Accessibility at Seven Islands

  • A field of bright colored flowers with a cute red barn in the background.
  • Seven Islands Accessibility

    At Tennessee State Parks, we serve a variety of visitors including individuals with physical disabilities and those who may face other barriers to outdoor recreation. With a focus on accessibility, we continually strive to enhance our parks to better accommodate all visitors. Learn more about accessible features, amenities, programs, and services offered.

    Paddling Opportunities

    Paddle the French Broad River from our accessible launch, designed for ease and inclusion.

    To access the launch, located just off Kelly Lane, turn left at the main park sign before the main parking lot. Enjoy peaceful paddling or cast a line for smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and more right from the launch. 

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    Hiking Opportunties

    Bobwhite Accessible Trail

    The Bobwhite Accessible Trail is a paved 0.90-mile one-way path that winds through the serene surroundings of the park. A highlight of this trail is the 0.15-mile bridge that crosses over the French Broad River leading to an island. Take in beautiful views of the water and catch a glimpse of wading birds and other wildlife while you cross the bridge.  

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    All-Terrain Wheelchair

    All-terrain wheelchairs are specialized wheelchairs designed to navigate a wide range of terrains that may be encountered in outdoor environments.

    These chairs are important to park visitors because they provide individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to access and enjoy outdoor recreation areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. 

    Each park with an all-terrain wheelchair offers trail experiences that can accommodate this specialized wheelchair. The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults. The chairs can be operated independently and offer the option of allowing caretaker control. 

    To help us serve our visitors better, we kindly ask that you give us advance notice if you’d like to use a wheelchair. While it is possible to request a chair upon arrival, there is a possibility that the chair may already be reserved for another guest. Advanced requests ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable. 

    • An all-terrain wheelchair sits empty upon green grass.

    Bluebird Barn Interpretive Exhibit

    The Interpretive Exhibit inside the historic Blue Barn provides an engaging, educational, and wheelchair-friendly experience for visitors to Seven Islands State Birding Park.

    This exhibit offers an in-depth look at the diverse bird species found within the park and the surrounding region. In the barn and surrounding garden areas, interpretive signage and viewing areas allow you to learn about the park's ecology and the various bird species that call it home. Learn about their habitats, migration patterns, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these feathered friends.   

    Wheelchair-friendly parking and restrooms are available adjacent to the Blue Barn. This parking area also serves as the main lot for the entire park, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the park's trails and other attractions.  

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    Questions? Need Accommodations?

    If you have any questions, comments, or require special accommodations or assistance with interpretive services and events for someone in your party, we're here to help.

    To fulfill reasonable requests for assistance, we kindly ask that you reach out to the Park Office at least 10 days before your visit. This will enable us to make the necessary arrangements to provide you with an enjoyable park experience. Provide us with details about your needs so we can be well-prepared.  

    • A park ranger in a uniform and wide-brim hat points upward, leading a group of birdwatchers with binoculars on a scenic, overcast nature trail.