Seven Islands State Park

Located about 25 minutes from Knoxville, Seven Islands State Birding Park is a hidden gem. It is not overly crowded. In fact, when I arrived there at 9 am on Sunday morning, there were only two other cars in the parking lot. Although this could be related to how religious the local community is attending the Sunday morning mass. Regardless, I took advantage of that.

It was really cold, I mean freezing cold. I was glad to have worn a hat today. I started out on a paved walkway leading through a barn with some educational signs about birds. You can hear bird songs everywhere. No wonder this was called a birding park. High grass with vast opportunities for nesting combined with forested area next to the river attracts birds even in the "off-season". 

I was hoping to walk in the sun to warm up. I soon reached a bridge with a great view on both sides. I can only imagine how beautiful it would be here in the summer with foliage intact.

I continued along the trail that split into two to go around the island next to the water. Frost was covering the naked branches and grass creating intricate shapes of sharply formed icicles.

I finished the circle on the island spending a few moments with a deer who was cautious initially, but continued her breakfast after I stood still for a while.

I then continued my walk along the mainland part of the park. It was finally warming up. Soon more people appeared as I was finishing my walk returning to the parking lot. What a great morning!

Haw Ridge Lake Trail, Oak Ridge, TN

Start the new year right? Check! After a rather uneventful New Year's Eve celebration I woke up refreshed today ready to do something. The weather was supposed to be rainy, but I saw rays of sunshine. When I opened my door to the balcony, the warmth of 70-degree air filled the room. I knew I had to go hiking today.

Haw Ridge Lake Trail is an 8-mile loop that goes along the water. I thought it would be perfect for today. The drive from my apartment was only 25 minutes, and the parking lot was still pretty empty. Those who celebrated New Year's Eve more successfully with more drinks were still sleeping them off.

The trail started on a paved road, and this is what I anticipated would continue, but Alltrails directed me off the road onto the forest trails. The sound of leaves under my feet and warm air made me feel quite at peace. 

It wasn't long until I started to see water - streams, smaller ponds, and then the lake.

During the whole hike I encountered maybe 3 people. Very peaceful and remote. There were a few quite steep spots but for the most part the trail was pretty flat. Along the trail there were a few stops with benches where I sat down for a minute enjoying the views. About half way in I decided to listed to an audiobook and stopped a few times to take close up pictures.

The trail somehow felt longer that I anticipated. The clouds started to come in and the wind picked up. I knew the storm was coming back, so I started to walk just a bit faster.

The last mile was the toughest one. It started to rain, albeit it was quite warm so rain was refreshing. I cut the trail to get to the parking lot faster, but ended up adding a hill to my hike. Soaked and pumped up, I finally got to the parking lot. There were many cars parked there by now. My hike lasted just over 3 hours. I would definitely come back here. It's a peaceful retreat, for sure!

2021 Year in Review