About Seven Islands State Birding Park

Seven Islands State Birding Park is Tennessee’s 56th state park, and only birding park, which is situated just 19 miles east of downtown Knoxville in Knox County.  Much of the land lies in a long bend in the French Broad River.  A former dairy farm, most of the fields have been converted back to native grasslands where birds and white-tailed deer abound.  Three barns and two former homes have been preserved on the property.

The lands comprising much of Seven Islands State Birding Park were acquired in 2002 as a wildlife refuge through a cooperative effort of the Seven Islands Foundation, a non-profit land conservancy, and the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department. The vision, goals and objectives of the Seven Island Foundation included preservation of this property as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge. The state of Tennessee will continue to manage this as a state park for native flora and fauna and low impact, non-consumptive, outdoor activities for enjoyment of the wildlife diversity and natural beauty of Seven Islands.

There are approximately 7 miles of hiking trails which includes a 1.2 mile paved road (for walking only) that runs thru the center of the park.  A boat ramp lies on the eastern border of the park and is used for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.  

Common SISBP Activities

  • Bird watching

  • Hiking

  • Photography

  • Canoeing

  • Kayaking

  • Fishing

Fast Facts About Seven Islands State Park

  • SISBP, located in east Knox County at 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, TN is Knox County’s only state park and Tennessee’s only state birding park.

  • The Tennessee River is formed at the confluence of the French Broad and Holston rivers on the east side of downtown Knoxville.

  • The diverse natural landscape of aquatic and grassland habitats makes Seven Islands State Birding Park a premier birding destination with more than 222 species of birds sighted.

  • The park encompasses 416 acres along the French Broad River in Knox County, approximately 19 miles east of Knoxville.

  • This peninsula of land features more than eight miles of natural trails, rolling hills and views of the Smoky Mountains.

  • In addition to being a wildlife refuge popular for hiking and wildlife observation, the park is a research and educational facility for schools and other groups and a demonstration area for land use and habitat management techniques.

  • Songbirds, hawks and waterfowl can be seen along the meadow trails and several old barns are a favorite refuge for Barn Owls.

  • For paddlers and anglers, there are two small canoe/kayak launches that provide access to the French Broad River.

What is a State Birding Park?

This is a common question, and the answer lies it what makes a great birding destination.  Yes, birds are very important at Seven Islands. Over 200 species have been identified since the land became a wildlife refuge in 2002.  In the summer there are hundreds of breeding pairs of birds that use the park to raise their young. Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkeys, Indigo Buntings, Yellow-breasted Chats, Common Yellowthroat and many other species reside in the native grasslands. Geese, ducks, swallows and herons are common residents along the river. It really is a birder’s paradise.

But to be considered a great birding destination there must be a lot more than birds.  At Seven Islands you can hike, photograph, observe many types of wildlife, canoe, kayak, fish and much more.  There are observation points at which you have great views of the Great Smoky Mountains and you can stroll along the beautiful French Broad River where you might spot River Otters, Raccoon or a Bald Eagle flying overhead. White-tailed Deer are abundant.

Come enjoy Tennessee’s 56th State Park and please consider joining us to make Seven Islands State Birding Park a world class birding destination.