Near Upland Trail Outer Loop
Along the trail, there is a platform where you can enjoy views of the pond and the birds that call that habitat home.
Near Upland Trail Outer Loop
The trail makes its way to a bridge that crosses the French Broad River and provides access to the Island Loop Trail.
Near Upland Trail Outer Loop
Great vistas of the Smokies.
Near Upland Trail Outer Loop
The trail follows the park boundary along a wide, grass path through the fields.
Near Upland Trail Outer Loop
There are views of the French Broad, Chilhowee Mountain, and the Great Smoky Mountains from the trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Upland Trail Outer Loop

3.0 (1 Rating)
Trail through the upper fields and some of the forests of Seven Islands State Birding Park.
0.9
mi
Distance
126
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsViews
Access Issues
The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. They close the gate in the evening and will ticket cars left in the lot, so make sure you are out at sunset.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.86mi
Distance
126ft
Elevation Gain
56ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
1,059ft
High Point
957ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
To access the Upland Trail Outer Loop, you park at the main parking lot and hike past the Bluebird Barn and restrooms. You can either turn to the right and follow the Upland Trail Inner Loop up to the junction or take the Bobwhite Accessible Trail to the Seven Island Loop Trail, turn to the right, and climb the Upland Trail Inner Loop to its intersection with the trail, which is the path this description follows. After climbing the Upland Trail Inner Loop and reaching the intersection, the trail continues straight and works its way through the forest on a dirt singletrack. The trail works its way downhill gently before breaking to the left, following the edge of the woods, and climbing up to the boundary of the park. It follows a mowed path through the fields of the park where birdhouses are situated on the right side of the trail. The trail rolls through this section of the park. There are some nice views, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color, along the trail. After roughly 3/4 of a mile, the trail arrives at the junction with the Upland Trail Inner Loop. You can turn to the right and follow the trail back to where you started, or you can continue straight ahead and take the trail back to the Bluebird Barn and parking lot.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
David Hitchcock