Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is a place where nature, science, and quiet wonder come together. On my recent vacation, I found myself unexpectedly enchanted not only by the sweeping landscape and serene lake but also by the park’s quieter gems, like its small zoo and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

The park spans over 3,700 acres. Dense forest trails wind through the hills, opening occasionally to breathtaking views of the lake formed by the Bays Mountain Dam. Built in the early 1900s, the dam adds a quiet grandeur to the landscape, its curved stone face and still waters reflecting the sky. It’s a peaceful place, perfect for wandering, sketching, simply sitting and taking it all in.  But in my case, I hauled my camera, lenses and tripod to capture the landscape.

What surprised me most was the animal habitat area, raptors, wolves, reptiles, bobcats, and other animals.  While small, the zoo at Bays Mountain is home to rescued and non-releasable wildlife animals that can no longer live in the wild due to injury or human imprinting. It’s part zoo, part rehabilitation center, and it gives visitors a close-up view. These animals are cared for by dedicated staff, and each one has a story that connects back to the land around them.

It’s that sense of connection between people, animals, and the landscape that lingers after a visit.  Below are the galleries from my visit there.  Bays Mountain offers a moment to slow down and appreciate the natural world. In a way, it feels like a refuge for the animals, yes, but it also crossed my creative path.