Seven Islands State Birding Park
In 2008, Legacy Parks facilitated the expansion of Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge (now Seven Islands State Birding Park) on the south shore of the French Broad River by purchasing 30 acres directly across the river from the main body of the Refuge.
Legacy Parks also secured funds from TVA and partnered with Knox County Public Works to improve the ramp, parking and road access to the acquired property, now known as Mutton Hollow Landing. This addition improved the overall access to the park and the river.
Prior to donating the land to Knox County as an expansion of the refuge, Legacy Parks protected it with a conservation easement, and continued its involvement at Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge, managing the staff and natural resources plan until it transitioned from the county to a state park.
In 2025, Legacy Parks was awarded a $7.7 million grant from the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund (HCTF) to allow for a significant expansion and new connection at Seven Islands State Birding Park.
The HCTF grant will fund the construction of a 400-foot, ADA fully accessible pedestrian bridge spanning the French Broad River, fulfilling a 40-year vision to provide access to the park from both sides of the river. This long-envisioned expansion will make the park more connected to surrounding communities, encourage outdoor recreation and expand habitat for multiple species.
This new bridge will connect to new parkland being donated to the state by Pete Claussen and Legacy Parks. The 90-acre Claussen property includes 9,000 feet of shoreline, three houses, an island and a nesting bald eagle and second nest under construction.
Legacy Parks will donate three recently purchased islands bordering the park, completing the protection of all islands associated with the state park. All totaled, the newly acquired properties add 146 acres and 22,000 feet of protected shoreline to the park.
The ecological significance of the newly protected lands and surrounding landscape is nationally recognized. This section of the French Broad River is among the most biologically diverse in the region – home to more than 40 species of fish and over 200 varieties of birds. Bringing the land under state park management ensures the continued health of an extraordinary ecosystem and protects natural and cultural resources.
With this expansion, Seven Islands State Birding Park now encompasses 562-acres with over 11 miles of trails, 8.7 miles of protected shoreline, two boat launches, historic structures and more than 220 bird species. Named Tennessee State Park of the Year in 2023, Seven Islands was also recognized with the Excellence in Visitor Experience Award in 2024 for its ongoing commitment to conservation and community engagement.
Construction of the new bridge and conveyance of the properties is planned to begin in 2026.
Project Partners
Tennessee State Parks, TVA, Knox County, Tennessee Department of Education and Conservation
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