Park Rules

Bays Mountain Park is a nature preserve and state natural area. The collection of any items, living or dead, is expressly prohibited by law.

The Bays Mountain Park Commission, acting in its capacity as the governing body of Bays Mountain Park, has the authority under the Kingsport Code of Ordinances Article IV, Section 66-158 to prescribe all rules and regulations for the conduct, control, government and operation of the park.

For a complete copy of the rules, please click HERE.

Below is a summary of the rules. This summary is not exhaustive. For a complete set of rules and regulations, please download the above document.

• ANIMAL HABITATS – All of our animals are fed a nutritious diet. Do not feed any animal. Pets and bicycles are prohibited in the animal habitat areas.
• PICNIC AREAS – Picnic areas are located in the parking areas. No fires or grills are allowed. Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
• FISHING – Fishing is available to visitors under the age of 16 and over the age of 55. Fishing is allowed Monday & Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – Noon. In June, July, and August, fishing days are extended to Monday thru Saturday. All fishing must take place from the dam. No live bait other than night crawlers. All Tennessee fishing regulations apply.
• MOUNTAIN BIKING – Ride at your own risk. Mountain bikes must stay on biking trails. E-bikes are prohibited except for pedal assist (class I) bicycles. Helmets are required of all bikers. Bikes are prohibited in the animal habitats and the entrance road. Bikers always yield to hikers and pedestrians.
• MOTOR VEHICLES – Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and service roads. Vehicles are required to follow all posted speed limits and always yield to pedestrians and bikers.
• RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES – Bays Mountain is a nature preserve best suited to passive recreation. As such, recreational activities such as horseback riding, roller skating, skateboarding, electric motored vehicles (hoverboards, etc.), metal detecting, swimming and boating are all prohibited. All visitors should stay on trail.
• DRONES – It is a violation of the rules to launch or land any unmanned aircraft in the park without prior permission from the park. To obtain permission, please e-mail the Chief Ranger.
• WILDLIFE – Visitors will likely encounter wildlife during their visit. It is a violation of law to harass wildlife. Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
• PETS – Pets, such as dogs and cats, can be a nuisance to wildlife, carry diseases and harm or scare other visitors. As such, visitors with pets are required to maintain control of their pet on a 6-foot visible leash at all times. Currently, Bays Mountain Park only allows pet dogs on site. Pets may not be in the animal habitat areas nor the Herpetarium. Starting September 3, 2024, dogs will no longer be allowed inside of the Nature Center, except for service dogs. Pets may not swim in the lake nor any pond.