Trails
Hiking
Bays Mountain Park features roughly 44 miles of beautiful hiking trails that cover most of the 3,788 acres of the park. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake or, for the more adventurous, make the trek up to the fire tower. No matter where you go, you’re sure to encounter natural wildlife and amazing scenery.
Important Information:
- Be sure to download or take a current park map with you on your hike. Printed park maps are available for purchase at the Nature Center Gift Shop.
- Bays Mountain is a nature preserve. Please remember to respect the natural environment by staying on the designated trails.
- Take drinking water with you and stay properly hydrated.
- Take a cell phone with you in case of emergency. If you do get lost, call the Nature Center immediately at 423-229-9447.
Geocaching
- There are several geocaches located in the Park.
- Guests can access the coordinates of the geocaches by visiting geocaching.com on their smart phones.
- All geocaches must be placed within 25 feet of an existing trail.
Park Map ➔
Park Rules ➔
Places of Interest
Cliffside Trail
Two of the most scenic, but less known, destinations in Bays Mountain Park exist on Cliffside Trail. The first overlook can be found at the Observatory and the second located less than .3 mile further up the trail (easily accessible from the overflow parking lot). Each overlook provides spectacular views, both facing over the valley and opposite the mountain ridges. These overlooks provide the perfect, quiet setting with less concern of interruption. Either of these spots will provide an easily accessible place of beauty to return to for years to come.
Fire Tower Hike
Built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Bays Mountain Park Fire Tower (aka Garden Mountain Fire Tower or ET-12) served the Forestry Service into the 1960s. This 100-ft tower is perched on 2,400-ft Holston River Mountain, allowing a view for miles in every direction.
Dolan Branch
Dolan Branch Trail is a short hike at Bays Mountain Park, although a great workout, featuring quiet forest scenery, creekside views along the old water line, and Dolan Branch Falls where the spillway of the dam meets natural cascades, especially beautiful after a good rain. A bit off the beaten path yet closer than the Fire Tower, it’s a favorite spring wildflower spot and a peaceful escape into nature.
Biking
Bays Mountain Park offers roughly 40 miles of mountain bike trails that provide fun and adventure for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Bikes must be mountain-worthy for safety.
Important Information for All Riders:
- No bikes allowed on the following trails: Lakeside, Fire Tower & Cherry Knobs.
- Helmets are required at all times.
- Ride at your own risk.
- Be sure to take a current park map with you on your ride. Park maps are also available at the Nature Center.
- Bays Mountain is a nature preserve. Please respect the natural environment by staying on the designated mountain bike trails.
- Do not ride up/down the park entrance road. The road is too narrow to safely accommodate both vehicles and bikes.
- Do not ride through animal habitats.
- Do not ride across the dam. Walk bikes across the dam.
- The only motor-assisted bike type allowed is a Class I E-bike.
- Be mindful of others who are also here to enjoy the peaceful nature of Bays Mountain. Be sure to let hikers and other riders know that you are approaching by calling out your intentions (i.e., “Passing on the left!”).
- Yield trail to wildlife.
- No alcohol permitted.
Park & Nature Center Hours
Park Grounds
Spring – Fall: March 1 – October 31
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 8 pm
Saturday
8:30 am – 8 pm
Sunday
11 am – 8 pm
Nature Center
Spring – Fall: March 1 – October 31
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday
11 am – 6 pm
Sunday
11 am – 6 pm
Park Grounds
Winter: November 1 – February 28
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Sunday
11 am – 5 pm
Nature Center
Winter: November 1 – February 28
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday
11 am – 5 pm
Sunday
11 am – 5 pm
Park Grounds
New Year’s Day
8:30 am – 5 pm
Memorial Day
8:30 am to 8 pm
Labor Day
8:30 am to 8 pm
Thanksgiving
Closed
Christmas Eve
Closed
Christmas Day
Closed
Nature Center
New Year’s Day
Closed
Memorial Day
8:30 am to 6 pm
Labor Day
8:30 am to 6 pm
Thanksgiving
Closed
Christmas Eve
Closed
Christmas Day
Closed