Curtis and Ann are unhappy to learn that they are unable to have children of their own. However, an orphan boy visiting with the Waltons shows them that they can still have a family by adopting him.
Strange things are occurring at the Walton home. The family uses a Ouija board to ask questions about the happenings. A small boy staying at the home is to leave to meet his father. Things happen to prevent this.
Now that he is in college, John Boy is in need of a car. He finds a good car owned by a neighbor and makes a deal to trade the car for work he does on the neighbor's house.
Grandpa's sister in law is being forced out of their home by a government project. The Waltons go to their land to help defend the homestead. John-Boy is torn between his ideals and the family loyalty.
John Boy and his mule aim to get the Walton family name on a local race's trophy for the first time since Grandpa won the race years ago. It seems to be a sure victory until a well-to-do college mate and his thoroughbred racehorse enter.
John Boy tutors another person on a scholarship. He cheats during test and has to be turned in. John Boy acts as his lawyer to keep him in college rather than be expelled.
A mountain man moves his family back to Walton's Mountain. The family members (except the father) are city folks and do not enjoy the mountains. Spoiled brats, they try to show the Waltons they are country hicks.
The publication of John Boy's book of short stories gives John-Boy a swelled-head and overshadows Jason's debut as a musician. Complications arise because of that.
An elderly former neighbor comes back to Walton's Mountain to live. Everyone helps get the house ready for his wife's return, but strange circumstances surround the visit.