The Seven Islands State Birding Park is about 20 minutes drive out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Situated around the French Broad River, there are hiking trails throughout the bird refuge. This hike followed a the Upland Inner Trail Loop and the Seven Islands Loop Trail, about 2.5 miles in all.
Starting up the upland trail to the top of a ridge. 
These plants, not blooming in the winter, were all about. Perhaps it is Joe-Pye Weed, which is part of the native landscaping. 
The upper trail was lined with these birdhouses. 
This trail moves down from the upper ridge down to the riverside. 
On the way down to the riverside, I saw this interesting configuration of trees. 
The trail winds along the side of the French Broad River. 
The trail offered lovely views of the river in each direction. 
I spent some time sitting on a bench by the side of the river, reading. 
This was the last view, as I headed back to the trail head.
