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Experience a unique Appalachian festival in beautiful Shady Valley!
Situated between Holston Mountain and Iron Mountain, at an elevation of 2,785 feet, Shady Valley is the second highest community in Tennessee.
Famous for The Snake, boasting 489 curves across 3 mountains and through one of the most beautiful valleys in the state, this remote area of Johnson County draws people from around the country for its thrills and its views. What surprises many is the presence of historic cranberry bogs created by a cold ecosystem far south of their usual range.
Admission is free and proceeds benefit the Olan Bentley Memorial Scholarship program. Follow them on Facebook!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SHADY VALLEY CRANBERRY FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AS PLANNED.
Make sure you confirm travel plans with recent
road closings due to storm damage
Shady Valley once contained an estimated 10,000 acres of boreal cranberry Bogs. Today, the annual Cranberry Festival is held each October to celebrate the one remaining bog.
In its 32nd year, the Cranberry Festival is a unique experience for the entire family. On Friday evening, locals and visitors will enjoy a traditional Appalachian bean dinner and auction. A silent and live auction will be held to raise funds for their local scholarship program.
Attendees are invited back on Saturday for a breakfast at the historic Shady Valley Rock School where the history of this beautiful valley has been carefully curated and preserved for future generations. Festival goers will enjoy the annual parade reminiscent of a bygone era. There will be plenty of arts and crafts vendors, delicious food vendors, authentic Bluegrass music and inflatables for the kids.
Get to Know Us
Embrace our great outdoors . . .
Breathe in our fresh clean air . . .
Revel in the sound of an aviary symphony each morning . . .
And gaze up at our beautiful starry sky!
You'll quickly come to love our way of life as you enjoy our spirit of adventure . . . rich musical heritage . . . and some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the US.
Located in the Northeast tip of Tennessee, we have become a popular vacation destination offering exciting outdoor adventures, fun on the beautiful Watauga Lake, fine dining experiences and welcoming trademark festivals.
Situated at the highest valley in the area, you will want to make Mountain City in Johnson County an annual trip!
