Obed
Wild and Scenic River
Obed
Wild and Scenic River
VISITATION:
Opportunity for adventure exists year round. Highest use is during the summer from
picnickers and campers. Spring and fall are the times when park visitation is chiefly
comprised of whitewater boaters and rock climbers.
LOCATION:
Wartburg, Tennessee
ADDRESS:
Obed Wild and Scenic River P.O. Box 429 Wartburg, Tennessee 37887TELEPHONE:
(423) 346-6294
OPERATING HOURS:
Weekdays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Weekends 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Closed December 25.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Climate is relatively mild with few winter days below 20 and several minor snowfalls
per year. Summers can be hot and humid. Late fall and spring are usually the wettest
seasons and provide opportunities for whitewater boating. Dress in layers as weather can
change throughout the day. Boaters and other water users should dress to avoid hypothermia
in the event they get wet.
DIRECTIONS:
From I-40 follow State Highway 27 north. From southern points follow I-75 and connect
with I-40 west bound. From northern points exit I-75 onto State Highway 63 west and
connect to State Highway 27 south.
TRANSPORTATION:
No public transportation is available. Shuttles may be available for hire for boats
running rivers; call for information.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
None.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Visitor center is in Wartburg, Tennessee; exhibits deal with natural history, cultural history and prehistory. Information and book sales.
Trails, Roads:
Roads are limited with only a few access sites leading to the rivers. Some trails are available with more planned in the near future. Contact the visitor center for more information.
Programs/Activities:
Slide presentations available on request at the visitor center. Special programs may be available for school groups and others. Contact the visitor center for scheduling and program availability.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Primitive camping is available at the Nemo Bridge river access.
Food/Supplies:
Restaurants and grocery stores available in Wartburg and in Crossville on the west side of the park.
Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Eastern National operates a bookstore in the visitor center.
Accessibility:
The visitor center is wheelchair accessible. Some backcountry sites are partially
accessible; contact the visitor center for more information.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:
Whitewater paddling Class II - V in and around the park; boaters need to know their
experience level and water conditions before putting on the river. Swimming, no
lifeguards, be aware that rivers have moving currents and can be dangerous, especially
during high water. Camping, one primitive campground is located in the Nemo area of the
park. Hiking trails are currently limited, but will be increasing in the near future.
Hunting and fishing are allowed in the park and State regulations are enforced. Climbing
and repelling on the park's numerous sandstone bluffs offer adventure and challenge to the
knowledgeable climber.
For information on archeology, visit SEAC
RESERVATIONS, PERMITS:
A voluntary permit system is used for those who wish to register. Registration is at
the visitor center and is available after hours.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATION:
Be aware of weather conditions as they can change rapidly, especially if boating or
climbing. Flash flooding is possible during severe storms.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Several State and Federal recreational facilities are nearby including; Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area,
Frozen Head State Park, Lone Mountain State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park, Pickett
State Park and Catoosa Wildlife Management Area.
The Gateway Regional Visitor Center located in Knoxville Tennessee is scheduled to open in early April. The Center is a partnership between the National Park Service, the City of Knoxville, the Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin, the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association and the Knoxville Visitor and Convention Bureau. Themes of the center will focus not only on the natural and cultural resources of the Southern Highland region around Knoxville but also the interaction between the technology of the region and these natural and cultural resources.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF SPECIAL NOTE:
Glass bottles are prohibited at all river access areas. Alcohol is prohibited at all
developed areas in the park. Bring plastic bottles or aluminum cans and recycle.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write Obed Wild and Scenic River, Park Headquarters, P.O. Box 429, Wartburg, Tennessee
37887 or call (423) 346-6294.