Home Calendar Programs Nature Astronomy Activities Wolf Cam Trail Maps Directions

Activities

Adventure Courses - *NEW*

Bays Mountain Park's newest attraction is an interactive ropes course consisting of both high and low challenge elements and a thrilling 300 foot zipline. The Adventure Course elements provide participants with an intense partnering experience which dramatically highlights the objectives of team work, cooperation, trust, communication, adventure, and perhaps most importantly, compassion.

The Hawk's Nest is our high ropes course which features four elements on two levels. The Low Course features 10 challenging elements. Both the Hawk's Nest and Low Courses may be scheduled for group activities. The Flying Squirrel is a 300 foot zipline guaranteed to provide participants with a thrilling and memorable experience.

Adventure Course Group Information >>

Zipline Information >>

Hiking

Bays Mountain Park features over 25 miles of beautiful hiking trails that cover most of the 3500 acres of the park. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake or, for the more adventurous, make the trek up to the fire tower. Now matter where you go, you're sure to encounter natural wildlife and amazing scenery.

Important Information:

Orienteering

A great way to explore some of the lakeside trails at Bays Mountain. Pick up an orienteering map and log sheet at the Nature Center.

GPS Rental

Several GPS units are available for rental at the Bays Mountain Nature Center.

Mountain Biking

Enjoy a leisurely ride around the Bays Mountain Resevoir by staying on Lake Road or challenge yourself with a trek out to the Fire Tower on River Mountian Road. Bays Mountain has a wide variety of terrain suited to all levels of riders.

Important Information for all riders:

Download a registration form >>

Regulations and Trail Map >>

Natural History Programs

Learn about the natural environment and native animals of East Tennessee by attending one of our Nature Programs. Bays Mountain Features a wide variety of programs from wolves to reptiles.

More Details >>

Fishing from the Dam

Fishing is allowed from the dam to people 55 years or older (must have proof of age), and for people under 16 years old. Ages 12-15 MUST have a youth licence. All other state regulations apply.
Fish Found in Lake: Bass, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish.

Time and dates

June through August - Monday through Saturday from 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
September through May - Monday and Saturday only from 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

Bait Allowed

Any bait or lures except live minnows.
Bluegill may be caught from Bays Mountain Lake and used as bait for other fish.

Primative Camping Area

Overnight camping is a permitted for scout groups and recognized organizations and only in designated areas. The fee is $20.00 per group per night.

Please contact our Nature Center staff for more information.

Observing with Telescopes

Come and enjoy spectacular views of the skies through the Bays Mountain Observatory telescopes. Our StarWatch program is free and occurs on Saturday evenings during March, April, October and November.

More information about our observatories and observing programs.