Obed Wild and Scenic River
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There are 208 beautiful streams in the United States designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers. One of them is the Obed Wild and Scenic River, which runs for a mere 43 miles, plunging from a height of 1,860 feet to an elevation of 846 feet during its run. Couched in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, the river twists and turns through the deep valleys before it gushes into the Emory River near Wartburg, TN. The area through which the Obed runs is filled with deep canyons and high ridges and covered in forests that include 35 different species of virgin deciduous trees, giving the land around the river a canopy of burgeoning green in the spring and brilliant colors in the fall. The Obed and two of its main tributaries — Daddy Creek and Clear Creek — provide some of the country's best whitewater rafting. Whitewater experts, who find the river more challenging than most, come from Knoxville or Chattanooga to meet the streams' unique challenges.
Things To Do Near Obed Wild and Scenic River
When visitors come to the Obed Wild and Scenic River, they find incredible views along the main roads that skirt the stream. Photo opportunities abound in this part of the country, where rocky outcrops, 500-foot-deep valleys, and towering ridges dominate the landscape. Trailheads for hikers and bikers seem to spring out at travelers around every bend. Rafters find adventure while navigating a river that twists, turns, and plummets through the deep valleys.
Hiking Trails
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Obed River Point Trail
The United States National Park Service does an excellent job maintaining trails in the Obed Wild and Scenic River area, including the Obed River Point Trail. Though this in-and-out trail rises 810 feet in elevation from its trailhead just 20 minutes from Wartburg, the hike seems to be less strenuous the farther you go. The incredible views of bluffs, valleys, and whitewater far below beg to be photographed, and visitors are welcome to stop to fish or watch wildlife activity in the area.
Location
Near Lancing, TN
Length
4.2 miles
Intensity
Intermediate
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Nemo Bridge Trail
The Nemo Bridge Trail is an in-and-out pathway that begins at the Rock Creek Campground outside Nemo, TN, and ends at the Devil's Breakfast Table. The Devil's Breakfast Table is a unique rock formation located deep in the Tennessee wilderness. The trail elevates over 3,000 feet with several crossings of creeks on valley floors and traverses of ridgelines.
Location
Near Nemo, TN
Length
19.7 miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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Frozen Head State Park
Located 13 miles northeast of Wartburg, Frozen Head State Park includes 24,000 acres of pristine land, much of it atop the peaks of the Crab Mountains. During the winter, the mountains are available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The streams are filled with an incredible population of native fish.
Location
964 Flat Fork Road, Wartburg, TN 37887
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Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
Known as the Alcatraz of the South, the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary opened in 1896 and continued operating until 2009. Visitors take tours of the building and grounds. The prison retains its overbearing aspects. Documents revealing the lives that prisoners experienced here are available for viewing.
Location
9182 Highway 116, Petros, TN 37845
Museums
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Historic Rugby
Historic Rugby is a living museum that demonstrates the hardship, perseverance, and accomplishments of a pioneer village in eastern Tennessee. The community still stands with houses, workshops, and barns renovated to appear just as they were built in the 1880s. People live in these buildings, leading life as it was in those days.
Location
1331 Rugby Parkway, Robbins, TN 37852
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Ye Old Jail Museum
Located 47 miles northwest of Wartburg, the Ye Old Jail Museum was a jailhouse used from 1900 to 1979 to house local criminals and the sheriff's office. The jail cells have retained their original form. The sandstone building resembles a fort more than a jail.
Location
114 Central Avenue West, Jamestown, TN 38556
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Simply Unique
To shop for a great mix of gifts, stop by Simply Unique. The shop displays small gift items developed by artists from the surrounding area. They also hand-embroider messages to friends and family on pillows and other soft items, if you have time.
Location
3584 Morgan County Highway, Wartburg, TN 37887
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Walmart Supercenter
When you need a variety of items, check out the department stores in the area. Walmart offers various products to visitors at Obed Wild and Scenic River, with a supercenter in Rockford. In addition to groceries, these stores provide multiple items, including camping, fishing, and hunting supplies.
Location
1102 North Gateway Avenue, Rockford, TN 37854
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Angie's Restaurant
If you are looking for the famous Tennessee small-town appeal, then stop by Angie's restaurant for a bite to eat. The interior of the restaurant gives off a homey vibe, and there is always a meal of the day. Their french fries and onion rings are excellent additions to any entrée you choose.
Location
107 North Kingston Street, Wartburg, TN 37887
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El Patron
El Patron offers some of the finest Mexican cuisines near the Obed Wild and Scenic River. El Patron is just what you expect of a Mexican restaurant in a small town like Wartburg; if it presents a plain exterior storefront, the interior exudes friendliness, competence, and cleanliness. Try their fajitas with fresh guacamole for an unbelievable taste.
Location
3688 Morgan County Highway, Wartburg, TN 37887
How To Get To Obed Wild and Scenic River
The quickest route to the Obed Wild and Scenic River Visitor Center in Wartburg is through Knoxville, TN. Start by driving from Knoxville toward the west and find Interstate 40 West (I-40 W). Once you are on I-40 W, go for 11.74 miles. At Exit 376A, take a right to merge onto Tennessee Highway 162 North (TN-162 N), which takes you toward Oak Ridge. Drive for 5.87 miles and take the left ramp onto Tennessee Highway 62 West (TN-62 W). Go for 28.27 miles into Wartburg, where you find the Obed Wild and Scenic River Visitor Center. Once there, you see directions to several different entrances to the Obed scenic area.
The Obed Wild and Scenic River is open year-round. Visitors are advised to use caution during freezing weather as conditions become harsh. Visiting this area provides you and your family with one of the most unique experiences you will find in America.
Address
208 North Maiden Street, Wartburg, TN 37887
Fee: Entry fee $0
A park like the Obed Wild and Scenic River is a perfect spot to use an RV. Camping overnight is almost expected, especially for those who are looking for a wild river experience whitewater rafting or fishing for native trout. It is easy to move from one trailhead to another in an RV, and there are several along the park's stretch. After hiking, biking, swimming, or rafting through a full day, the comfort of an RV is a welcome thought.
