Knox County – Seven Islands State Birding Park

The Seven Islands State Birding Park is Tennessee’s newest park. It is a 416-acre park that was established in the 1990s by private donors and jointly managed as Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge by a local foundation and Knox County. In the fall of 2013, it was designated as a state park effective September 2013 with the grand opening July 2014. The park, on former farmland, includes the Kelly Bend peninsula along the French Broad River. Habitats include wooded hills, an intermittent stream, and several fields being restored to native warm-season grasses. More than 180 species of birds have been sighted in the park. The views are great, you can see Smoky Mountains and Mount LeConte. The hike is mostly easy with rolling hills. There is one hill where you gain perhaps 150 feet. The total distance if we take the outer most trails, including Newmans Island, is about six miles. This is a hike that almost anyone can do so join us. We recommend shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other appropriate clothing, a snack, something to drink and a camera. We will meet at the Cracker Barrel at Strawberry Plains Pike, leaving at 10:00 am, tailgating to the park. If you want to meet at the Seven Islands parking lot, we expect to be there about 10:30 am. For specific information about the hike please contact Tom Cressler. Contact by email before March 11th.