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The natural beauty of the region is an added benefit to the recreational
opportunities provided by the majestic mountains, tranquil lakes and
sparkling streams. Kingsport features an array of natural distractions,
providing residents with the serene environment they cherish. Within a short
drive, you will find world class golf resorts, fishing, hunting, mountain
biking, hiking, whitewater kayaking and rafting, canoeing, cross-country and
downhill snow skiing, ice-skating and snowboarding. Many residents take
advantage of Bays Mountain Park.
This 3,600-acre nature preserve offers
year-round opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and
includes more than 25 miles of trails to hike. The Nature Center at the park
houses museum exhibits, a planetarium with a 40-foot dome, a library, the
Discovery Theater, a gift shop and freshwater aquaria. In addition, a number
of wildlife habitats allow visitors to see some of the native animals on a
close and personal level, including a quarter-acre waterfowl and wading bird
enclosure accessible only by boardwalk. For camping, swimming and picnics,
residents and visitors head to
Warriors Path
State Park. With 135 camp sites
including water and electrical hookups, Warriors Path is an ideal
vacationing spot. The park’s naturalists provide visitors with daily planned
activities, including guided hikes, wildlife demonstrations, historical
tours, crafts workshops, games and evening campfires.
Sporting events play an important role in the recreational scene in
Kingsport. The local baseball team, the
Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian
League, plays at
Hunter Wright Stadium. The largest sporting events in the
region take place at nearby Bristol
Motor Speedway (BMS). Established in
1961, the speedway hosts two NASCAR racing weekends each year: NASCARS’s
Winston Cup/Busch Series in March and August. As a result of recent updates
and expansions, the world’s fastest half-mile track now offers more than
147,000 seats and more than 75 luxury suites. With the famed high-banked
oval and a drag racing facility, BMS is one of America’s most comprehensive
and best-loved racing venues. Almost any water sport and activity is
available on one or more of the area lakes. The local lakes include South
Holston, Boone, Watauga, Fort Patrick Henry, Cherokee and Douglas. The
Nolichucky River has Class III and IV whitewater kayaking and rafting.
Fishing is a favorite sport with trophy trout in the Watauga and Doe
Rivers and smallmouth bass fishing on the Clinch and Nolichucky Rivers. Area
lakes are well-known for largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie,
bluegill and trout. There are recreational activities to satisfy the novice
or the expert. The city of Kingsport organizes many programs and is
available to assist you in planning your next outing. For more information,
call Kingsport’s Parks
and Recreation at (423) 229-9459.
See all of our attractions
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