The Bays Mountain Park Association volunteers who created this site also work closely with Park Staff to add history-related features and programs to the Park.

History Hikes & Presentations – find events on the Park website or Facebook page for our upcoming History programs. We currently offer history talks on Hikes, inside the Farmstead Museum, and on scenic Barge rides. Do you have a group or club that would like a special history talk just for you? Email us and we’ll make it happen!

Completed Projects:

•  An old earthen dam was repaired at the Ledbetter site
• “Daffodil” history panels were placed on the Azalea Trail and also at the Ledbetter site in Front Hollow
• A “Moonshine” history panel was installed on Chinquapin Trail
• Several “homesite” signs were installed at the Ledbetter site, Gragg site, Dolen shed, and the McClain site
• A history panel was installed at the Filter Plant Operators House on the west end of the dam
• A history panel was placed at the Bays Mountain (aka Piney Flats) Schoolhouse on Lakeside Trail
• In winter 2024 the properties in Front Hollow were explored, researched, and identified. Four of those have been cleared of brush to enable public access

Underway:

•  Jan 2025 – Site research in Back Hollow is currently underway. Select sites will be cleared where feasible

Coming soon? Other projects being considered include:

• More site signs will be placed in Front Hollow
• A Fire Tower history panel
• An 1800s homestead exhibit located on an actual home foundation
• We’ve found evidence of an old trail/road that ran from Azalea Trail and crossed over River Mountain to the Netherland/Old Kingsport area

And remember: To help us develop more History Features & Programs at Bays Mountain Park, please DONATE!