Commune with Nature at These Parks in Kingsport

Since Tennesee is opening up parks in the local area, now’s the best time to recharge by communing with nature and enjoying the activities available at one of these great parks in and near Kingsport! They have a great deal to offer adventurous nature lovers.

Warrior’s Path State Park

Warrior’s Path State Park is a 950-acre park that sits along an old Native American trading path. It is located along the shore of the Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River at 490 Hemlock Road in Kingsport. The park boasts an 18-hole regulation golf course, 134 campsites with tables, grills, and water and electric hookups, and five picnic pavilions capable of accommodating 100 to 160 people each.

The pavilions must be reserved by calling the park office and paying a small reservation fee. Large lodge rentals are available for corporate meetings or other large-scale events. They are equipped with bathrooms and fountains but have no kitchen facilities. All buildings at the park are ADA accessible.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

For a combination of natural beauty and celestial wonder, head over to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium at 853 Bays Mountain Park Road in Kingsport. There you’ll find a pristine 3,500-acre nature preserve, a 44-acre lake, a planetarium theater, a nature center, and a multitude of animal habitats. The primary residents of the animal habitats at the park include wolves, bobcats, red foxes, falcons, hawks, owls, rattlesnakes, many species of amphibians, white-tail deer, river otters, turtles, and many fish species.

Wildlife observation is best achieved through a guided barge ride tour, available each weekday at 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1, 2, and 5 p.m. Primitive camping areas are available for scout groups and other recognized organizations. Fishing is permitted for people 55 and older or teens and children under 16 years of age. Proof of age is required, and everyone 12-15 years of age must have a youth fishing license. The most common fish found in the park are bluegill, bass, and channel catfish.

Borden Park

If you prefer a more organized park that is packed with fun activities to enjoy, head over to Borden Park at 901 Lamont Street in Kingsport. This smaller 17-acre park includes an arboretum, barbecue grills, an asphalt basketball court, a community building, horseshoe pits, an 18-hole golf course, seven picnic shelters, many different playgrounds, half a dozen well-lit tennis courts, a long paved walking trail, and an event area.

The park is pet friendly, has a disc golf course, and is handicap accessible thanks to generous aid from the Kingsport Rotary Club. Borden Park is open from dawn to dusk and is only open beyond that range when events are scheduled. For park reservations or to schedule an event, call 423-343-9723 or 423-224-2489.

Each of these beautiful parks has a great deal to offer everyone who loves nature and enjoys time spent fishing, observing the stars, or participating in sports. Give each of them a try in turn on your next few weekends off work. You’ll be glad that you set the time aside for each visit.

Image via Pixabay

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