Obed Wild & Scenic River
Designation: Wild & Scenic River
Location: Tennessee
📘 Park Overview
The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as it did when the first white settlers strolled its banks in the late 1700s. While meagerly populated due to poor farming soil, the river was a hospitable fishing and hunting area for trappers and pioneers. Today, the Obed stretches along the Cumberland Plateau and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
🌤 Weather Information
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees. The low temperatures in winter often dip below freezing. Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.
🚗 Directions
The Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center is located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg, Tennessee. Please use the link for more information.
Images
Obed in Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
A Star-Filled Night Sky above the Historic Nemo Bridge
Credit: NPS Photo/Brandon Jett
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 29
Patchy rain nearby
High: 88°F | Low: 65.4°F
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 6.5 mph
Rain Chance: 91%
UV Index: 10.2
Sunrise: 06:23 AM
Sunset: 08:47 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 68.2°F
Cloud Cover: 91%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 30
Moderate rain
High: 79.8°F | Low: 63.5°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 5.1 mph
Rain Chance: 90%
UV Index: 6.9
Sunrise: 06:23 AM
Sunset: 08:48 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 65.8°F
Cloud Cover: 90%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 31
Patchy rain nearby
High: 76.6°F | Low: 55.6°F
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 9.2
Sunrise: 06:23 AM
Sunset: 08:49 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 60.6°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Climb with a Ranger
Climb with a Ranger occurs on the first Saturday of each month.
11:00 am-12:00 pm (ET): There will be a dedicated children-only climb for children ages 12 and under.
12:00 pm-2:00 pm (ET): Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend at any time during this timeframe.
Location: Parking: Participants should park on either side of Lilly Bridge, take the path near the west end of the bridge labelled “Bridge Trail” and follow the signs to the climbing area. If parking is full at Lilly Bridge, participants should park in one of the Lilly Overlook parking lots. From the overlook parking lots, participants should follow the wide, gravel “Overlook Trail,” turn right on the “Bridge Trail” and then follow the trail that stays closest to the cliff base until arriving at the climbing area.
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Jumpin' Jupiter - Dark Sky Program
Jupiter will be at opposition, which means it's visible the entire night! We’ll have multiple telescopes set up for an up-close view of our solar system's biggest planet, along with other night sky objects. Bring a red flashlight to navigate the trail and boardwalk safely. Dress warm and come on out for a great night of stars over Obed!
Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Jan 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Hike with a Ranger
Learn about the park's history & natural features while we traverse this easy-moderate difficulty trail of 2.6 miles round-trip. Bring water and appropriate clothing & gear for a mid-winter hike. Meet at the Nemo Picnic Area at 10 am ET.
Date: Jan 31, 2026 12:00am to Jan 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Climb with a Ranger
Climb with a Ranger occurs on the first Saturday of each month.
11:00 am-12:00 pm (ET): There will be a dedicated children-only climb for children ages 12 and under.
12:00 pm-2:00 pm (ET): Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend at any time during this timeframe.
Location: Parking: Participants should park on either side of Lilly Bridge, take the path near the west end of the bridge labelled “Bridge Trail” and follow the signs to the climbing area. If parking is full at Lilly Bridge, participants should park in one of the Lilly Overlook parking lots. From the overlook parking lots, participants should follow the wide, gravel “Overlook Trail,” turn right on the “Bridge Trail” and then follow the trail that stays closest to the cliff base until arriving at the climbing area.
Date: Feb 7, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cumberland Trail Work Day
Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Let's Go Starlight Strolling
Bring a sense of wonder, and plan ahead with a flashlight, water, and sturdy shoes.
Date: Feb 28, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Climb with a Ranger
Climb with a Ranger occurs on the first Saturday of each month.
11:00 am-12:00 pm (ET): There will be a dedicated children-only climb for children ages 12 and under.
12:00 pm-2:00 pm (ET): Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend at any time during this timeframe.
Location: Parking: Participants should park on either side of Lilly Bridge, take the path near the west end of the bridge labelled “Bridge Trail” and follow the signs to the climbing area. If parking is full at Lilly Bridge, participants should park in one of the Lilly Overlook parking lots. From the overlook parking lots, participants should follow the wide, gravel “Overlook Trail,” turn right on the “Bridge Trail” and then follow the trail that stays closest to the cliff base until arriving at the climbing area.
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Adventure
Come on out to Obed Wild and Scenic River for a great night of stargazing! Park staff and volunteers will have multiple telescopes set up to view planets like Venus & Jupiter, numerous shining stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects. Make sure to bring a red flashlight to safely navigate the trail and overlook boardwalk.
Hike from Lilly Bluff Overlook parking lot: 0.3 mi each way on a flat, dirt trail
Date: Mar 20, 2026 12:00am to Mar 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Adaptive Rock Climbing
Join us for a day of adaptive rock climbing, where people with limb differences can challenge themselves, connect with nature, and find community in a supportive, empowering environment.
What to Expect:
• No Experience Needed
• Climbing Gear Provided
• Trained Staff & Volunteers
Location: Lilly Bluff Climbing Area
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Climb with a Ranger
Climb with a Ranger occurs on the first Saturday of each month.
11:00 am-12:00 pm (ET): There will be a dedicated children-only climb for children ages 12 and under.
12:00 pm-2:00 pm (ET): Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend at any time during this timeframe.
Location: Parking: Participants should park on either side of Lilly Bridge, take the path near the west end of the bridge labelled “Bridge Trail” and follow the signs to the climbing area. If parking is full at Lilly Bridge, participants should park in one of the Lilly Overlook parking lots. From the overlook parking lots, participants should follow the wide, gravel “Overlook Trail,” turn right on the “Bridge Trail” and then follow the trail that stays closest to the cliff base until arriving at the climbing area.
Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Apr 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
208 N. Maiden Street
Wartburg, TN 37887
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 429
Wartburg, TN 37887
📞 Voice Phone: 4233466294
✉️ Email: obri_information@nps.gov