Just east of Knoxville lies a large 360-acre state park dedicated entirely to watching our feathered friends. Seven Islands State Birding Park, a former farmland and wildlife refuge located on the French Broad River, is worth the day trip for a great birding adventure.
Excellent any time of year, the park features a diverse grassland environment where more than 160 species of birds can be seen. The name of Seven Islands comes from a small string of islands along the river. At any time of the year, you're likely to spot wild turkey, screech owls and bobwhite quail. While many areas lose their allure outside of nesting season, Seven Islands is full of life even in the winter. During the winter, you'll see sparrows of all kinds-field, savannah, song and swamp-but be on the lookout for the less common white-crowned sparrow.
Seven Islands has 8 miles of hiking trails ready for a daylong adventure. Not scared of the cold? Put in your canoe or kayak at the park's launches for a completely different vantage point.
To get there from Chattanooga, take I-75 east and merge onto I-40 east through Knoxville. Take exit 402 and turn onto Midway Road. Continue along Midway Road. Take a slight left onto Kodak Road. Take the first right onto Kelly Road.