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Obed Wild & Scenic RiverLilly Bluff Cliffs
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Obed Wild & Scenic River
Frequently Asked Questions
 

How much does it cost to visit the Obed Wild and Scenic River?

Visiting the Obed Wild and Scenic River is free for everyone.  However, there is a $7 fee for those wishing to camp overnight at the Rock Creek Campground.

What is there to see at the Obed Wild and Scenic River?

Most people come to see the river itself.  You can go right up to the river's edge at various locations within the 45-mile stretch of river property that is owned by the National Park Service.  Many people enjoy hiking along the Lilly Bluff Overlook trail and viewing the river from a boardwalk overlook that is over 200 feet above the river.  Still others prefer to hike or fish along the river.  Regardless of what interests you, a wealth of scenery awaits you at the Obed Wild and Scenic River.

What days are you open to the public?

The river itself is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The park's visitor center, located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg, Tennessee, is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

Where can I get something to eat near the river?

The nearest food establishments are in the town of Wartburg.  Fast food eateries such as Hardees, Subway, and Sonic are located near the intersection of Routes 62 and 27.  Several other smaller restaurants, such as Partner's Pizza and Granny's Diner (both on Route 62 East), the Cumberland House Restaurant (Main Street in Wartburg), Monica's Diner and the Hillside Cafe (both on Route 27 South) are all within reasonable driving distances to the Obed Wild and Scenic River.

Where can I obtain a Tennessee fishing license?

Fishing licenses can be purchased at the following locations:

* Mossy Grove Market, 1705 Morgan County Highway in Wartburg

* Brushy Mountain Market, Route 62 in Petros

* Tiger Food Mart, 8110 Morgan County Highway in Sunbright

* Morgan County Courthouse, 415 Kingston Street in Wartburg

* Any Walmart location in Tennessee

Are there any canoe or kayak outfitters near the park?

Unfortunately, there are no canoe or kayak outfitters near the park.

When is the best time to paddle the river? 

The Obed enjoys its best paddling seasons in the Spring (March to May) and the Fall (October and November).  The summer is usually the most difficult time to paddle, as the river's water levels are too low to sustain a minimum whitewater current.

Where are the Obed's best rock-climbing routes located?

The Obed's best rock-climbing routes are located along the bluff adjacent to Lilly Bridge.  A short and steep trail leads to most of the more popular climbing routes.

Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Many of your important Obed questions can be answered by the park staff at the Visitor Center.
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Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Did you know that more than a dozen boulders are located along the Boulder Trail? There are also more than 100 boulders located throughout the river's boundaries. Many rock climbers also enjoy boulder climbing along the Obed.

Last Updated: July 24, 2006 at 22:37 EST