Bays Mountain Park

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Park Overview

Expansive city park with 31 trails covering a total of 38.50 miles for hiking and mountain biking. Also unique additional amenities of an animal habitats, ropes course with zip line, planetarium, and more...

How to get there

From I-26/I-81 crossing

  1. Head north on I-26.
  2. Get off at exit 3 (Meadow View Parkway).
  3. Turn left on Meadowview Parkway for about ¼ mile.
  4. Bear left at fork on to Reservoir Road.
  5. Proceed about 2 miles.
  6. Reservoir Road bears right (blue Bays Mountain sign).
  7. Proceed about 2 miles.
  8. Turn right on Bays Mountain Road.
  9. Proceed to the left and into park to pay $4 entrance fee (effective 9/1/2011) or present pass.

GPS Address: 853 Bays Mountain Park Road

Hiking

Park Trails

The most popular park hiking trails are Lakeside (with side trip on Holly) and Firetower. Those going mountain biking enjoy the main park roads (not the Hollows) and the newly constructed Chinquapin and Bear Run trails.


Azalea, Back Hollow Road, Barred Owl Trail, Bays Mountain Road, Bays Ridge Road, Bays Ridge Trail, Bear Run Trail, Big Oak Trail, Cherry Knobs, Chestnut Trail, Chinquapin Trail, Cliffside Trail, Cross Ridges Trail, Dolan Branch Trail, Fire Tower Trail, Food Plot Road, Front Hollow Road, Hemlock Trail, Holly Trail, Indian Pipes Trail, Jones Road, Kiner Hollow Trail, Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park), Lakeside Trail, Laurel Run Trail, Orchid Trail, Pine Trail, Pretty Ridge Trail, River Mountain Road, Sweet Gum Trail, Towhee Trail

Hike Plans

The following hike plans have been created within the park

Hike plansHike distanceHike descriptionTrails used
Bays 15 Miler14.8 mi23.818 km <br />The route used by Skelton Law Racing in September every yearAzalea
Lakeside Trail
River Mountain Road
Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)
Pretty Ridge Trail
Back Hollow Road
Indian Pipes Trail
Kiner Hollow Trail
Barred Owl Trail
Bays Structure Tour11 mi17.703 km <br />A long hike to see all of the abandoned homes, cabins, and barns within the parkLakeside Trail
Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)
Pretty Ridge Trail
Front Hollow Road
Back Hollow Road
Laurel Run Trail
Kiner Hollow Trail
Cherry Knobs

Park Lodging

No lodging of any type is offered on the premises. Eastman employees and retirees may use the nearby company owned campground, others can choose stay at nearby hotels and other campgrounds.

Other Park Amenities

  • Picnic areas
  • Nature center
  • Planetarium
  • Zip line and ropes course
  • Lake barge rides
  • Animal exhibits
  • Homestead museum

Fees, Permits, etc.

There is a $4 gate fee (increased 9/1/2011) to enter the park. (Or free as benefit for park association members: $25 individual, $35 family per year)

The park grounds are open

During March-May/September-October
Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-5:00PM, Sat: 8:30AM-8:00PM, Sun: 12:00PM-8:00PM
During June-August
Same as above, plus until 8:00PM weekdays
During November-February
Closing at 5:00PM every day.

Dogs are allowed at Bays Mountain Park, but not around the animal habitats, thus please skirt using Lake Road.
Mountain bikes are allowed, upon inspection, on designated trails (thus carry a map to know where!).

Misc. Information

Bays Mountain Park website link
Bays Mountain Hiking and Biking Trail Map link

After the Hike

Maps

The most popular park hiking trails are Lakeside (with side trip on Holly) and Firetower. Those going mountain biking enjoy the main park roads (not the Hollows) and the newly constructed Chinquapin and Bear Run trails.

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Photos