Kingsport is blessed with amazing walking trails at a number of parks, including Domtar, Borden, Edinburgh, Ridgefields and Memorial Gardens. The Kingsport Greenbelt and Warriors’ Path State Park are also favorite walking destinations. If you want more of a challenge for your walks, Bays Mountain Park has multiple trails with gorgeous views.

Domtar Park, 1414 Riverport Road

Domtar Park is a multi-purpose community park located on Long Island of the Holston River, a site of historic significance where Native Americans gathered. The Cherokee Nation owns property on Long Island, which is commemorated by a stone marker. In addition to large playgrounds, a sand volleyball court and multiple baseball fields, Domtar Park has 3,315 feet of paved loop walking path as well as dirt walking trails on the west end of the island.

Borden Park, 901 Lamont St.

Borden Park is a 17-acre neighborhood park with multiple recreation components. A mile long asphalt walking trail crosses through the park between trees and park amenities. After a walk, enjoy basketball courts, barbecue grills, playgrounds, tennis courts and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Edinburgh Park, 2780 Edinburgh Channel Road

Edinburgh offers a gorgeous 4.5-acre neighborhood park that has an unpaved 4,713-foot walking path connecting to sidewalks. The neighborhood has two stocked ponds, ornamental landscaping and plenty of park benches. If you would like to partake in fishing at one of the ponds, a valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

Ridgefields Park, 601 Chippendale Road

Ridgefields Park is a 6-acre neighborhood park with something for everyone to enjoy. Get your steps in on the 10-foot-wide, 1,238-linear-foot asphalt trail circling the park. The trail is available for walking and/or moderate cycling. Park patrons should be courteous of each other to allow for multiple users of the trail. A sidewalk network connects the trail to the Kingsport Greenbelt. The whole family will enjoy the StoryWalk® that consists of 18 displays placed around the park. Each display will contain a page of a picture book along with questions or activities to experience together. An asphalt basketball court, children’s playground, open green space with soccer goals, park benches, picnic tables and a water fountain are also available.

Kingsport Greenbelt

The Kingsport Greenbelt is a 10-mile linear paved path winding among gorgeous scenery. The pathway meanders along gentle streams, wanders through the marshlands, glides across open meadows and passes by historical sites. You might even be greeted by a few ducks along the way. The path is bike-friendly so it’s perfect for a family bike ride. Dogs are allowed so furry family members can come, too! Along the portion of the path near Netherland Inn, there are tables and benches and a small playground. It’s the perfect place for a picnic with a view of the Holston River. Download a map to find the best entry point to the Greenbelt for you.

Memorial Gardens Park, 1800 Legion Drive

Memorial Gardens Park is a 5.5-acre community park located in front of Dobyns-Bennett High School and J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Enjoy a perimeter paved walking path that connects to sidewalks throughout the park. Picnic tables, a memorial monument dedicated to public safety services and water filtration educational signage are also available at the park.

Warriors’ Path State Park, 490 Hemlock Road

There’s plenty for families to do at this 8,500-acre state park, including walking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, boating and swimming. Warriors’ Path also is the only park in the state with a boundless playground that is designed to give all people, regardless of abilities, the opportunities to explore and engage in the highest levels of play. The Warriors’ State Park Boundless Playground, called Darrell’s Dream, features age-specific and developmentally appropriate play equipment for children and adults of all abilities, including the Lions Narnia Braille Trail, an environmental maze with interactive exhibits based on “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

A popular walking option at Warriors’ Path State Park is the Sinking Waters Trail, a 2-mile loop considered moderately challenging that takes an average of 57 minutes. The best times to visit this trail are February through October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, 853 Bays Mountain Park Road

There’s so much to do at this 3,750-acre nature preserve and hiking is a favorite. The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle or $15 per bus (school bus or larger vehicle than a standard car). All trails are open year-round unless weather conditions cause a closure. Any closures will be posted on the Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Facebook page. 

The Lakeside Trail is a popular 2.8-mile loop around the lake and connects with other trails. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of one hour to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, walking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Along your walk, keep an eye out for evidence of beaver activity including dams, lodges and downed or gnawed trees. The best times to visit this trail are January through November.

Chinquapin Trail connects to the Lakeside Trail and is 3.7 miles. The hike is considered to be an easy route and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Enjoy looking for all of the colorful and chirping birds along the path. Head out on Bays Ridge’s 3-mile loop trail that takes about an hour and a half. This trail is great for backpacking, hiking, walking and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is beautiful to visit anytime.