Set in the mountains of the northern part of East Tennessee, Bays Mountain Park is an expansive nature preserve that belongs to the city of Kingsport.
Home to nearly 4,000 acres of land, you may be wondering if Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is worth visiting?
I’ve visited several times—enjoying tours, trails, and exhibits—so here are my honest thoughts.
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What is Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium?
Established in 1971, Bays Mountain Park is the state’s largest city owned park. It covers 3,788 acres and includes a 44-acre lake, a dam, a nature center with native animal habitats, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater.
It’s a popular place to visit for the local community, while still attracting visitors from across the region. The park offers plenty of things to do, whether you’re visiting solo, as a family, or with a partner.
There are 44 miles of hiking trails, so it’s well suited for the outdoorsy or active, with many chances to see wildlife such as beavers, deer, fish, birds, and more out on the trails.
Then, there are nature exhibits and talks with naturalists and park rangers, immersive barge tours, and shows in the Planetarium.
What I Personally Love About Bays Mountain Park, TN
East Tennessee is a serious gem for nature lovers, but I never even knew Bays Mountain Park existed until I was looking on Google Maps for things to do.
When I finally visited, I was shocked how serene and immersive it feels. It feels tucked away while still being minutes from downtown Kingsport.
So I was already impressed when I visited and found the place to be so welcoming, vibrant with visitors, and well kept. I kept reminding myself how crazy it was that I’d never heard of this place.
Then, I went to the Lily Pad Pavilion and really fell in love. It’s this little pavilion (which acts as a wedding venue as well!) on the lake, surrounded by hundreds of watershields, which are a distant relative to the water lily.
From there, the trails continued to blow me away. I’ve mainly done the Lakeshore Trail, and it’s full of water crossings, picturesque lake views, and even the chance to walk across the dam.
I was the least impressed with the animal habitats, as it’s not really my thing. It’s unclear how the habitats came to be at Bays Mountain Park, but I know the mammals were all born in human care.
Nonetheless, it’s a place I can keep coming back to, whether it’s for hiking, seeing a Planetarium show, hopping on the barge, or having a peaceful wander about.
Best Things to do at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
There is so much to uncover at Bays Mountain Park. After you pay the $7 per vehicle parking fee, you’ll have access to over 3,000 acres of nature. You can’t possibly see it all in one day, but here are some of the best options to get you started.
Ride the Barge Tour Across the Reservoir
Besides the trails, my favorite thing to do at Bays Mountain Park is ride the barge. If you aren’t a member of the park, it costs $6 per person to ride the barge and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
The barge tour usually starts at 3 p.m. but can happen more or less frequently depending on the time of year. I suggest checking the Bays Mountain calendar before planning your visit.
The barge tour is led by a naturalist who will give you a rundown on the park’s history while also pointing out the flora and fauna as you ride through the reservoir lake.
If you have binoculars, this is a good opportunity to use them! Your naturalist will also be using them as they point out animals, habitats, and plant species.
It’s very family friendly and something that is great to do on different visits, as there’s always something different to see.
And honestly, the barge ride is easily one of the most unexpectedly relaxing things I’ve done in East Tennessee.
Explore the Hiking Trails
There are dozens of trails at Bays Mountain Park and it’s one of the main reasons people visit. Trails vary in length, difficulty, and scenery, so it’s worth checking the trail map or visiting the Nature Center and talking to a guide before hopping on a trail.
There are trails that cover the perimeter of the lake, like the Lakeshore Trail, and even ones that go up to the fire tower at the top of the bottom—the Fire Tower trail.
My favorite is the Lakeshore Trail. It’s nice to do it through various seasons and see how the scenery changes. I love all the wetland areas, the sounds of frogs or other wildlife, views of the watershield-filled water, and all the bridges and boardwalk crossings.
If you are looking for more hiking trails in the area, I highly recommend Margarette Falls in Greeneville.
Visit the Planetarium
One of the park’s coolest features is its state-of-the-art Planetarium. This venue puts on different shows and exhibits, some featuring the moon and the stars, others on the sun or other bits of our solar system.
Other times, even more unique things are available. At the time of writing this, they are doing an immersive showing tied in with the Pink Floyd album The Dark Side of the Moon.
Shows at the Bays Mountain Planetarium seem to vary in price. I’ve mostly seen prices between $5 and $15. Remember to check the calendar and book in advance for some of the more popular shows.
If you catch yourself out on a rainy day in Kingsport, this is an awesome way to enjoy nature while staying dry.
See the Animal Habitats
Just beyond the Nature Center, you’ll be able to see native animals such as wolves, bobcats, red foxes, and birds of prey. There are also reptiles and amphibians in the Herpetarium.
These exhibits are free to visit and, usually at least once a day, there is a talk led by one of the rangers. Once again, check the calendar in advance and show up at that particular animal habitat if you want to learn more.
Is Bays Mountain Park good for hiking?
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium doesn’t have hikes as dramatic as the Smokies, but it’s got something unique to offer. Bays Mountain, in my opinion, is an excellent place for hikes if you are looking for something peaceful, nature-focused, and not too strenuous.
It’s great for natural lovers, casual hikers, or families looking for outdoorsy things to do in East Tennessee. It’s also a lot quieter and easier to access than the Great Smoky Mountains. That’s why lately I’ve been taking more trips to Bays Mountain than the Smokies, simply because the drive is a lot more pleasant.
When is the best time to visit Bays Mountain Park, TN?
I honestly don’t think there’s a bad time to visit Bays Mountain Park, but each season offers a slightly different experience.
Spring is really nice, especially from late April into May, when everything starts turning intensely green again. This is also when the watershields begin appearing across parts of the reservoir. They look similar to lily pads at first glance, but they’re actually a different aquatic plant entirely. Seeing them slowly spread across the water makes the whole preserve feel especially peaceful this time of year.
Summer is ideal if you want to spend more time outdoors hiking, attending ranger programs, doing their kayak excursions, or taking the barge ride across the reservoir. The trees provide plenty of shade on many of the trails, which helps on hotter East Tennessee days.
Fall is probably the most scenic season to visit Bays Mountain Park. The changing leaves reflect beautifully off the water, and the cooler temperatures make longer hikes much more enjoyable.
Winter tends to be the quietest season. While the landscape is less lush, it can feel incredibly calm and reflective—especially if you enjoy quieter trails and fewer visitors. There is a moodiness to it that I find captivating.
Personally, I think Bays Mountain Park is best enjoyed slowly, regardless of the season. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours wandering trails, listening to a ranger talk, or simply sitting by the water without feeling rushed.
Things to Know Before You Visit Bays Mountain Park
Before visiting Bays Mountain Park, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
- There is a small entrance fee to enter the park. As of 2026, it is $7 per vehicle.
- Check the barge tour schedule ahead of time if you want to ride across the reservoir. Tours run at specific times throughout the day and can occasionally fill up on weekends. I’d buy tickets right after parking, in case you’re cutting it close on time. Get them at the Nature Center for $6.
- Bring water, especially during spring and summer. Even shorter trails can feel warm and humid in East Tennessee.
- Wear good walking or hiking shoes. The park is larger than it first appears, and you’ll likely end up doing more walking than expected between the trails, overlooks, exhibits, and reservoir area.
- Cell service may become spotty in certain parts of the preserve, particularly farther away from the main facilities and parking areas.
- Check the weather forecast before hiking. Some trails can become muddy after rain, and summer afternoons can get quite hot.
- Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Bays Mountain is the kind of place that’s best enjoyed slowly!
- Pack a lunch, as there are limited food options. There are picnic tables near the parking area.
- They have memberships! Get free parking, barge rides, and other perks for just $40/year.
So, is Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport, TN worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. It’s affordable, there are so many different ways to spend your time, and honestly, it feels unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in East Tennessee. The combination of the reservoir, hiking trails, wildlife, planetarium, and ranger-led programs makes it feel incredibly unique—especially for a city-owned park.
You can also tell how much care the rangers and staff put into maintaining the preserve and creating meaningful experiences for visitors. That really comes through when you’re there.
If you’re expecting a massive tourist attraction packed with nonstop entertainment, Bays Mountain might not be the right fit for you. But if you enjoy slower afternoons, quiet trails, scenic water views, and places that help you reconnect with nature a little, I think Bays Mountain Park is absolutely worth visiting.
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