Bays Mountain Park is far more than a mountain bike destination. It is one of Northeast Tennessee's greatest conservation success stories and the largest city-owned park in the state. Spanning nearly 3,800 acres, the park was established to preserve the natural beauty of Bays Mountain while creating a place where outdoor recreation, environmental education, and wildlife conservation could thrive together. The vision came to life through the leadership of the City of Kingsport, the Bays Mountain Park Development Commission, the National Audubon Society, Tennessee Eastman, dedicated volunteers, and countless community supporters who believed future generations deserved a place to experience the outdoors.
Since opening in 1971, Bays Mountain has become a regional treasure, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The park is home to a remarkable collection of native wildlife, including gray wolves, bobcats, river otters, birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians, white-tailed deer, and foxes. Its Nature Center and Planetarium have inspired generations of East Tennesseans to explore the natural world, while educational programs, barge rides across the reservoir, and wildlife exhibits make every visit an opportunity to learn something new.
For mountain bikers, Bays Mountain offers one of the most scenic and rewarding trail systems in the Southeast. More than 25 miles of singletrack wind through mature hardwood forests, around the historic reservoir, and across the ridgelines overlooking Kingsport. Riders will find everything from smooth, flowing cross-country trails to rugged backcountry climbs and technical descents that reward both fitness and skill.
The park continues to evolve alongside the riding community. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Bays Mountain opened Moonshiner's Delight, a purpose-built mountain bike trail that added another exciting chapter to the park's trail network and highlighted its continued commitment to outdoor recreation.
Whether you're chasing miles, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the Appalachian forest, Bays Mountain offers an experience unlike any other. Every ride passes through a landscape where conservation and recreation exist hand in hand, making it one of the crown jewels of outdoor adventure in Northeast Tennessee.
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A daily vehicle entrance fee is required to access the park.
