An Unusual Friday-Night Outdoor Adventure

On Friday, October 30, Seven Islands State Birding Park invites visitors to discover a different side of East Tennessee nature after sunset.

The Spider Eyes Night Hike runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and takes participants through park habitats that feel and sound very different at night.

Led by Ranger Stephanie, the program focuses on the nocturnal wildlife that emerges when the daytime crowds have gone home.

What Will Participants Look For?

The hike invites guests to watch for the reflective eyes of spiders in the grass, listen for owls and observe bats overhead.

A spider's eyes can reflect a flashlight beam, revealing tiny points of light that are easy to miss during the day.

The evening is also an opportunity to learn how nocturnal animals navigate, hunt and adapt to lower-light conditions.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the experience offers new ways to notice familiar natural surroundings.

Where and When

The program meets at the Bluebird Barn at Seven Islands State Birding Park, 2809 Kelly Lane in Kodak.

Participants should be at the meeting point by 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30.

The guided outing lasts approximately two hours and covers 2 to 3 miles over a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.

Because the park normally closes to casual visitors at sunset, advance registration is essential for this special guided program.

Admission and Preparation

The listed registration fee is $10 per participant, with children younger than five admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The park describes the program as appropriate for all ages, but families should consider the walking distance, darkness and children's comfort on trails.

Wear sturdy walking shoes and clothing suitable for cool autumn temperatures.

Bring drinking water and a flashlight for safety; the ranger advises using lights sparingly so eyes can adjust to the dark.

Pets are not allowed on ranger-led programs, with the exception of service animals.

Why Seven Islands Is a Good Setting

The 416-acre state park along the French Broad River includes grasslands, wetlands and woodland habitats that support numerous bird species and other wildlife.

Those varied environments make it an appealing setting for a ranger-guided look at nighttime nature.

The program allows visitors to experience the landscape in a way that daytime hiking does not.

For East Tennessee families seeking a different kind of late-October outing, it offers a quieter alternative to crowded seasonal attractions.

Before You Go

Registration is required, and places may fill.

Check Tennessee State Parks' official Spider Eyes Night Hike event listing for availability, any changes and further accessibility information before traveling.

The October 30 date is only one scheduled outing, so readers should confirm they are selecting the correct session when registering.