Bays Mountain Park is one of the most remarkable city-operated nature parks in the American South, encompassing 3,000+ acres of forested ridges, a 44-acre lake, a brine nature museum, and a planetarium with professional-grade star shows. Native wolf packs, river otters, raptors, and reptiles reside in the park's wildlife habitats. Over 37 miles of hiking trails range from lakeside strolls to challenging ridge scrambles. The park's nature programs and school group offerings are unmatched in the region.