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The Rising Star Challenge was a first for Blue Highway Fest , an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 2023 Event of the Year winner, and certainly won't be the last. The challenge brought some fresh new bluegrass artists to Big Stone Gap, VA, for a miniature singing competition for the Blue Highway Festival. Contestants submitted videos online and were eventually narrowed to eight contestants to kick off the Blue Highway Festival: Backline, Carolina Detour, Chancellor Lawson, Klerissa Fairchild, Ryder Casey, Thunder & Rain, Toby Williams, and Upstream Rebellion. CLICK TO SCROLL IMAGES The contestants were given 15 minutes each with hidden judges in the audience who then narrowed them down to four: Backline, Chancellor Lawson, Upstream Rebellion, and Carolina Detour. All eight contestants played great sets, and honestly, it would have been hard to be a judge. These four played later in the evening, competing at the Big Cherry Brewing Company downtown Big Stone Gap. After a long night at Black Cherry, the contestants were narrowed down to Backline and Carolina Detour. These two bands kicked off the second day of Blue Highway Fest with a hefty crowd in attendance. Both bands rightfully deserved to win; however, Backline edged out Carolina Detour. Many perks, like an additional show at the Down Home and Station Inn , record a song with the option of Wayne Taylor of Blue Highway to produce and playing the main stage, went to the winning band, Backline. Backline , a band out of Spartanburg, SC, won the judges over with consistently good picking and vocals, as should the winner. They were also our top pick; after watching the other competitors, you could tell they had been doing this for a while. They were polished and clean and were enjoying the moment. Katelyn Ingardia's uniquely unique, mature, and powerful tone helps them stand out. The Rising Stars Challenge was a fantastic addition to this music festival. We truly enjoyed it, and so did the other festival attendees we spoke with. It's an excellent opportunity for young artists to get their foot in the door and meet some of the bluegrassers who have helped make a name for the genre. The Rising Star Challenge showcased incredible talent and embodied the spirit of bluegrass. Backline's well-deserved victory is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for this rising band. With events like this, Blue Highway Fest solidifies its place as a breeding ground for the next generation of bluegrass stars, proving that the music is alive, well, and evolving in the hands of passionate new artists. We can't wait to see what the festival and its future stars have in store next CLICK TO SCROLL IMAGES

Welcome to our first "Honest One" an album review, where we give our honest opinion. And that's how you should take it: as an honest opinion. Our tastes may not be yours, and that's perfectly okay. While we have a deep passion for shining a light on Appalachian artists, we also enjoy exploring the rich variety of music that resonates across the region. Whether it's local talent or songs that travel through the heart of Appalachia, we love to share it all with you. Kicking off our first "Honest One" is an Americana band out of Nashville, TN, Goldpine, formerly known as "My One & Only." We actually met them in the media room at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion (BRRR) this year. They are a married couple, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson. Jody covered their set while I went and covered another band, and based on what Jody said, I should have gone with her. They performed on the Country Murial Stage during the BRRR festival. After the festival, we started following them on social media, and they ran a campaign where they gave away their album titled "One" for free; just pay for the shipping. I'm so glad we did because I truly loved the album, which contained ten songs. What better way to rate an album than how many songs you truly enjoyed? For myself, it was eight out of ten, with my favorite being "I Think of You," the fourth song on the album. The instrumental arrangement was simply beautiful. Another couple of notable songs that stood out were "When I get to Heaven" which makes you feel like you are in a southern church, it's very uplifting. "About My Baby" and "Running Me" had some lovely harmonica pieces, and I am a sucker for good harmonica placement. Kassie has a very powerful voice, and she controls it with such ease. She can hit the high notes and then turn around and soothe you with softer tones, while Benjamin has the perfect accompanying vocal tones. They remind me of the band Birds of Chicago, which I am a huge fan of. Allison Russell is excellent all around. They have a similar dynamic, not because they are both married couples but because of how they harmonize. Goldpines album "One" is one I am glad to own. It's the kind of album you can put on, pour yourself a glass of good brandy, and let the rich harmonies and soulful melodies wash over you. Whether you're settling into a cozy evening at home or escaping from the bustle of everyday life, "One" offers music that soothes the soul and elevates the moment.

We might be a small pebble amongst many large rocks, but we skipped with great force across a large pond, thanks to our region's support from individuals and businesses. The ripples we created were quite large, and who knows how much more they will grow over the next several weeks, thanks to the amount we were able to donate. We started the toy drive campaign in hopes of raising $2,500, and we ended up raising, to date (Oct 6, 2024) $3,500 in cash, check donations, and PayPal donations for Hurricane Helene relief. We had $200 in cash donated, so with that, we started our campaign and went to Walmart , and we got a very humble start. We quickly realized how expensive toys were and ramped our efforts up into overdrive. We had Boxes of toys delivered the next day from Frontier Health team members. You might be wondering why they are team members; I (Joshua Moore) am also the Sr Director of Communications and Public Relations at Frontier Health . Frontier Health is full of caring, compassionate people. When word started going around about what we were doing here at Appalachian Roots, they were among the first to start helping. The boxes of toys Frontier Health team members donated were gathered and added to the toys we had bought with cash donations. The toys were added to a truck that our good friend, Robby Kilgore, was putting together to be delivered to Chimney Rock, NC. Chimney Rock was utterly devastated; it appeared as if nothing was left. We knew this was the right place, and trust us, it was the right person to deliver these. After Robby delivered supplies to his community from the Rock Springs area of Kingsport, TN, he told us about some kids who saw the delivery. He said they were so excited to see them. They felt noticed, and that's really what this was all about. Making sure the kids knew that there was hope. While a toy may seem like a small thing, it can mean the world to a child who has lost everything. Imagine being in their shoes, turning your life upside down, and receiving a simple toy that brings a sense of normalcy and comfort. Yes, essentials like clean water, food, and shelter are crucial, but so is helping these children feel a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos. There needs to be someone to fill this gap, and after seeing that this was a need not being met, we felt that we would do our best to help this way. After a week of telling everyone about the campaign and pushing it to anyone who would listen, we maxed out our $2,500 PayPal campaign. With that, we went straight to Walmart's toy aisle. We wanted to give the kids new toys that would be a bit special. We piled two buggies full of toys, unsure of the cost, but a great starting point. We tried to cover all ages and get toys that did not require batteries. The few toys we purchased that had batteries could still be played with, like toy cars and animals, even after the batteries had expired. The cashier at the Allandale Walmart in Kingsport, TN eyes got large when we pulled up, and she knew this would take a little bit to get through. The second round of toys cost roughly $1,200. We loaded this round of toys into two large bins in the back of our car and made our way toward Erwin, TN, one of Tennessee's most significant hit areas. We had word that most shelters were empty, so we dropped these toys off at Faith Baptist Church, where they were excited to receive them. After dropping this round of toys off, we set off to do another round, our largest round. We pulled into the Johnson City Walmart, grabbed another two buggies, and went straight for the toy aisle again. We packed the lower portions of the buggies this time and had to hold on to the tall pile as we made our way to check out. This time, due to their system, we were forced to check out when we went over $1,200. We paid for this and had just over another $200, pushing us near $1,500. After a half hour of checking out and another half hour of squishing everything into the car, we set out to help another rural area, Roan Mountain. We pulled into Lower Shell Creek Christian Church and unloaded this round of toys into their sanctuary. They will also be going into North Carolina, so this larger set of toy donations will ripple through many communities surrounding the Roan Mountain community. We are still waiting on a $425 check to come in, so we will do a smaller toy run with that and combine it with donations we are receiving from CVS Pharmacy in Colonial Heights, TN. After hearing about what we were doing, CVS put out a barrel they typically use during Christmas to help garner donations for the cause. We purchased some toys separately, that will be given out to families we heard about independently. We would like to reiterate that we would not have been able to do this without the support we received from everyone who donated or shared our posts. To quote the Lorlax by Dr Seus, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." THANK YOU! Empire Label CS Custom Structures CVS Pharmacy Knox Occasions Frontier Health Team Members FAMILY & FRIENDS

WE DID IT!!! We met our goal, and then some. THANK YOU to everyone who gave, you have no idea how much of an impact this will make, how many kids will smile. Stay tuned to the website for further updates. Follow our Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date in the moment. Thank you to everyone who shared our posts, that made a huge impact. We hope you continue sharing, as we are just getting started. In times of crisis, many families in our region have lost everything. For children entering shelters, the loss can be especially hard, as they often arrive with nothing familiar or comforting. At Appalachian Roots Magazine, we believe every child deserves a moment of joy, even in the toughest times. That’s why we’re launching a fundraiser to raise $2,500 to purchase toys for these kids. Your donation will help us deliver smiles to shelters throughout Northeast Tennessee, ensuring that each child has something to hold onto during their stay. Whatever money we raise, 100 % will go to buying toys for children at the shelters. We would like to help every shelter we can, but we know resources are limited. This Toy Drive for NE Tennessee Shelters will make a huge impact on the children there. Please help us make the biggest impact we can—together, we can brighten their day!

Elk rutting, or the elk mating season, has become a rather popular event to behold in the Smoky’s. It’s a time of year when you can see the large bull elk fight one another for the right to mate. Over the past few years, we have watched crowd sizes grow throughout sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The Smoky’s is already a bustling park; however, it can be a bit overwhelming during the fall. Mid-September through October is the best time to visit the park. You can see elk at Cades Cove, along Newfound Gap Road (at times), and at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on the Cherokee, NC, side of the park. In addition to those places, our favorite section to catch the elk is the Cataloochee section. Cataloochee is a miniature Cades Cove, just without the crazy crowds. Cataloochee also has homesteads, a church, and even a schoolhouse. You can never predict when and where elk will be as they roam and do their own thing. However, we have had excellent luck at Cataloochee. The best times are early morning to late evening, especially on hot days, because if it’s hot, they will be in the shade. They like to graze during the more excellent times. You must be careful if you plan a trip to the Smoky’s for the elk rut! Though elk resemble deer, they are much larger. Some of the bull elk we have seen in the Smoky’s are as big as our cars. They are huge animals, so please keep your distance. ALWAYS, obey park rules; trust us, you don’t want to be the person they throw up on social media as an example of what not to do. Plus, you would not want to get gored by an elk; that would be very painful. As you venture into the Smoky's to witness the elk rut, remember to savor the experience while respecting the wildlife and your fellow visitors. The sights and sounds of this season offer a unique glimpse into the untamed beauty of nature, making it an unforgettable part of any visit to the park. Whether you're watching from the quiet corners of Cataloochee or amidst the more bustling areas like Cades Cove, take in the magic of fall in the Smoky's—just be sure to keep a safe distance and let the elk rule their domain undisturbed.

The Appalachian Region is full of historic towns, and we decided to start here near our little section of the Appalachians. Over time, we plan to do more articles like this in different sections, including individual town highlights that are more detailed, so stay tuned! 1.) Rogersville, TN Historic Rogersville, TN, the second oldest town in Tennessee, is packed with history and charm. Rogersville is home to the first Post Office in Tennessee and the printing of the first newspaper in the state, “The Knoxville Gazette.” Rogersville was the home of David Crockett, as he and his wife built their log cabin on a 281-acre grant. Today, it is now known as Crockett Spring Park and Arboretum. Civil War history is also abundant here, as Rogersville has three Civil War Trails, The Clay Kenner House, Courthouse, and the Battle of Big Creek, which occurred on November 6, 1863. Rogersville also hosts Heritage Days, a large three-day festival with over 100 artisan booths, live craft-making demonstrations from over the centuries, a heritage children’s train, good southern cooking, and a chili cook-off where competition gets heated for their annual trophy. Rogersville is as beautiful as it is rich in history. The Hale Spring Inn is celebrating its 200th anniversary as it was built in 1824 by John A. McKinney. This hotel has nine guest rooms and three presidential suites named after the US presidents who stayed there, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, and Andrew Johnson. Downtown Rogersville is alive and well, offering a vibrant array of shops, restaurants, and local businesses to keep you busy, whether you're looking to explore unique boutiques, enjoy delicious dining options, or take in the charm of this historic area. Rogersville Main Street Website 2.) Jonesborough, TN Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough has a diverse history, heritage and culture, which you can see on full display when you arrive. Jonesborough was founded in 1779, seventeen years before the state of Tennessee existed. It was established by the General Assembly of North Carolina, and it was established as a county seat of Washington County. Jonesborough is more commonly known now as the Storytelling Capital of the world. The International Storytelling Center can be found downtown, Jonesborough along with the National Storytelling Festival which occurs every October as Jonesborough was apart of the revival of the storytelling tradition. Downtown Joneborough features a newly renovated theatre, the Jackson Theater, an old timey candy store, many shops and restaurants and the Captain Christopher Taylor Home where our nations 7th President, Andrew Jackson boarded while practicing law. If you're planning a trip, Jonesborough is a destination that promises to captivate you with its charm, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. From its role in the early days of the American frontier to its modern-day celebration of storytelling, this timeless town offers a unique blend of the past and present. Whether you're exploring its quaint downtown, attending the National Storytelling Festival, or simply strolling through its historic streets, Jonesborough invites you to experience its magic and create your own stories. Town of Jonesborough Website 3.) Greeneville, TN Greeneville, TN, a small gem along the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountains, was established in 1783. Greeneville is one of the most picturesque towns in Tennessee.  Brick-lined streets will lead you to many unique historic locations such as The Dickson-Williams Mansion, The Capitol Theatre, The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, and National Cemetery, many historic churches, and much more. The General Morgan Inn sits downtown Greeneville, and is easily one of the states most beautiful and charming hotels. The hotel gets its name from Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. Greeneville is also the birthplace of David (Davy) Crockett and home of the 17th US President, Andrew Johnson. At the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, you can visit the 17th president's early homestead and see his tailor shop. Downtown Greeneville has also gone through road and sidewalk renovations wit the West Depot Street sidewalks and street surface nearing completion. The enhancement has added an extra bit of a charm to the already enchanting town. Greeneville beautifully blends its rich history with modern charm, making it a must-visit destination in East Tennessee. Whether you’re walking the newly renovated streets or exploring the town's iconic landmarks, Greeneville offers a unique glimpse into America's past while providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. With its vibrant heritage and scenic beauty, this historic town is a proud testament to the culture and stories that shaped the region. Town of Greeneville Website

Thirteen states make up the Appalachian Region; however, only one is entirely rooted here: West Virginia. West Virginia is also one of the most scenic and beautiful states you will ever traverse through; just ask John Denver. The state is known for its coal mining industry, historical locations, and outdoor opportunities. You can also find the midway point for the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry, WV, at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. For those who do not know, the Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail spanning more than 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. It’s a bit of a trek. West Virginia is also home to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which has some breathtaking locations, such as Sandstone Falls along the New River and the Grand View Overlook, which overlooks the New River as it bends around the mountains. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest steel span bridge in the western hemisphere and home to the Bridge Day Festival, where you can watch people jump off of the largest steel span bridge. Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) is a must-see destination, though it's quite the tongue twister! The MNF boasts some of the state's most breathtaking vistas, especially during the vibrant colors of autumn. Just a short drive away is Charleston, the state's capital, where the stunning 293-foot, gold-leafed dome of the Capitol building stands tall, visible from almost every corner of the city. West Virginia's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its music, with a vibrant blend of gospel, blues, bluegrass, African influences, and much more. West Virginia offers many other excellent destinations, including Babcock State Park, home to one of the most photographed mills in the U.S. As time passes, we look forward to exploring and sharing more of this 100% authentic Appalachian state with you. If you're a lover of the great outdoors, charming small towns, and live music or need a place to unwind, West Virginia might be calling your name. West Virginia official tourism website

The Cumberland Gap was the first gateway to the western frontier, and it’s said that 300,000 people crossed here. However, long before Thomas Walker brought attention to this location, Native Americans used this path, known as the “Warriors’ Path,” to access rich hunting lands in what is known as Kentucky today. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CGNHP) was created in 1940 by Franklin Roosevelt to help preserve the Cumberland Gap and the Wilderness Road, blazed by Daniel Boone. The CGNHP is shared between three states: Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. The park's main visitor center is located on the Kentucky side after going through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel from Tennessee at 1 Skyland Road in Middlesboro, KY. The park has 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. One of the more popular trails is the Tri-State Trail, which allows you to stand in all three states in one spot. The CGNHP offers some of the best views in the region; at the Pinnacle Overlook, you can view Fern Lake and the town of Middlesboro, KY, on one side. On the other side, you can see Clinch Mountain and the mountain chain belonging to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which features the Foothills Parkway above Maryville, TN. Other popular locations at the CGNHP include the Iron Furnace, which produced iron ore sold to Black Smiths. The Hensley Settlement is a small community built on the top of Cumberland Mountain in the early 1900’s. This settlement comprised multiple families, including a church and school, and remained an isolated Appalachian community until the 1940s. Gap Cave, about 350 million years old, features many stalagmites and stalactites; however, the crown jewel is the Pillar of Hercules, a column formed over millions of years. This giant—and we do mean giant—is a spectacle to behold. The CGNHP also gives tours of Gap Cave, and we highly recommend taking one. The Gap Cave also has a vibrant history with the American Civil War, and you can see where soldiers burned their names into the ceiling using candles. The Sand Cave is a 250-foot-wide sandstone cave eroded by wind, with beach-like sand leading up into the back of the cave. We would consider this one of the top five natural wonders of the Appalachian Region and a must-see; however, the hike is rather difficult. A roundtrip hike from the parking area is roughly ten miles, which makes you ask the question, “Is there ever a down?” Seriously, this is a very strenuous hike, with chance encounters of black bears. In the same area as the Sand Cave are what is known as White Rocks, a section along a ridge line that bolsters an extensive view of the area. The CGNHP does offer camping and backcountry camping, which you can find more details about in the link at the bottom. The CGNHP is a hidden gem amongst the many other National Parks, and one that surprises many visitors. The park has a lot to offer, it also has none of the crowds you will see at other parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone and so on. If you are looking for a place to explore with abundant natural beauty, the CGNHP has you covered. Click here for camping at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Click here for the official Cumberland Gap National Historical Parks website

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America's greatest Byways. It spans 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Western North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Northern Virginia. The North Carolina section is known for extensive grand views, and we wanted to share our top 5! No.5 The Linville Viaduct You might think this is a very low rating; for some, it would be their top spot. However, the high volume of crowds from mid-September to the end of fall is what dropped it in our rating. The crowds here can be unbearable sometimes, and finding a parking spot can be difficult. The Linville Viaduct deserves a top 5 rating despite the crowds. The views here are just amazing. This location offers an extensive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including a good view of Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain. No. 4 The Three Knobs Overlook The Three Knobs Overlook faces the largest Mountain east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell. It also has a beautiful view leading into the valley. This overlook typically is overlooked, and is an excellent spot for those that like haveing a place to themselves. From this location, you can take in a sunset and watch the sun dip behind that tall sleeping giant. No.3 Waterrock Knob Waterrock Knob is undoubtedly one of the best views along the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. It faces the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee, N.C. You can even see the casino in the valley below. This area does get crowded. However, it has plenty of parking to accommodate this, along with having picnic tables and restrooms. You can see Autumn from North Carolina to Tennessee, as Clingma's Dome, now known as Kuwohi, is easily visible. No. 2 Pounding Mill Overlook The Pounding Mill Overlook offers views in three directions. It includes a stunning view of Looking Glass Rock, a prominent feature in the Blue Ridge Mountains landscape. From here, you can view the Pisgah National Forest disappear into the many mountains ahead. The Pounding Mill Overlook is an excellent spot to take in a sunrise and peer out into one of North Carolina's most majestic views. No. 1 The Cowee Mountain Overlook The Cowee Mountain Overlook is the grandest view of the Appalachian landscape, with an incredible 180-degree view. From this viewpoint, you will see what appears to be a sea of mountains, with one ridge after another appearing like waves of an ocean. It can get moderately crowded here. However, there is plenty of parking. From here, you can see every shade of Autumn, and if you have the time, we highly recommend watching a sunset from here. Thanks for reading! Stay tuned, as we have plenty more Blue Ridge parkway articles coming!

Kentucky's largest waterfall, Yahoo Falls, sits tall at 113 feet and resides on the Kentucky side of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in McCreary County. The falls are also a part of the Daniel Boone National Forest . This area is also part of the Cumberland Plateau and protects the Cumberland River and its tributaries. Leaving the parking area, the hike to Yahoo Falls is relatively short (0.3ish miles) and includes a staircase leading down the hillside to a brief walk to the falls. There are alternative trails that take you to the falls. However, the trail to the left, leaving the parking area, is the most direct route. Many people dispute Yahoo Falls' claim to be the tallest waterfall; however, most do believe it is. No matter what you think, we can all agree that it is one of the most majestic waterfalls you can visit in Kentucky. Once you get to the falls, you can explore under the overhang of the ridge and even walk behind the falls. In addition, there is a bridge crossing the street just below the falls, which makes for a great place to take a few photos. After taking in the beauty of Yahoo Falls, consider the extra-mile hike to Yahoo Arch. As if you didn't need another reason to visit this Big South Fork National River and Recreation section, this natural beauty is just the cherry topping you didn't know you needed. We have been to many amazing locations throughout the Appalachian Region, and we would absolutely put this section of the park in our top ten must-visit Appalachian locations. As you hike from Yahoo Falls to Yahoo Arch, you will be greeted with another small waterfall along Yahoo Creek. The trail then leads you right up to the arch, which has a small trail leading up to a small opening. For those wanting to do a bit more exploring, you can walk up this small path through the opening to get to the top of the arch. Yahoo Falls and Yahoo Arch make for a perfect day trip that reflects the beauty of the Appalachian Region. If you are planning on visiting, please be sure to check your GPS and make sure that it is leading you to the parking area. We did have an issue with Apple Maps and had to choose our destination again. We recommend visiting in the Spring after a couple of days of rain; that way, you can see the falls at full flow. Thanks for reading, and be sure to stay tuned for more waterfalls of the Appalachian Region. Google Maps Parking Area

Get ready to mark your calendars for October 9-12th as the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 2023 Event of the Year, Blue Highway Fest, returns. For those who do not know, Blue Highway Fest is a four-day bluegrass festival located in the heart of Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, VA. It was created to help bring people back into the area after suffering greatly from the loss of coal mining jobs. The festival also gets its name from the Grammy-nominated and 32-time IBMA Award-winning band Blue Highway. This year, Blue Highway will be holding a Rising Stars Challenge, with the first round of eliminations beginning on Wednesday, October 9th, from 9-11:35 a.m. The finals will follow the next day from 10-10:35 a.m. The winner will play on the main stage at Bullitt Park from 9-9:45. This year's lineup includes a hefty lineup featuring Seldom Scene, Authentic Unlimited Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, The Darrell Scott String Band with Special Guest Joe Craven, Scythian, Missy Raines & Allegheny, The Del McCoury Band, Dan Tyminski Band, Blue Highway and more.The festival will also feature various craft vendors and food trucks. Blue Highway Fest has two locations: on the first two days, the festival will be on the 3rd Street downtown stage, downtown Big Stone Gap, VA, and the last two days at Bullitt Park, the largest of the many parks in Big Stone Gap. For more information about Blue Highway Fest and for tickets, please visit the links below. Purchase Blue Highway Fest tickets HERE Check out Blue Highway Band HERE

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. Bays Mountain Website Link to Map