Your Complete Guide to Obed Wild and Scenic River in Tennessee, including things to do, history, nearby lodging and camping, directions, and so much more.
Obed Wild and Scenic River
Obed Wild and Scenic River is located in Tennessee and offers 45 miles of scenic river. The park has whitewater ranging from Class II to Class IV, along with hiking trails, rock climbing, and ranger programs.
About Obed Wild and Scenic River
The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau, offering beautiful scenery and amazing outdoor recreation.
The park's watershed has four principal waterways: the Obed River, Clear Creek, Daddy’s Creek, and the upper Emory River.
The river looks pretty much the same today as it did in the 1700s when the first white settlers explored these river systems.
Obed Wild and Scenic River offers everything from hiking to white water kayaking and exploring.
Is Obed Wild and Scenic River worth visiting?
Yes, Obed Wild and Scenic River is definitely worth visiting. This protected area is located in eastern Tennessee and offers a multitude of activities for visitors to enjoy, including mountain climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and more. The scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and ecological processes also make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. With several nice-sized towns and cities nearby, access to the park is also relatively easy. Overall, visitors to Obed Wild and Scenic River can expect a memorable outdoor adventure and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Tennessee.
Things to know before your visit
Entrance fee
There is no entrance fee to enter the park.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Time Zone
The park is in both central and eastern time zones.
Obed WSR is spread between Morgan County and Cumberland County and includes 5,000 acres of park.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash less than 6 feet long.
Cell Service
While cellular service is good at the visitor center location, it may be less reliable when out in the park.
Park Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day.
Wi-Fi
Free WiFi is available at the Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center
Insect Repellent
Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips.
Water Bottle
Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Parking
There are several parking areas throughout the Obed Wild and Scenic River for visitors to use. These include the visitor center, Nemo Bridge, and various trailheads.
Food/Restaurants
There are no establishments within the park, but there are numerous establishments in the town of Wartburg.
Gas
There are no gas stations within the park
Drones
Drones are not permitted within National Park Sites.
National Park Passport Stamps
National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.
We like to use these circle stickers for park stamps so we don't have to bring our passport book with us on every trip.
The National Park Passport Book program is a great way to document all of the parks you have visitied.
You can get Passport Stickers and Annual Stamp Sets to help enhance your Passport Book.
Electric Vehicle Charging
There are no EV charging stations within the Obed Wild and Scenic River itself. The nearest EV charging station is 2 miles away on Knoxville Highway
Details about Obed Wild and Scenic River
Size - The Obed Wild and Scenic River consists of almost 3,500 acres of federally-owned land plus 1,723 acres of private and state land, for a total of 5,173 acres.
Check out how the park compares to other National Parks by Size.
Date Established
Obed WSR was Established on October 12, 1976, by President Gerald Ford.
Visitation
In 2022, NP had 306,502 park visitors.
In 2021, NP had 247,826 park visitors.
In 2020, NP had 237,837 park visitors.
In 2019, NP had 221,301 park visitors.
Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US
National Park Address
208 North Maiden Street
Wartburg, Tennessee, 37887
United States
The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET) every day, except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
National Park Map
Where is Obed Wild and Scenic River?
Obed Wild and Scenic River is located in the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee, in the southeastern part of the United States. It is situated near the town of Wartburg, Tennessee.
Estimated distance from major cities nearby
- Oak Ridge, TN- 21 miles
- Lenoir City, TN- 38 miles
- Farragut, TN- 39 miles
- Clinton, TN- 39 miles
- Crossville, TN- 49 miles
- Knoxville, TN- 44 miles
- Alcoa, TN- 50 miles
- Nashville, TN- 139 miles
- Lexington-Fayette, KY- 165 miles
- Atlanta, GA- 216 miles
- Louisville, KY- 209 miles
- Cincinnati, OH- 249 miles
- Birmingham, AL- 243 miles
- Charlotte, NC- 275 miles
Estimated Distance from nearby National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 70 mlies
Mammoth Cave National Park - 138 miles
New River Gorge National Park - 301 miles
Gateway Arch National Park - 445 miles
Indiana Dunes National Park - 510 miles
Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 484 miles
Where is the National Park Visitor Center?
The Obed Wild and Scenic River Visitor Center is located in downtown Wartburg, Tennessee .
Address: 208 North Maiden Street
Wartburg, Tennessee, 37887
A small bookstore is also included in the visitor center, which is open daily from 9:00-5:00 pm (ET), daily. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
Getting to Obed Wild and Scenic River
Closest Airports
McGhee Tyson Airport- 48 miles
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport- 106 miles
Nashville International Airport- 132 miles
International Airports
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport- 241 miles
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport- 226 miles
Louisville International Airport- 211 miles
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport- 247 miles
Charlotte Douglas International Airport- 270 miles
Regional Airports
Tri-Cities Regional Airport- 145 miles
Asheville Regional Airport- 165 miles
Blue Grass Airport- 175 miles
Driving Directions
From the East
Take State Route 62 West, then veer to the right onto State Route 27. Make a left onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street.
From the West
Take State Route 62 East, then make a right onto State Route 27 South. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street.
From the North
Follow State Route 27 South into Wartburg. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street.
From the South
Follow State Route 27 North into Wartburg. Make a left onto Kingston Street, then follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street.
Best time to visit
It is recommended to visit Obed Wild and Scenic River during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The summer can be hot and humid, and the winter can be cold and rainy. However, the best time to visit may depend on personal preferences and the specific activities planned.
Weather and Seasons
Spring—The spring season at Obed Wild and Scenic River is March through May; temperatures can range from the mid-40s to the mid-70s. During the spring, the park is known for its beautiful wildflowers and lush vegetation, and the waters are typically crystal clear. It is a great time for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Summer - During the months of June through August, the summer season at Obed Wild and Scenic River, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s. Despite potential crowding at this time, it is a popular season for water activities like swimming and tubing due to the warmer weather.
Fall- The fall season at Obed Wild and Scenic River is from September through November. During fall, temperatures can drop from the mid-70s F at the beginning of September to the mid-40 degrees by the end of November. This season is known for its beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures, making it a great time for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Winter - The winter season at Obed Wild and Scenic River is from December through February. During this time, temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-40s. Winter at the park can be cold and rainy, with occasional snow and ice. Despite the cooler temperatures, winter can be a great time to visit for those who enjoy activities such as winter hiking and photography. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and contact the park or visit their website for more specific information as weather patterns can vary.
Best Things to do in Obed Wild and Scenic River
Visitor Center
The park visitor center is located in the town of Wartburg, Tennessee. You will want to stop into the visitor center before heading out to explore the park.
The different parts of the park are fairly spread out so you will want to know which areas you plan to visit.
The National Park Service visitor center has free WiFi and offers exhibits on the river, its inhabitants, the cultural history of the area, and the recreational opportunities that the park provides.
There is a 14-minute park movie available at the visitor center.
Open daily from 9:00-5:00 pm (ET), daily.
The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
Visitor Center Address:
208 North Maiden Street
Wartburg, Tennessee, 37887
United States
Junior Ranger Program
The Obed WSR Junior Ranger program can be picked up at the visitor center or printed before you head to the park.
This booklet is available in both English and Spanish.
Ranger Programs
One of the great things about this park is all of the ranger-guided hikes and events that are held each week.
They have everything from coffee with a ranger to night sky programs.
All of the programs are free and normally run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
International Dark Sky Park
Obed WSR was designated an international dark sky park in 2017.
Birdwatching/Wildlife
More than 100 species of birds can be found within the park. You can also find bobcats, beavers, raccoons, minks, otters, and white-tailed deer.
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
Rock Climbing
The cliffs of Obed are world-renowned with over 400 named routes that vary in difficulty from 5.7 to 5.13.
Fishing
Obed Wild and Scenic River is home to many species of fish including large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, red eye, crappie, muskie, perch, drum, catfish, shad, suckers, and carp.
Tennessee fishing licensing rules apply.
Hiking
Obed WSR has hiking trails ranging from .2 miles to 14.2 difficult miles. The park newsletter has current trail information and distances.
The Lilly Bluff Overlook Trail is on level ground and is handicap accessible.
A portion of the Cumberland Trail can be found within the park.
Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.
How to beat the crowds
To beat the crowds at Obed Wild and Scenic River, it is best to visit during the weekdays and arrive early in the morning. It is also recommended to visit during the off-season months of December to May
Where to stay when visiting
There are no National Park Lodges within the park.
Nearby Lodging includes:
Comfort Suites - If you need a hotel near the airport, you might want to check out Comfort Suites. They offer a free breakfast buffet, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace, as well as free in-room WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Super 8 by Wyndham Crossville TN- Super 8 by Wyndham Crossville TN is a hotel that offers several amenities to guests, including complimentary to-go breakfast, an on-site shopping area, and a library. Additionally, all guests can enjoy free in-room WiFi and access to the business center. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor pool and provides free self-parking and RV/bus/truck parking on site.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Harriman, an IHG Hotel- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Harriman, an IHG Hotel is a hotel located in Harriman, Tennessee, just off Interstate 40 and close to Roane Memorial Gardens. The hotel offers a daily hot breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and access to an indoor pool and fitness center. There is also a business center and 24-hour front desk service available. The hotel's rooms offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges.
Comfort Inn Harriman- Comfort Inn Harriman is a hotel located in Harriman, Tennessee, that offers a range of amenities to guests, including an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides easy access to many local points of interest and the guest rooms are equipped with premium cable channels, wireless internet access, and free local calls.
Click on the map below to see current vacation rentals and lodges near the park.
Camping
Rock Creek Campground is located in the Nemo area of the park.
This primitive campground is $10 a night.
Must call 1-877-444-6777 or make a reservation online prior to arriving at the campground.
There is also backcountry camping available in the park. A free backcountry camping permit is
required and can be obtained at the Obed Visitor Center or online.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Complete guide to exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument - Complete Guide for Exploring Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
Stones River National Battlefield - Complete guide to exploring Stones River National Battlefield
Check out all of the National Parks in Tennessee along with neighboring Alabama National Parks, Georgia National Parks, South Carolina National Parks, North Carolina National Parks, and Kentucky National Parks.
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