- Attraction: Seven Islands State Birding Park
- Location: 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, TN 37764
- Industry: State Park
- Website: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/seven-islands
Bald eagles soar overhead while white-tailed deer casually wander across your path.
If you drive east from Knoxville along I-40, exit signs hint at a secret tucked along the French Broad River—a place where nature takes center stage and the rush of daily life melts away.
Seven Islands State Birding Park spreads across 416 acres of pristine peninsula along the French Broad River, just 19 miles east of Knoxville in Kodak.
Opened in 2014 as Tennessee’s 56th state park and its only dedicated birding park, this former dairy farm has been transformed into a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park’s name comes from the historical string of small islands and shoals that dot the adjacent river, creating diverse habitats that attract feathered visitors from near and far.
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Keep Exploring →With rolling hills, native grasslands, and sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance, you’ll discover why this place has become a beloved destination for both seasoned birders and families seeking a peaceful afternoon escape.
Outstanding Birding Opportunities
The Bird Count: You’ll be amazed by the sheer diversity here—over 220 species of birds have been documented at Seven Islands since it became a wildlife refuge in 2002.
During migration seasons in April and October, the park absolutely comes alive as resident species mix with travelers passing through. Spring and summer bring breeding pairs by the hundreds, filling the grasslands and riversides with song.
Grassland Specialists: The converted fields now support species you won’t easily find elsewhere in the region. Northern bobwhites, indigo buntings, yellow-breasted chats, and common yellowthroats thrive in these restored native grasslands.
Blue grosbeaks and summer tanagers add splashes of brilliant color during warmer months. Wild turkeys strut through the open areas, putting on quite a show for patient observers.
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Discover MoreWater Birds & Waterfowl: Along the French Broad River, you’ll spot Canada geese gliding across the water alongside mallards. Herons hunt patiently in the shallows, while swallows swoop and dive over the river’s surface catching insects. Keep your eyes skyward—bald eagles have been spotted soaring above the park, a thrilling sight that leaves visitors reaching for their cameras.
Raptors & Owls: Hawks patrol the meadows hunting for small prey, giving you excellent opportunities to watch these magnificent predators in action. The park’s preserved barns serve as favorite roosting spots for barn owls, making Seven Islands one of the better places to observe these often-elusive nocturnal hunters.
Winter Visitors: When cold weather arrives, the park hosts impressive flocks of sparrows. Field, Savannah, song, swamp, white-throated, and white-crowned sparrows forage through the grasslands, creating a birder’s winter wonderland.
Birding Programs: The park biologist leads specialized birding walks throughout the year, including warbler identification hikes during fall migration. These ranger-led programs help you sharpen your identification skills while learning about bird behavior, habitat use, and ongoing conservation research.
You’ll even get an inside look at bird banding operations, watching trained biologists carefully capture and release birds while collecting crucial population data.
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Keep Exploring →Trails & Outdoor Activities
The Paved Greenway: Starting from the Bluebird Barn visitor area, you’ll find a smooth, flat 1.2-mile paved trail perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. This accessible path winds through wildflower meadows and takes you straight to the park’s crowning feature—a wide pedestrian bridge spanning the French Broad River.
The bridge includes viewing platforms with bump-outs where you can pause and scan the river and surrounding landscape for wildlife. Bike racks at the bridge allow cyclists to secure their rides before exploring the island trails on foot.
Natural Trails: Beyond the paved section, you’ll discover over eight miles of natural surface trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails wind through diverse terrain including open grasslands, wooded areas, and riverside paths.
The Seven Islands Loop Trail covers about 1.8 miles and takes roughly 35 minutes to complete, offering river views and abundant wildlife sightings. For a bigger adventure, the Seclusion Bend Trail stretches for 5.2 miles, taking you deep into the quieter corners of the park.
Mountain Views: Several trails lead to elevated overlooks where you’ll catch glimpses of the Great Smoky Mountains on clear days. The Upland Trail climbs through rolling hills with some of the best vistas in the park—Mount LeConte visible in the distance on particularly clear mornings.
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Discover MorePaddling & Fishing: A small canoe and kayak launch provides access to the French Broad River for those wanting to explore by water. During summer months, seasonal kayak rentals are available through River Sports Outfitters, making it easy to spend a few hours floating the scenic river. Anglers cast their lines along the riverbanks, enjoying the peaceful setting while trying their luck.
Seasonal Displays: Time your visit for July and you’ll be greeted by spectacular fields of sunflowers—a photographer’s dream and one of the park’s most Instagram-worthy features.
Spring brings blooming trees and wildflowers throughout the meadows, painting the landscape in vibrant colors. Fall migration coincides with beautiful autumn foliage, while winter offers stark, peaceful beauty and excellent sparrow viewing.
The Natural Setting
Former Farmland Restored: The Kelly family operated a dairy farm on this land for much of the 20th century, and three historic barns along with two former homes still stand on the property. These preserved structures add character while serving important functions—the barns provide nesting sites for barn owls and shelter for various wildlife.
Open & Exposed: You’ll notice quickly that shade is limited throughout much of the park. The open grasslands and meadows offer unobstructed views and excellent wildlife watching, but they also mean direct sun exposure during warmer months.
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Keep Exploring →The rolling topography creates a sense of spaciousness, and even when the parking lot fills up on busy Saturday mornings, the extensive trail system spreads visitors out so you rarely feel crowded.
River Peninsula: The park occupies a distinctive bend in the French Broad River, creating a peninsula environment surrounded by water on three sides.
This geography concentrates wildlife and creates the diverse aquatic and grassland habitats that make the birding so exceptional. River otters play in the water, raccoons forage along the banks, and the constant flow of the river provides a soothing soundtrack to your visit.
Educational Features: Throughout the park, you’ll encounter informative signage about native plants, bird species, and habitat management techniques.
The Bluebird Barn visitor area includes detailed educational displays explaining the various habitats and what bird species you might find in each. A unique oversized nest sculpture near the barn features a seesaw that allows kids to lift adults—a fun photo opportunity and interactive element.
Garden Areas: Rose and flower gardens near the entrance add cultivated beauty to the natural surroundings. These plantings attract butterflies and additional bird species while providing pleasant picnic areas for visitors looking to linger.
Practical Information
Free Admission: Seven Islands State Birding Park offers completely free entry, making it an outstanding value for families and nature lovers. You’ll only pay if you sign up for special ranger-led programs, which typically cost between $5-12 per person—very reasonable considering the expert guidance you receive.
Parking & Accessibility: A large gravel parking lot near the Bluebird Barn provides ample space, though it can fill during peak times like sunny spring weekends. Three designated accessible parking spaces are available. The paved Greenway and pedestrian bridge are fully ADA-accessible, and the Newmans Island Bridge Trail offers wheelchair-friendly access to the island’s easier trails.
Facilities: Restrooms and picnic tables are located near the Bluebird Barn at the park entrance. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, though during your hike you’ll want to plan accordingly as they’re only available at the trailhead.
Pet-Friendly: Your leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Just keep them on leash at all times to protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. The park has earned high marks from dog owners for its pet-friendly policies and extensive trail options.
Best Times to Visit: Early morning shortly after sunrise offers the best birding, when songbirds are most active and vocal. Cooler months from fall through spring are ideal since shade is scarce—visiting during summer heat requires early starts, plenty of water, and sun protection.
Migration seasons in April and October bring the most bird diversity. If you’re visiting in summer, plan your trip for July to catch the stunning sunflower displays.
Trail Navigation: Trail junctions are clearly marked, though some visitors recommend photographing the trail map at the entrance or on your phone to reference later. While the trails aren’t overly complex, having a map handy helps you choose your route and prevents any confusion at intersections. After rain, natural surface trails can become muddy, so plan footwear accordingly.
Family-Friendly: The easy terrain, abundant wildlife, and wide paved paths make this an excellent destination for families with children. You’ll see strollers, young hikers, and kids excitedly spotting their first wild deer or bald eagle. The educational elements and interactive features keep children engaged beyond just walking.
Annual Events: The park hosts Sturgeonfest each September, celebrating the river’s ecology and the efforts to restore native fish populations. Throughout the year, ranger programs include sunrise hikes, moonlight walks, reptile and amphibian searches, and specialized birding workshops.
Seven Islands State Birding Park
📍 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, TN 37764
