FYI: Bays Mountain Park will be closed on Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving.

FYI: The Observation Tower at the end of Cliffside Trail will be closed until further notice, while planned improvements are taking place.

Pre-order your Bays Mountain Park license plate today!

All pets must be placed on a 6ft visible leash at all times when at the park. No pets are allowed in the animal habitat area.

It is highly recommended that program tickets are purchased at least 15 minutes before any program, in-person or online.

Nature Programs

Nature programs are $3 per person unless otherwise stated. Group rates of $2 per person are available if 15 or more tickets are purchased at one time.

Find programs descriptions below. For program times, please visit our interactive calendar here.

Note Regarding Ticket Purchases:

Did you know that you can purchase tickets online at any time through the City’s CivicRec portal? Just use the link button below to see all of the Park’s programming. If you don’t already have a CivicRec user account, create one for yourself and your family and then add your tickets to the cart and pay. There is no service fee and you can avoid the ticket lines. Just show us your tickets on your phone!

It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets at least 15 minutes before the show time, in-house or online.

Link to Bays Mountain Tickets on CivicRec

Programs - Year Round

Habitat Tour
- The Appalachian Mountains are home to bobcats, deer, red fox and birds of prey. A park naturalist will help you discover the unique habitats of these animals, as you view them in our native animal habitats.
Oh, Deer!
- Meet our resident white tail deer and discover what they eat, how they defend themselves and why they live almost everywhere.
Beaver Tales
- Explore the world of these semi-aquatic rodents that call BMP home during a hike along Lakeside Trail. The hike is a half mile in length.
Bobcat Tales
- Explore the mysteries of North American’s wild cat and how this adaptable predator inhabits various terrains.
Animal Signs
- Learn how to identify an animal by the signs they leave behind.
Dining with the Wolves
- See the wolf pack enjoy a tasty meal. Free.
What Does the Fox Say?
- Learn about this clever, cunning, solitary, hunter who inhabits a diverse range of ecosystems, including those found in our region.
A Bone to Pick
- What can an animal’s skull tell us? Find out the answer to this question and more during this program.
I.D. That Bark
- Learn how to identify a tree using the bark and its leaves.
Coyote Friendly Communities
- As coyotes expand their range into areas where wolves once lived and urban sprawl encroaches into wildlife habitat, human-coyote encounters are increasing. Listen to how coyotes are important to the ecosystem and how to coexist with such animals.
Wonder of Wolves
- Experience the chilling sounds of the wolf call as park staff/volunteers talk about the park’s wolf pack. Interesting facts will be shared about wolf socialization and behaviors.

Programs - Spring / Summer / Fall

Raptor Tour
- Learn how these high flying carnivores use their keen eye sight and talons to catch their prey.
Turtle Talk
- Get to know these reptiles by seeing them up close and learn the secrets to their log lives.
Bear Aware
- Figure out what to look for and what to do if you encounter a bear.
Pond Life
- Catch and observe critters that live in the shallow water of our reservoir.
Wolf Howling
- Hear the chilling chorus of the wolf pack. Free.
Snakes Alive!
- Learn about the different species of snakes that call BMP home.
Barge Ride
- Enjoy the beauty of the Bays Mountain Reservoir while the secrets of aquatic animals are revealed.
Twilight Barge
- Spend an evening on the reservoir enjoying the nocturnal sounds of the park.
Canoe / Kayak / SUP
- Spend a warm summer evening exploring coves found along the reservoir.

Programs - Spring / Fall

Programs - Spring

Programs - Spring / Summer

Programs - Winter

Links to Bays Mountain Nature YouTube Videos

Bays Mountain has prepared some special, instructional videos regarding nature on YouTube. They cover many topics and are great for learning about the Park’s special natural resources.

Nature Programs

Nature programs are $3 per person unless otherwise stated. Group rates of $2 per person are available if 15 or more tickets are purchased at one time.

Note Regarding Ticket Purchases:

Links to Bays Mountain Nature YouTube Videos

Bays Mountain has prepared some special, instructional videos regarding nature on YouTube. They cover many topics and are great for learning about the Park’s special natural resources.

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium