Walking Seven Islands Birding State Park is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. One of the most beautiful places in the area is the Seven Islands Birding State Park. The land was acquired in 2002 and covers 416 acres alongside the French Broad River. The park hosts numerous educational and volunteer opportunities that are listed on their calendar. Today Kiera and I took a walk at Seven Islands Birding State Park.

I came here a few times with Sami but hip issues kept us from going very far. This was my third visit with Kiera. I finally managed to get an early enough start to avoid the hotter part of the day! This was our longest walk yet.

Seven Islands State Birding Park trail
Getting started

On this visit we saw rabbits and deer, or I should say that’s what I saw. Kiera’s eyes are much sharper and she picked up on smaller creatures that I missed. Of course we also saw, and heard, numerous colorful birds along the way.

Seven Islands State Birding Park trail
The bridge over the French Broad in the distance

Wild berries were growing along the trail at several locations. We took a short break on the way back at one of the numerous benches. I managed to brush up against a very sharp berry bush as we were leaving. It definitely got my attention!

berry bushes along trail at Seven Islands

There are nice views of the river from the bridge. I was hoping to see some wildlife along the banks but not today.

On the way back home to The Sidecar Inn we had a gorgeous view of the Smoky Mountains! Walking Seven Islands Birding State Park is a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Smoky Mountains from Winfield Dunn Parkway