Trail 1: Seven Islands
Overview
This is one of our favorite trails in this book, and it is the first trail for that reason! This hike is a crowd pleaser for every family member of all ages thanks to a paved path that makes bringing babies in a stroller a breeze and easy acces to experience meadow, woodland, and a river! For the trail we highlight, a paved path descends through a meadow. Look for varied bird varieties and deer in all seasons! The trail crosses a bridge over the French Broad River and then a dirt trail make a loop around a beautiful island before returning back to the paved path. This hike is great for all ages and seasons, though it is sometimes hot in the summer due to limited shade on the paved part of the trail.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate - Hiking Fast | 1.5 - 3 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 2.3 |
| Elevation Change | Gentle |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Toddlers, Little kids, and Big kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Partially accessible (path is paved until the island portion) |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Seven Islands State Birding Park, 2809 Kelly Ln, Kodak, TN 37764
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.95366, -83.68701
Park in the large gravel lot (note there is another parking area by a boat launch that is not the correct location for this hike!). We have never had trouble finding a spot even on the busiest of days.
A native fruit found around Seven Islands. Tastes like a mix of an apple and a banana. Paw Paw flowers are pollinated by beetles and flies.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Access the Bobwhite Access Trail by walking around or through the barn. |
| 0.05 | Bathroom on the left of the trail. |
| 0.1 | Descend through grassy meadows with wildflowers in the spring and early fall. |
| 0.3 | Bench makes for a nice rest spot. |
| 0.6 | Start of the Newmans Island Bridge. |
| 0.8 | Paved trail ends. Turn right onto the Island Loop Trail to hike around the island. |
| 0.85 | Picnic table beside a pretty part of the French Broad River. |
| 1.05 | Stick house (kiddo favorite!). |
| 1.5 | Connect back to the bridge, heading back onto the Bobwhite Access Trail. |
| 2 | Climb back up the Bobwhite Access Trail to the trailhead. |
| 2.3 | Trailhead. |
Nearby
While many birds stop over at Seven Islands and areas like that on their migratory routes south (in the fall) and north (in the spring), the Eastern Bluebird is a year-round resident. Bluebirds are obligate cavity nesters - which is why they have experienced such a decline in their population as urban sprawl has increased. Refuges like Seven Islands give them lots of opportunities to find natural cavities to nest in! -MaryRose Weatherton
- Take advantage of the other trails nearby! Hike up the Hickory Ridge trail, another trail at Seven Islands State Birding Park, that is accessible from just behind the bathrooms near the parking lot. There are several other great hikes available, including hikes down the Kelly Lane Greenway (the other, wider, paved path near the barn that is gated to prevent cars from driving on it) and the Upland Inner and Outer Trail Loops.
- Bring your canoe, kayak, or paddle board for even more adventures! Access parking by Also, River Sports Outfitters rents kayaks and canoes here during the summer (see https://www.riversportsoutfitters.com/).
- Stop for a bite to eat and a drink on the way back! Consider stopping by kid-friendly Walnut Springs Winery (1175 Midway Rd, Knoxville, TN 37914), open Wednesday-Sunday as of this writing.