplace we just didn't know how tl operate it lol

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
2419 NC HWY 105 South Boone NC
The price is ₩179,309 per night from Jan 27 to Jan 28
₩179,309
₩202,170 total
Jan 27 - Jan 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,251 reviews)
Loved my stay here. Staff was very polite. The place was very clean & the breakfast was great. A lot of great restaurants in the area. Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
See all 5,801 properties in Mountain City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (777 reviews)
Great place to stay at Sugar! The condo was spacious yet cozy. Very clean. The staff were very friendly! I have no complaints! You do have to either drive down to the bottom parking or take the shuttle down to ski. The bus stop is very close to the condos which was nice. And of course the view was ...

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (265 reviews)
Well located, near Sugar Mountain. The room was confortable and with very good amenities.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Appalachian Ski Mtn. and Tweetsie Railroad are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (163 reviews)
Amazing time here! Clean, helpful staff, beautiful views, & peaceful. Great place to stay!! Definitely coming again!

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
See all properties in Mountain City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Doe Mountain Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Doe Mountain Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Mountain City. Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Doe Mountain Recreation Area

Johnson County Welcome Center and Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Johnson County Welcome Center and Museum during your travels in Mountain City. Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Johnson County Welcome Center and Museum

Johnson County Public Library

Johnson County Public Library is just one of the places to see in Mountain City, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Johnson County Public Library

Roan Valley Commons

You can do some window-shopping at Roan Valley Commons during your visit to Mountain City. Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Roan Valley Commons

Red Tail Golf Course

4/5(1 review)

Enjoy a round of golf in Mountain City at Red Tail Golf Course. Stroll along the lakeside in this relaxing area, or seek out the fishing spots.

Red Tail Golf Course

Johnson County Community Hospital

Though Johnson County Community Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Mountain City while you are here.

Johnson County Community Hospital

Reviews of Mountain City

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 21%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 32%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 5%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It’s a bit far from Boone which was the original request for a reservation. 35 minutes mountain driving. But the views are worth it.

4/5 - Good

R.B.

liked Mountain City. Will go back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice, quiet town