Throwback Hike: Amber Takes on Lake Road at Bay’s Mountain 🐾
Hi, everybody! It’s me, Amber! Today I’m taking you back to one of my Fall 2020 adventures — a chilly, happy hike around the Lake Road Trail at Bay’s Mountain Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. Mama says it’s a “throwback,” but I just remember it being a really good day for sniffing.
We parked the car, and Mama helped me into my harness. I thought I might need my cozy sweatshirt on because it was cold; but Mama said I’d be fine, so I jumped out of the car extra ready for exploring. Once my leash was clipped, off we went toward the trail.
To get there, we had to walk past a big building Mama calls the planetarium. I thought maybe it was where they make the air for the planet — but Mama says dogs aren’t allowed inside, so I guess I’ll never know. That’s fine. There were way more interesting things outside anyway.
After the building, we crossed a huge bridge‑thing Mama calls the dam. On one side was the lake, and on the other side water rushed down toward the road. Mama told me the lake used to be Kingsport’s water supply. I don’t know how a whole city could drink that much water — it’s a big lake! — but humans are full of surprises.
Just a few steps up the hill, we turned onto Lake Road Trail, which is more like a gravel road than a dirt path. Sometimes park rangers drive on it, but Mama says it’s mostly for hikers like us. I could see the lake for part of the walk, but then the trail curved into the woods, and the smells got really good.
Before long, we reached a gate with a sign that said Ledbetter Gap. I knew exactly where we were, so I turned right and started pulling Mama up the mountain. That part of Lake Road is pretty steep, but I didn’t mind — I had too much sniffing to do. Mama stopped halfway up to rest, which was fine with me. More sniff time.
Even though it was late in the year, lots of the trees were still green, with splashes of yellow leaves everywhere. Very pretty. Very sniffable.
Once the trail leveled out, Lake Road wound through the woods with little valleys on each side. Eventually we reached the Old Quarry. Mama thinks they might have used rock from there to build the dam, but she isn’t sure. I don’t know about rocks, but I do know there are chipmunks living there. I found one of their holes myself!
Mama didn’t let me go too far in — something about “hidden holes” and “not wanting to fall in.” Humans worry a lot.
Just past the quarry, we reached the big five‑way trail crossing. I was really hoping we’d go up River Mountain Road toward the Fire Tower, but Mama said no. Instead, we stayed on Lake Road and headed back toward the lake and my swimmy hole.
It turned out to be a great choice because the lake was beautiful that morning. We even saw deer in the woods near my swim spot! I splashed a little, but the water was cold and I got cold when I got wet, so I decided that was enough swimming for the day.
When we got back to the parking area, I saw all kinds of dogs getting ready for their own hikes. I wanted to go again with them — I could’ve shown them all the best sniffing spots — but Mama said we had to go home and check on my big brother, Dexter.
I wasn’t thrilled, but I did let her pick me up and put me in the car. A dog can only argue so much.
And that was my Lake Road adventure! Just a dog who loves to hike, sniff, splash, and lead Mama up mountains.
🐾 Amber’s Paw Rating: Lake Road Trail (Bay’s Mountain Throwback)
Sniffability: 🐾🐾🐾🐾
So many woodland smells, chipmunk hideouts, and breezy lake scents. A top‑tier sniff day.
Scenery: 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Pretty lake views on the way out, glowing fall leaves in the woods, and a cool old quarry to admire (from a safe distance, according to Mama).
Dog‑Friendly Vibes: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Wide gravel road, plenty of space to pass other hikers, and lots of friendly dogs starting their own adventures. Very good vibes.
Trail Difficulty: 🐾🐾🐾
Mostly easy, but that climb up to Ledbetter Gap is a leg‑burner for humans. I trotted it just fine.
Water Access: 🐾🐾🐾
My swimmy hole was chilly but perfect for a quick splash. Not many access points until you loop back toward the lake.
Overall Adventure Score: 🐾🐾🐾🐾
A fun, steady hike with great smells, good views, and a splash at the end. Would hike again (and again) if Mama let me lead more dogs to the good spots.
