Bays Mountain Park: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
{{Park
{{Infobox Park
|Banner Image=File:BMP Bays Mountain Park Sign.jpg
| Image Name = BMP Bays Mountain Park Sign.jpg
|Park Type=City Park
| Type = City Park
|Park Website=http://www.baysmountain.com
| City = Kingsport
|Trail Map Link=https://www.baysmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/BMP-Trail-Nature-Center-Grounds-Map-Georeferenced-20240503.pdf
| State = Tennessee
|Entrance Fee=7.00
| Park Use = {{Biking}} {{Dogs}} {{Fishing}} {{Hike}}
|Entrance Fee Type=per vehicle
| Area = 3,550 acres
|Activities=Hiking, Biking, Geocaching, Fishing, Climbing
| High Point =
|Features=Vistas, Rivers, Lakes, Mountains
| Operated By =  
|Park Amenities=Picnicking
| Parking coords = 36.508821,-82.609545
|City=Kingsport
|Area=3,550 acres
|Operated By=City of Kingsport
|Main Location=36.50847, -82.61035
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
<display_map type="terrain" zoom="14" height="850" width="auto" gkml="https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Azalea_Trail.kml,https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_bays_mountain_road.kml,
<!-- Start of Main Page -->
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Back_Hollow_Road.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Bays_Ridge_Road.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Bays_Ridge_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Bear_Run_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Big_Oak_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Cherry_Knobs_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Chestnut_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Cliffside_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Chinquapin_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Cross_Ridges_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Food_Plot_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Front_Hollow_Road.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Hemlock_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Holly_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Indian_Pipes_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Jones_Road.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Kiner_Hollow_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Lake_Road.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_lakeside_trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Laurel_Run_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Orchid_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Pine_Trail.kml">
36.49487, -82.60517~Bays Mountain Park~Main entrance gate
36.50803,-82.61255~Lakeside Trail~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50863,-82.61184~Dolan Branch Trail~ ~MarkerG.png
36.52616,-82.58778~Intersection [[Azalea]] and [[Bays Mountain Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.506548,-82.631278~Crossroads with [[Back Hollow Road]] and [[River Mountain Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.497900,-82.627713~Crossroads with [[Bays Ridge Road]] and [[Front Hollow Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.506548,-82.631278~Crossroads with [[Back Hollow Road]] and [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] At Feagin's Gap~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51147,-82.61314~Junction of [[Lakeside Trail]] and [[Towee Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51272,-82.61330~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] and [[Towee Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51196,-82.61657~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] and [[Hemlock Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51094,-82.61563~Junction of [[Lakeside Trail]] and [[Hemlock Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50908,-82.62115~Junction of [[Lakeside Trail]] and [[Sweet Gum Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50949,-82.62131~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]], [[Sweet Gum Trail]], and [[Chinquapin Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51116,-82.61407~SW junction of [[Lakeside Trail]] and [[Holly Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51143,-82.61215~NE junction of [[Lakeside Trail]] and [[Holly Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51545, -82.62378~Garden Mountain/Kingsport Lookout Tower~[[Image:BMP_Firetower_Trail_tower.jpg|150px]]~MarkerE.png
36.51202, -82.61669~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[Firetower Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50721,-82.61369~Junction of [[Lakeside Trail]] and [[Pine Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50708,-82.61358~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] and [[Pine Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50631,-82.61311~Junction of [[Bays Ridge Road]] and [[Pine Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50349,-82.61893~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] and [[Orchid Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Orchid Trail sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.50049,-82.61786~Junction of [[Bays Ridge Road]] and [[Orchid Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.49603,-82.63158~Junction of [[Jones Road]] and [[Front Hollow Road]] by "Big Oak"~[[Image:BMP Big Oak.JPG|100px]]~MarkerG.png
36.49210,-82.63372~Junction of [[Jones Road]] and[[Bays Ridge Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.49777,-82.64269~Junction of [[Cross Ridges Trail]] and [[Back Hollow Road]] and [[BMP Pretty Ridge Trail|Pretty Ridge Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.49683,-82.63629~Junction of [[Cross Ridges Trail]] and [[Cherry Knobs]]~[[Image:BMP CK-CR sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.49511,-82.63438~Junction of [[Cross Ridges Trail]] and [[BMP Front Hollow Road|Front Hollow Road]]~[[Image:BMP CR FHR sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.50584,-82.61830~Junction of [[Cherry Knobs]] and [[Lakeside Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50342,-82.62847~Junction of [[Cherry Knobs]] and [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]]~[[Image:BMP CK LR sign1.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.500972,-82.630974~Junction of [[Cherry Knobs]] and [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]]~[[Image:BMP CK LR sign2.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.52726, -82.5861~Overlook of Kingsport downtown~[[Image:BMP View of downtown Kingsport.JPG|Overlook of Kingsport downtown|150px]][[Image:BMP Antennas.JPG|Antennas|150px]]~MarkerE.png
36.51262,-82.60520~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] and [[Azalea]]~[[Image:BMP Azalea Trail sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.52614,-82.58772~Junction of [[Bays Mountain Road]] and [[Azalea]]~[[Image:BMP Azalea Trail sign at BMR.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.52221,-82.59283~Junction of [[Big Oak Trail]] and [[Azalea]]~[[Image:BMP Split at Azalea and Big Oak Trails.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.51368,-82.60603~Junction of [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]] and [[Big Oak Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Lake Road sign at Big Oak Trail.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.51452,-82.60601~Junction of [[Chinquapin Trail]] and [[Big Oak Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Big Oak - Chinquapin Trail sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.51276,-82.61764~Junction of [[Chinquapin Trail]] and [[Firetower Trail]]~[[Image:BMP FT-CQ sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.50951,-82.62137~Junction of [[Chinquapin Trail]] and [[Lake Road (Bays Mountain Park)|Lake Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
</display_map>
__TOC__
== Park Overview ==
== Park Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the park. What attracts you to this park, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
<!-- Enter a overview of the park. What attracts you to this park, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Expansive city park with {{Park trail count}} trails covering a total of {{Park trail miles}} for hiking and mountain biking. Also unique additional amenities of an animal habitats, ropes course with zip line, planetarium, and more...
Expansive city park with {{Park trail count|Park={{PAGENAME}}}} trails covering a total of {{Park trail miles|Park={{PAGENAME}}}} 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 ==
== How to get there ==
Line 28: Line 92:
# Proceed about 2 miles.
# Proceed about 2 miles.
# Turn right on Bays Mountain Road.
# Turn right on Bays Mountain Road.
# Proceed to the left and into park to pay $4 entrance fee (effective 9/1/2011) or present pass.
# Proceed to the left and into park to pay entrance fee or present pass.


GPS Address:  853 Bays Mountain Park Road
GPS Address:  853 Bays Mountain Park Road


== Park Trails ==
== Hiking ==
 
=== Park Trails ===
<!-- A list of trails in the park. Ideally automatically generated from trail pages listing here as its "park" -->
<!-- A list of trails in the park. Ideally automatically generated from trail pages listing here as its "park" -->
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.
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 Chinquapin and Bear Run trails.


{{Park trail list}}
{{Park trail table|Park={{PAGENAME}}}}


=== Hike Plans ===
=== Hike Plans ===
{{Park hike plan list}}
{{Park hike plan list|Park={{PAGENAME}}}}


== Park Lodging ==
== Park Lodging ==
Line 57: Line 123:
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
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)
There is a $7/vehicle gate fee (effective 7/1/2023) to enter the park.  (Or free as benefit for park association members:  $35 individual, $60 family per year)


The park grounds are open
The park grounds are open
Line 69: Line 135:
Dogs are allowed at Bays Mountain Park, but not around the animal habitats, thus please skirt using Lake Road.
Dogs are allowed at Bays Mountain Park, but not around the animal habitats, thus please skirt using Lake Road.
<br>Mountain bikes are allowed, upon inspection, on designated trails (thus carry a map to know where!).
<br>Mountain bikes are allowed, upon inspection, on designated trails (thus carry a map to know where!).
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
Bays Mountain Park website [http://www.baysmountain.com link]<br>
Bays Mountain Hiking and Biking Trail Map [http://www.baysmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/BMP-Trail-Map-2013.jpg link]<br>
== After the Hike ==
<!-- Other things to check out while you're in the area. Restaurants, attractions, monuments, etc... -->
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
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.
<display_map type="terrain" zoom="14" height="850" width="auto" gkml="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Azalea_Trail.kml,http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_bays_mountain_road.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Back_Hollow_Road.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Bays_Ridge_Road.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Bays_Ridge_Trail.kml
,http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Bear_Run_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Big_Oak_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Cherry_Knobs_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Chestnut_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Cliffside_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Chinquapin_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Cross_Ridges_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Fern_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Food_Plot_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Front_Hollow_Road.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Hemlock_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Holly_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Indian_Pipes_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Jones_Road.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Kiner_Hollow_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Lake_Road.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_lakeside_trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Laurel_Run_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Orchid_Trail.kml,
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/BMP_Pine_Trail.kml">
36.49487, -82.60517~Bays Mountain Park~Main entrance gate
36.50803,-82.61255~Lakeside Trail~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50863,-82.61184~Dolan Branch Trail~ ~MarkerG.png
36.52616,-82.58778~Intersection [[BMP Azalea Trail]] and [[BMP Bays Mountain Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.506548,-82.631278~Crossroads with [[BMP Back Hollow Road|Back Hollow Road]] and [[BMP River Mountain Road|River Mountain Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.497900,-82.627713~Crossroads with [[BMP Bays Ridge Road|Bays Ridge Road]] and [[BMP Front Hollow Road|Front Hollow Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.506548,-82.631278~Crossroads with [[BMP Back Hollow Road|Back Hollow Road]] and [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] At Feagin's Gap~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51147,-82.61314~Junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Towee Trail|Towee Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51272,-82.61330~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Towee Trail|Towee Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51196,-82.61657~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Hemlock Trail|Hemlock Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51094,-82.61563~Junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Hemlock Trail|Hemlock Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51206,-82.60772~Junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Fern Trail|Fern Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51337,-82.60574~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Fern Trail|Fern Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50908,-82.62115~Junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Sweet Gum Trail|Sweet Gum Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50949,-82.62131~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]], [[BMP Sweet Gum Trail|Sweet Gum Trail]], and [[BMP Chinquapin Trail|Chinquapin Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51116,-82.61407~SW junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Holly Trail|Holly Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51143,-82.61215~NE junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Holly Trail|Holly Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.51545, -82.62378~Garden Mountain/Kingsport Lookout Tower~[[Image:BMP_Firetower_Trail_tower.jpg|150px]]~MarkerE.png
36.51202, -82.61669~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Firetower Trail|Firetower Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50721,-82.61369~Junction of [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]] and [[BMP Pine Trail|Pine Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50708,-82.61358~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Pine Trail|Pine Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50631,-82.61311~Junction of [[BMP Bays Ridge Road|Bays Ridge Road]] and [[BMP Pine Trail|Pine Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50349,-82.61893~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Orchid Trail|Orchid Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Orchid Trail sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.50049,-82.61786~Junction of [[BMP Bays Ridge Road|Bays Ridge Road]] and [[BMP Orchid Trail|Orchid Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.49603,-82.63158~Junction of [[BMP Jones Road|Jones Road]] and [[BMP Front Hollow Road|Front Hollow Road]] by "Big Oak"~[[Image:BMP Big Oak.JPG|100px]]~MarkerG.png
36.49210,-82.63372~Junction of [[BMP Jones Road|Jones Road]] and[[BMP Bays Ridge Road|Bays Ridge Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.49777,-82.64269~Junction of [[BMP Cross Ridges Trail|Cross Ridges Trail]] and [[BMP Back Hollow Road|Back Hollow Road]] and [[BMP Pretty Ridge Trail|Pretty Ridge Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.49683,-82.63629~Junction of [[BMP Cross Ridges Trail|Cross Ridges Trail]] and [[BMP Cherry Knobs Trail|Cherry Knobs Trail]]~[[Image:BMP CK-CR sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.49511,-82.63438~Junction of [[BMP Cross Ridges Trail|Cross Ridges Trail]] and [[BMP Front Hollow Road|Front Hollow Road]]~[[Image:BMP CR FHR sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.50584,-82.61830~Junction of [[BMP Cherry Knobs Trail|Cherry Knobs Trail]] and [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]]~ ~MarkerG.png
36.50342,-82.62847~Junction of [[BMP Cherry Knobs Trail|Cherry Knobs Trail]] and [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]]~[[Image:BMP CK LR sign1.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.500972,-82.630974~Junction of [[BMP Cherry Knobs Trail|Cherry Knobs Trail]] and [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]]~[[Image:BMP CK LR sign2.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.52726, -82.5861~Overlook of Kingsport downtown~[[Image:BMP View of downtown Kingsport.JPG|Overlook of Kingsport downtown|150px]][[Image:BMP Antennas.JPG|Antennas|150px]]~MarkerE.png
36.51262,-82.60520~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Azalea Trail|Azalea Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Azalea Trail sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.52614,-82.58772~Junction of [[BMP Bays Mountain Road|Bays Mountain Road]] and [[BMP Azalea Trail|Azalea Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Azalea Trail sign at BMR.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.52221,-82.59283~Junction of [[BMP Big Oak Trail|Big Oak Trail]] and [[BMP Azalea Trail|Azalea Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Split at Azalea and Big Oak Trails.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.51368,-82.60603~Junction of [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]] and [[BMP Big Oak Trail|Big Oak Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Lake Road sign at Big Oak Trail.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.51452,-82.60601~Junction of [[BMP Chinquapin Trail|Chinquapin Trail]] and [[BMP Big Oak Trail|Big Oak Trail]]~[[Image:BMP Big Oak - Chinquapin Trail sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.51276,-82.61764~Junction of [[BMP Chinquapin Trail|Chinquapin Trail]] and [[BMP Firetower Trail|Firetower Trail]]~[[Image:BMP FT-CQ sign.JPG|50px]]~MarkerG.png
36.50951,-82.62137~Junction of [[BMP Chinquapin Trail|Chinquapin Trail]] and [[BMP Lake Road|Lake Road]]~ ~MarkerG.png
</display_map>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Park={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
<!-- Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
 
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
</gallery>
 
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to.  -->
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Medium]]

Latest revision as of 16:10, 24 May 2024

Bays Mountain Park
BMP Bays Mountain Park Sign.jpg
Park Type City Park
Located Kingsport, Tennessee
External Links Official Website

Official Trail Map

Entrance Fee $7.00 per vehicle
ActivitiesThings to do at the park HikingBikingGeocachingFishingClimbing
Park AmenitiesThings built to enjoy or use at the park Picnicking
FeaturesNatural things to see at the park VistasRiversLakesMountains
Park Trails

31 Trails / Total of 38.50 miles61.96 km <br />

Lodging Types None
Park Area 3,550 acres14.366 km² <br />
Operated By City of Kingsport
Main Location 36° 30' 30.49" N, 82° 36' 37.26" W Map
Loading map...
Show In Google Maps
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Park Overview[edit]

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[edit]

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 entrance fee or present pass.

GPS Address: 853 Bays Mountain Park Road

Hiking[edit]

Park Trails[edit]

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 Chinquapin and Bear Run trails.


Park Trails Distance Difficulty Marking Usage Highlight
Azalea 1.37 mi Hard Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Back Hollow Road 1.94 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocachingBiking
Barred Owl Trail 0.17 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocaching
Bays Mountain Road 2.08 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Bays Ridge Road 1.42 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Bays Ridge Trail 2.38 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Bear Run Trail 0.46 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching

 Connects River Mountain Road and Indian Pipes Trail
Big Oak Trail 0.93 mi Easy Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Cherry Knobs 1.53 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocaching
Chestnut Trail 1.49 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocachingBiking
Chinquapin Trail 1.56 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocachingBiking
Cliffside Trail 0.76 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocaching
Cross Ridges Trail 0.64 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocachingBiking
Dolan Branch Trail 0.39 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocaching
Fire Tower Trail 0.70 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Food Plot Road 0.37 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocaching
Front Hollow Road 1.70 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocachingBiking

 Artery trail for loop hikes on southwest end of park
Hemlock Trail 0.10 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocaching

 Connects Lakeside Trail with Lake Road
Holly Trail 0.34 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocaching
Indian Pipes Trail 1.91 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Jones Road 0.93 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocachingBiking
Kiner Hollow Trail 1.41 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Lake Road 4.33 mi Easy Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Lakeside Trail 2.32 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocaching
Laurel Run Trail 1.89 mi Medium White

HikingBikingGeocaching
Orchid Trail 0.27 mi Medium Signs

HikingGeocaching
Pine Trail 0.08 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocaching
Pretty Ridge Trail 1.72 mi Hard Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
River Mountain Road 3.21 mi Medium Signs

HikingBikingGeocaching
Sweet Gum Trail 0.03 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocaching
Towhee Trail 0.10 mi Easy Signs

HikingGeocaching

Hike Plans[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

There is a $7/vehicle gate fee (effective 7/1/2023) to enter the park. (Or free as benefit for park association members: $35 individual, $60 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!).

Photos[edit]

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