About Us

The Mountain Time Story

Growing up taking family trips to Gatlinburg, Melinda Johnson fell in love with the classic Appalachian traditions that define the Great Smoky Mountains. Those visits shaped her understanding of what makes a mountain vacation truly meaningful. When a casual conversation on the sidelines of her child's soccer game sparked a new business opportunity, Melinda took the leap into short-term rentals, launching Mountain Time Cabin Rentals in 2016. Today, she runs the business alongside her daughter, combining hands-on local care with genuine southern hospitality.

"Time is the only thing that we have. You can't get it back. And so, once it's spent and you've made great memories, you have that forever."

— Melinda Johnson

As both cabin owners and property managers, the team at Mountain Time approaches every rental from the perspective of an owner and a host. They personally visit properties, conduct regular maintenance checks, and partner with trusted local businesses to keep every cabin in top condition. Mountain Time focuses on building genuine, personal connections rather than treating travelers like reservation numbers.

"I really feel like we're contributing to the well-being of others through [their] vacation. Knowing that people are making lasting family memories, it makes it a great experience."

— Melinda Johnson

To Mountain Time, providing a mountain retreat is about much more than managing square footage. It is about offering families a comfortable place to cook meals together, share evening chats on porch rockers, and recharge away from busy daily routines. With every stay, Mountain Time Cabin Rentals continues its mission of delivering effortless, memorable Smoky Mountain vacations rooted in authentic family values.