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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,667 Google reviews · Running trail in Kingsport, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This vast park with 25 miles of trails features a planetarium, a pioneer museum & fishing spots.
What runners say about Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
“One of the most beautiful park areas I have ever been to as a child.”
“The hiking trails are well maintained and well marked which is a huge plus for me since cell service can be spotty.”
Beautiful hiking trails, very well maintained and clearly marked. Walked up to the fire tower and back. The animal exhibits were a plus, went for a gorgeous hike, got to see foxes, wolves, a bunch of birds of prey, and a bobcat all were visible and looked healthy and well cared for.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is one of those places where you could really spend the day here. The park is huge with great trails, peaceful lake views, and lots of wildlife to see. The planetarium is a cool bonus so check for show times. You can even do a boat ride which makes it more of a full experience.
I love this place! I've been visiting it since I was a kid and I have some of the most treasured and valuable memories I'll ever have. My grandma who raised me would take us ever since we were little. They have animal exhibits.
**May 2026** They have done some wonderful updates to the park, including the newly added playground and updated look the planetarium. They are still doing updates, so there is construction in some parts of the park, but still just as peaceful and wonderful.
Trail conditions & character
“The park is huge with great trails, peaceful lake views, and lots of wildlife to see.”
“The hiking trails are well maintained and well marked which is a huge plus for me since cell service can be spotty.”
Plan your run at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitebaysmountain.com
- Phone(423) 229-9447
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
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