Autumn has undoubtedly started showing here in the Northeast Tennessee region, with those beautiful autumn tones we know and love starting to appear. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, located in Kingsport, TN, is a great place to head if you want to spend some time in nature to unwind and enjoy the changing season. Bays Mountain Park features a nature center, animal habitats that include wolves, bobcats, deer, and much more, a state-of-the-art planetarium theater, hiking trails, a fire tower, and a 44-acre lake.
The lakeside trail is our recommendation for taking full advantage of the season. This beautiful 2.5-mile trail is moderately difficult, but most people will not have any issues with it. It traverses the lake, and you will be surrounded by not only beautiful trail views but also views of autumn tones surrounding the lake. For those wanting to go a bit further, you can hike up to the CCC fire tower and take in a 365-degree view of Kingsport and the surrounding area. The Fire Tower Trail is .08 miles one way, in addition to the 2.5-mile Lakeside Trail, and is rated advanced due to the elevation gain and rocks along the trail.
Bays Mountain Park also offers barge rides that take you along the lake, where you will have a chance to see beavers and deer and, if you are lucky, black bears. These barge rides last around 45 minutes and are an extra expense that does require a ticket, with the current price being six dollars. Honestly, that's a great deal and worth the experience!
Bays Mountain Park offers many different nature programs and events throughout the year. Please visit their website below to see what events are available.
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