Obed Wild and Scenic River

Enjoy Lily Arch.

The scenic river gorge.

The Obed River and its two main tributaries, Clear Creek and Daddys Creek, cut into the Cumberland Plateau of east Tennessee, creating deep gorges and some of the best whitewater in the Southeast.

Forty-five miles of streams within the park are available for fishing, white-water canoeing and kayaking. There is also rock climbing.

Access to the park is limited. The few bridges that cross the river provide access.

Anglers along the river go after bass, bluegill, catfish or muskellunge, better known as the "musky" or "jackfish."

The cold, rainy season between December and April is when the rivers are high enough for white-water trips. At that time, streams have nearly continuous rapids and dangerous currents. Paddling this kind of water requires experience, skill and careful planning.

The surrounding forest is carpeted with wildflowers in spring. The river gorge is seasonally home to more than 100 species of birds, as well as bobcats, beavers, raccoons, minks, otters and white-tailed deer.

There is one undeveloped campground in the park, a developed two-mile hiking trail and other trails in the works. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are common.

A visitor center is available in Wartburg.