TENNESSEE WILDLIFE VIEWING TRAIL » East Tennessee

Bays Mountain State Natural Area

Site Directions: From I-26 in Johnson City, Tennessee, take exit 3 (Meadowview Conference Center), at the light turn west onto Reservoir Road and continue for approximately three miles, turn right onto Bays Mountain Park Road, take the left fork and continue up the mountain to the park.
Parking lot at trailhead -
Lat: 36.5118°N Long: -82.60052°W
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none

Site Description: Rugged upland forests dominate the park. The marsh is wet fields and open water. Nature trails are available for self-guided tours.

Wildlife to Watch: Forest wildlife abounds, including gray squirrels, Ruffed Grouse, Great Horned Owl, Whip-poor-will, Cooperheads, and Rat Snakes. Ovenbird and Scarlet Tanager are common breeding birds. Lake and pond habitat supports Snapping and Painted turtles, bullfrogs, Wood Ducks, and Smallmouth Bass. Wild Turkey can be seen year round, while Osprey, Wood Thrush, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are common in spring through fall only.

NOTE: Please refer to TWRA Hunting Guide about hunting seasons and public access dates. Access dates vary by site.

For more information:

Bays Mountain Nature Center and Park

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