Abstract
: This study examined the perceived values of the potentials of mountains and hills for the development in Ekiti State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 500 respondents from community residents and 384 visitors while questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, and means, while inferential statistical tools such as t-test, Chi-square, correlation coefficient and regression were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the hypotheses showed that there was statistically significant difference between the way community residents and visitors perceived the values of mountains and hills tourism development in Ekiti State in terms of non-use value (t=5.06**, p<0.01), recreation value (t=6.63**, p<0.01), intrinsic value (t=8.68**, p<0.01), use value (t=2.77**, p<0.01). The implication of the study is that the development of mountains and hills tourism in these communities will create both positive and negative responses arising from their varied opinions which will help to shape the entire structure and its future growth and development. It was recommended that the government of Ekiti should partner with the interested individuals and private sectors to develop mountains and hills in Ekiti communities so as to give tourism a jolt to prominence. 
 Keywords: Communities, Visitors, non-use, recreation, intrinsic, use
Highlights
Mountains resort in Cross-river State is a beehive of interesting activities that provide pleasure and comfort for some categories of tourists in Nigeria and other international tourists
Marital status of respondents is pertinent to the study because it will elucidate individuals or groups of potential and existing patrons of mountains and hills tourism in Ekiti State
The results showed that; gender, education, occupation, religion, nationality, ethnic group and experience of community residents and visitors have significant relationships with their perceived values of mountains and hills tourism development
Summary
Mountains resort in Cross-river State is a beehive of interesting activities that provide pleasure and comfort for some categories of tourists in Nigeria and other international tourists. Many families visit this area to spend their holidays and participate in various interesting and beneficial leisure activities for their rejuvenation and psych well-being. Ekiti State is dotted with Rocky Mountains and hills of various types, shapes and sizes wonderfully positioned in some communities across the state.
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