Tennessee State Parks Announce Opening of 56th State Park

Tennessee State Parks announced last week the newest addition to the parks system, Seven Islands State Birding Park. State and local officials attended the official opening of the 56th state park last Tuesday in Knoxville.

Seven Islands State Birding Park offers activities including observation, hiking and a small boat launch for canoes and kayaks. The property is adjacent to the French Broad River and aquatic and riparian habitats support an impressive diversity of wildlife species. Over 160 species of birds have been identified.

“I am excited to welcome Seven Islands State Birding Park to our Tennessee State Parks system,” Tennessee State Parks Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said. “This park is a great addition and will offer wonderful viewing opportunities for birding enthusiasts and families alike.

Prior to becoming a state park, Seven Islands was a wildlife refuge that was managed by the Seven Islands Foundation and Knox County Parks and Recreation. The county transferred the 360-acre property to the state and Tennessee State Parks began management of the site on July 1, 2014.

For more information about Seven Islands State Birding Park, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com