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Meigs County Sandhill Crane Festival
January 16–17, 2027 • Birchwood, Tennessee
A winter weekend worth looking up for.
Hear their rolling calls. Watch wings stretch across the winter sky. Experience the remarkable return of sandhill cranes to the waterways of historic South Meigs County.
Join us for the 36th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival, a weekend of wildlife watching, music, and family activities. Whether you’re an experienced birder, a curious photographer, or introducing your children to birdwatching, come discover the excitement of seeing these magnificent birds in their winter home.
Witness a remarkable winter gathering
Where the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers meet, the landscape becomes a winter refuge for thousands of birds. Hiwassee Refuge encompasses approximately 6,000 acres, providing feeding areas, sheltered water, and habitat that supports an extraordinary seasonal gathering.
January typically brings peak crane numbers. Look beyond the cranes, too: bald eagles, ducks, and other winter birds make this a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts. An occasional endangered whooping crane may also be spotted, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Photo courtesy of Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy this Sandhill Crane video from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency!
Photo courtesy of Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
More than birdwatching
The 2027 program includes volunteers assisting with spotting scopes, Wings to Soar live raptor presentations, musical performances, vendors, children’s crafts, and food at the Birchwood Community Center.
Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park joins as a festival partner for the first time in 2027, adding another connection to the area’s significant cultural landscape. extglb.tn.gov
Make time for both wildlife and history. The river views are beautiful, but this landscape also holds the story of Blythe Ferry and the forced removal of Cherokee people. Approach that history with the same attention and respect you bring to the natural surroundings.
This is a place to slow down, listen, and look closely.
A distant flock becomes something entirely different through a spotting scope, and a single bird lifting into flight can become the moment you remember long after the weekend.
Photo courtesy of Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
A tradition that brings people together
The festival has become a winter gathering for residents and visitors alike. In January 2026, TWRA reported approximately 5,200 attendees, a near-record crowd. Staff and volunteers helped visitors observe cranes and other birds through spotting scopes at the festival sites. tn.gov
Come with friends, bring your family, or arrive ready to meet others who share your curiosity. You don’t need to know every bird’s name to enjoy the experience.
Plan your visit
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, January 16–17, 2027.
Festival hours: Listed as 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern each day
Community activities: Birchwood Community Center, also called Birchwood School, 5623 Highway 60, Birchwood.
Parking: Arrangements are changing for 2027. Check TWRA’s official page before traveling. General festival parking is not permitted at Hiwassee Refuge; an exception is listed for permitted visitors with a disability placard.
Bring binoculars if you have them, a camera, warm layers, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Allow time to enjoy the different activities without rushing. Remain in designated viewing areas and give wildlife plenty of space.
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