Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport, TN

On 3500 acres of natural land sits the Bays Mountain Park of Kingsport, Tennessee. This park is a nature center, Farmstead Museum, and Planetarium Theater. The theater has a 40 foot diameter dome. Park programs are available at Bays Mountain for school children, where each year 33 counties in 5 states come to visit. Bays Mountain Park is in the northeast section of Bays Mountain, which is a few miles from Kingsport's downtown. The entire park is ringed with mountain ridges, putting it in a natural basin that helps protect the wildlife. Bays Mountain Park is open year round for all visitors.

In the spring there are over 60 different species of wildflowers and grouse that are looking for a mate. During the autumn season one can be wowed by the Appalachian fall colors. Maples, sourwoods, and tulip trees all turn beautiful colors and make a perfect stop for waterfowl migrating to the lake in the area. Winter brings snow to Bays Mountain, covering the trees and ground. There are 25 miles of Nordic trails, and it is possible to see deer and wild turkey.

The hours and fees are subject to change. Regular hours between March through May and September through October are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm, Saturday 8:30am to 8pm, and Sunday noon to 8pm. The nature center has different hours and is open Saturday and Sunday noon to 7pm. From June to August the park and nature center is open a few hours longer each day. Winter hours are restricted. The park is closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving. It can also be closed if hazardous conditions exist during winter like icy roads. The park fee is $3 per car and $12 per bus. Program tickets are $1.50 per person for Nature programs and barge rides. The planetarium shows are $3 per person for anyone over six.

The Nature Center is in the main building which has the planetarium theater, classrooms, watershed room library, gift shop, and staff offices. Within the nature center visitors will find information on the natural history and space exploration. A reproduction of the extinct Dodo bird has been created for display in the nature center. There are also dioramas like a red fox in a winter scene.

The Herpetarium has a classroom for education. It also houses numerous species of reptile and amphibians. Food storage and prep areas for the live animals at the Bays Mountain Park are at the Herpetarium. The building features eight native snakes in their natural habitats. These snakes are the Timber Rattlesnake, Northern Copperhead, Northern Water Snake, Milk Snake, Eastern Kingsnake, Northern Pine Snake, Corn Snakes, and Black Rat Snake.

The last exhibit is the Farmstead Museum. This area has tools, farm implements, and diorama recreations that show the life of settlers from the past two centuries. Much of the displays come from the19th century, showing what it would have been like in the pioneer days. Even the building was created using hand hewn logs to illustrate the previous techniques.