TVA Norris Dam: Songbird Trail (Blog Hike #901)

Trail: Songbird Trail
Hike Location: Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris Dam
Geographic Location: east of Rocky Top, TN (36.22056, -84.08899)
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date Hiked: October 2022
Overview: A nearly flat loop on gravel trail partially along the Clinch River.
Trail Information: https://www.tva.com/environment/recreation/tva-trails
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=923169
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: North of Knoxville, take I-75 to US 441 (exit 128).  Exit and go south on US 441.  Drive US 441 south 5.8 miles, crossing Norris Dam in the process, to the signed access road for the powerhouse on the right.  Turn right on Powerhouse Way, and park in the signed parking area for the Songbird Trail on the left.

The hike: Built between 1933 and 1936, Norris Dam was the first major project of the federal government's newly-formed Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).  The dam on the Clinch River not only provides flood control and hydroelectric power for east Tennessee, but it also keeps the Tennessee River navigable for barge traffic year-round.  The dam is named for George Norris, a United States Senator from Nebraska who was instrumental in forming the TVA.

            The most prolific hiking opportunities near Norris Dam can be found at Norris Dam State Park, which is described elsewhere in this blog.  Yet the land owned by the TVA directly below the dam also contains some hiking trails, one of which is featured here.  This hike is one of the easiest hikes in the Norris Dam area, and as its name implies it offers great bird-viewing opportunities along the Clinch River.

Trailhead along Clinch River

            From the back right (southeast) corner of the parking area, start at the information kiosk that contains a topographic map of the TVA-owned land.  The asphalt trail heads southeast with the river on your right, but soon the trail surface turns to gravel.  The Clinch River can be seen through the trees on your right.  Sycamore and black walnut are the most numerous trees along the river.

Clinch River

            At 0.2 miles, a spur trail exits right that descends some wooden steps to the side of the river.  This short descent is worth taking, as it represents your only chance to stand right beside the river.  Continuing downstream, the nearly flat trail passes a few benches that provide opportunities to rest if you get weary.  I saw several people out here with baby strollers, and this trail seems to be usable by wheelchairs with a little assistance.

Hiking the Songbird Trail

            At 0.9 miles, the trail splits.  The spur trail to the canoe launch parking lot continues straight and crosses Clear Creek on an iron bridge with wooden deck.  To continue the Songbird Trail's loop, turn left to head away from the river, still on gravel trail.  Next the trail passes through a couple of oak and black walnut plantings; these areas are easily identified because the trees grow in a near-perfect row and column configuration.

Black walnut planting

Approaching Norris Dam

            The remainder of the Songbird Trail stays close to US 441 and Powerhouse Way, and thus it does not make for the most inspiring hiking.  Large pockets of goldenrod and asters were in bloom on the warm early fall afternoon that I came here.  Even though I did not see as many birds as I was hoping, I did see some woodpeckers, juncos, and starlings.  As Norris Dam comes in sight up ahead, the trail curves left to close its loop and complete the hike.  If you are up for more hiking, check out adjacent Norris Dam State Park, which features more than 27 miles of hiking trails over hilly terrain.