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Bays Mountain Park Trail System

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With just a few miles of trails existing prior to Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium opening in 1971, today's trail system boasts of roughly 40 miles of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking thanks to the support and labor of early and present Park naturalists and maintenance crews, trail maintenance volunteers and the support of the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA). Today, each of these groups continue to work diligently to ensure a trail system for all to enjoy, consistent with best practices of maintaining trails in a nature preserve and stated designated natural area.

Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Kingsport, and with trails suitable for all levels of expertise - for hikers and mountain bikers alike, Bays Mountain Park has become a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful escape that only a scenic woodland can offer. Those seeking to maintain their healthy lifestyle also find the Park's trails to be a refreshing alternative to the sidewalks and tracks joggers typically use. In fact, several trail races are held at the Park each year ranging from a very challenging 50K ultramarathon to the more standard 5K option. Of course, being a nature preserve, the trails remain a great resource for those seeking to enjoy being in one of the most biodiverse locations in the world; a distinction consistent with woodlands found in the Appalachian Mountains.

An easy drive from any of the surrounding Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia cities and communities, and open year-round, Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium's trails receives significant use, including serving as an asset in educational, interpretive programming for students and the general public.

Additional Information

Activities
Biking
Dog Walking
Sightseeing
Walking
Hiking
Trail Running
Cross Country Skiing
Wildlife Watching
National Recreation Trail Details

Length: 39.63 Miles
Loop Trail: No
Primary Trail Type: Backcountry, Greenway, Mountain Bike Trail, Nature Trail
Additional Trail Types: -
Agency: City, Town, or County
Entry Fee: 5
Fee Notes: Admission fee is per vehicle, not per person
Parking Fee: -
Permit Fee: -

Trail Use Notes:
None

Seasonal Use Notes:
Park closes at 5:00 p.m. November thru February

Location: In Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium located in Kingsport, TN
County: Sullivan, Hawkins
State: TN
Townships: Kingsport

Driving Directions:
FROM ROGERSVILLE, TN On Route 11-W exit onto I-26S. Take the MeadowView Parkway exit, Exit 3. Turn right at the light at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Reservoir Rd. Continue on Reservoir Rd. for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Bays Mountain Park Rd. Stay to the left at the fork in road for the Park entrance. FROM JOHNSON CITY, TN AND NORTH CAROLINA Take I-26N and exit at Meadowview Parkway, Exit 3. Turn left at the light at the bottom of the exit ramp. This road turns into Reservoir Rd. Continue on Reservoir Rd. for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Bays Mountain Park Rd. Stay to the left at the fork in road for the Park entrance. FROM GATE CITY, BIG STONE GAP AND DUFFIELD, VA On U.S. 23 exit onto I-26S “labeled Johnson City exit”. Take the Meadowview Parkway exit, Exit 3. Turn right at the light at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Reservoir Rd. Continue on Reservoir Rd. for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Bays Mountain Park Rd. Stay to the left at the fork in road for the Park entrance. FROM BRISTOL AND ABINGDON,VA On I-81 take Exit 57-B “Kingsport” onto I-26N. Exit at Meadowview Parkway, Exit 3. Turn left at the light at the bottom of the exit ramp. This road turns into Reservoir Rd. Continue on Reservoir Rd. for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Bays Mountain Park Rd. Stay to the left at the fork in road for the Park entrance. FROM KNOXVILLE, CHATTANOOGA AND NASHVILLE, TN Take I-40E through Knoxville and exit left onto I-81N “Bristol”. On I-81 take exit 57-B “Kingsport” onto I-26N. Exit at Meadowview Parkway, Exit 3. Turn left at the light at the bottom of the exit ramp. This road turns into Reservoir Rd. Continue on Reservoir Rd. for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Bays Mountain Park Rd. Stay to the left at the fork in road for the Park entrance.

Average Grade: -
Maximum Grade: -
Elevation High: 2405 Feet
Elevation Low: 1400 Feet
Elevation Gain: -

Average Width: 42 Inches
Minimum Width: undefined Inches
Primary Surface: Soil, Compacted
Additional Surfaces: Grass or Vegetation, Gravel

Year Designated: 2018

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Overview

  • Get Directions
    239.59 mi Away
  • Lat/Lng
    36.50884, -82.61091
  • what3words
    ///fluidly.duck.oranges

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