FYI: Due to water tank improvements, bathrooms and water fountains will be unavailable from October 2 through early December. Portable toilets and handwashing stations will be located throughout the park.
Farmstead Museum hours: Mon – Wed: 8:30AM – 3PM | Thurs – Sat: 9AM – 4:30PM
FYI: The Observation Tower at the end of Cliffside Trail will be closed until further notice.
All pets must be placed on a 6ft visible leash at all times when at the park. No pets are allowed in the animal habitat area.
It is highly recommended that program tickets are purchased at least 15 minutes before any program, in-person or online.
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853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: 423.229.9447
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Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
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“Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries”

This exciting, new planetarium program transports viewers to Chile where the dark skies and dry, remote setting create ideal conditions for observing the Universe. Journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert— remote, extreme regions that happen to have the perfect conditions for astronomical research. Against a backdrop of breathtaking visuals and a hypnotic soundtrack, Big Astronomy introduces the diverse people who push the limits of technology, enable scientific discovery and expand what we know about the Universe using state-of-the-art telescopes. Along the way, you’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians, and support staff who keep these mega-machines running.

Show length ~26 min.

This program will feature a unique look at the night sky from south of the equator utilizing our Zeiss ZKP4 star projector.

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Upcoming Events


“Big Astronomy”

November 30 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm$6.00 - Bays Mountain Park

“Appalachian Skies”

November 30 @ 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm$6.00 - Bays Mountain Park

Fox Keeper Talk

November 30 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pmBays Mountain Park

“Big Astronomy”

November 30 @ 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm$6.00 - Bays Mountain Park

Fox Keeper Talk

December 1 @ 1:00 pm - 1:30 pmBays Mountain Park

Watershed Keeper Talk

December 1 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pmBays Mountain Park

Bobcat Keeper Talk

December 2 @ 1:00 pm - 1:30 pmBays Mountain Park

EXPLORE

The Magic of Bays Mountain

The Park features a picturesque 44 acre lake, hiking trails, a Nature Center with a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater, and Animal Habitats featuring wolves, bobcats, raptors and reptiles.

SHORT VIDEO TO LEARN MORE

NATURE PROGRAMS

Wolf Keeper Talk

Come meet our animal care staff and learn a little bit about our resident wolves.

LEARN MORE
Orbital

PLANETARIUM FEATURE

“Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries”

This exciting, new planetarium program transports viewers to Chile where the dark skies and dry, remote setting create ideal conditions for observing the Universe. Journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert— remote, extreme regions that happen to have the perfect conditions for astronomical research. Against a backdrop of breathtaking visuals and a hypnotic soundtrack, Big Astronomy introduces the diverse people who push the limits of technology, enable scientific discovery and expand what we know about the Universe using state-of-the-art telescopes. Along the way, you’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians, and support staff who keep these mega-machines running.

LEARN MORE
Orbital

HIKING & BIKING

Explore the Park


Bays Mountain Park features roughly 44 miles of beautiful hiking trails that cover most of the 3,750 acres of the park, with over 32 miles of trails approved for mountain biking.

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Bays Mountain Park has daily events and programs including nature programs, planetarium programs and special events. Check out our calendars to find your adventure!

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SCHOOL GROUPS

Bays Mountain Park staff and volunteers offer programs for school groups from kindergarten through high school level. These programs are offered Tuesday through Friday, September through May.

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Maps

PARK MAPS

Need help navigating through the Park? Download the park map and the Nature Center Grounds map. You will also receive a copy of both of these maps at the park gatehouse.

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Biking

BIKING

Bays Mountain Park has 32 miles of trails approved for mountain biking. Download the park map and enjoy the ride!

LEARN MORE

What’s Happening

  • Bays Mountain Park cuts ribbon on Fox Den playground

    Bays Mountain Park officially opened its newest attraction to the public on Friday – the Fox Den Playground – the first…

  • Bays Mountain Park announces Laser Light shows for December

    Bays Mountain Park is excited to announce the return of its popular laser light shows for the holiday season. Time to enjoy…

  • Bays Mountain Park Manager Receives State Award

    The City of Kingsport is proud to announce that Megan Krager - Park Manager at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium - has been…

  • Bays Mountain Park Announces Autumn Park After Dark

    Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium would like to invite families, friends, and fall-lovers alike to experience the magic…

  • Bays Mountain Park hosts Campfire Tales event

    Bays Mountain Park, in partnership with the Friends of Bays History Committee, is proud to announce a special event happening…

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© 2025 Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: 423.229.9447 | Fax: 423.224.2589
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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660

Phone: 423.229.9447 | Fax: 423.224.2589

Directions
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FYI: Due to water tank improvements, bathrooms and water fountains will be unavailable from October 2 through early December. Portable toilets and handwashing stations will be located throughout the park.

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