A high mountain valley at 2,800 feet elevation surrounded by Iron Mountain, Holston Mountain, and Cross Mountain, Shady Valley is one of the most ecologically distinctive landscapes in Appalachia — home to a rare peatland cranberry bog, diverse bird populations including Henslow's sparrows, and a historic agricultural valley of exceptional scenic beauty. The Nature Conservancy and Tennessee state agencies protect key wetland parcels. A bucket-list destination for birders and ecotourists in the Tri-Cities region.