Obed National Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center

Carol flinn

2024-04

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Sherry Clay

2022-05

The rangers at the visitors center were great! We had our 7 yo with us and they were really good with her. They are very knowledgeable about everything in the area. They gave us 3 suggestions of what to do and we were going to do all three but we ended up only doing one because we had such a great time there. We hiked Lilly Bluff Overlook and then found a swimming hole to cool off in.

David Lieu

2023-05

We visited on a Friday morning in early April. It was a little tricky getting here through town navigating the 1 way roads. There was plenty of parking when we arrived.We were the only ones in the visitor center the whole time we were there. They have a short video of Obed but we actually had watched it the day before at Big South Fork Visitor Center at Bandy Creek.The kids where hear to turn in their Obed Junior Ranger books (which is also points for the Go Big Challenge 2023). We had hiked Lily Bluff the evening before and it was great. The parking is a little tricky as it's at the bottom next to the river so they are significantly inclined. There were plenty of spots available. There is also bathrooms there. There is also a local dog that belongs to the nearby brewery. The Rangers at the visitor center are aware of the dog and he is very friendly. We walked up to him and he just laid down and rolled over for a belly rub. If you read his collage it says "not all who wander are lost" which gave us the first clue he wasn't lost. A local was trying to get him home as the rain was starting and a storm coming through. We were told by the Rangers at the visitor center that the dog has his own Instagram page.There were a couple things to see and read at the visitor center but not much. There is a small talk with color sheets for kids to work on. There is a small NPS store in one of the corners which also has the NPS cancellation stamp and a small exhibit of outdoor sports in another. There is a nature display as well with some wild animals you may encounter on your hike/visit to the park. Probably could spend about good 30 mins here with the video and be on your way to explore the actual park.Definitely worth a stop by to talk with the rangers regarding trail suggestions or conditions before going off.

Daniel Duran

2023-05

I really enjoyed making a stop at this visitor center as the park ranger was very informative and friendly! The visitor center is quite small but it has all of the information needed to learn about everything this beautiful park has to offer! Bring your national stamp book here as this place does have a stamp here!

Chandler S

2022-05

Awesome place. So pretty. Hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, etc. come see it for yourself. It’s magical. Great climbing on some beautiful steep southern rock. Variety of climbs ranging from 5.4ish to stupid hard. Nice park ranger staff. Really knowledgeable about the area. Campground is awesome.

Samuel Lander

2023-05

The visitor center is located outside the main park but I recommend a visit to the visitor center before anything else. The visitor center offers maps, trail guides, and advice from rangers. The park itself is quite remote and peaceful. The river is free flowing and for the most part calm in the summer months. For hikes, I recommend the point trail and the overlook trail. Bring plenty of water and be on the lookout for snakes and other wildlife.

Cindy North

2021-05

What a sweet destination. Obed was really a surprise for my husband and I. It has a good mix of moderate to difficult trailhead. Brooks to cross and rock climbing along way. I think it is missed sometimes because it is so close to Frozen Head. Incline is not ridiculous overall. Fall was definitely a beautiful time to go!

Jonathan Zarinnia

2020-05

This is a wonderful place that's as beautiful as Smoky Mountains NP with a fraction of the traffic. Cabins are available nearby making this a decent weekend getaway for folks living around Nashville to Cincinnati and East to Johnson City area.

Tressa Cassetty

2023-05

What a great visitor center! The rangers are very helpful and friendly. There are coloring pages and activity books for the kids, maps and info on the park, and a nice water feature. So glad we stopped on our way through!

Katie DeVinney

2017-05

Pretty easy hike, about 4 miles long and you won't see many people. Nice view of the river. Be sure to check out the waterfall near the beginning of the hike!

Jan Swallows

2021-05

We had a picnic lunch here in Wartburg, Tn. The building is beautiful with a clock/ bell tower! Just need to get the clock working !

Kristopher Whipker

2023-05

Would like to return to visit more of this beautiful and scenic area. Visitor center was very helpful and friendly to assist with locations and other NP sites. The video is educational and provided what we could look forward to on our next adventure outing.

Mitch Aldrich

2018-05

Lilly Bluff Overlook hike is great for young children. The path is wide most of the way and gently sloped. Hiking the Boulder trail was also great because of the cool moss covered rocks with fun overhangs. Lots of wild mushrooms, fall leaves, and other cool things for children. Beautiful spot, highly recommend.

Amelia Bartlett

2018-05

There's a little something for everyone here, especially climbers! Amazing climbing, almost never crowded, and the rush of the river can be heard everywhere.

Andrew Cuevas

2018-05

Amazing place for recreation! I went when it was raining so I wasn't able to enjoy the full experience, but from what I could see and do I am confident that you could just about find what you want to do if you visit this place. From fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, etc. the list of possible activities goes on for a considerable amount of time. Definitely recommend visiting this place!

Kaitlyn Melton

2024-04

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Hook Mann

2023-05

Stop at the Ranger station in Wartburg before heading into park. Very informative and great tips on parking and trail info.

Wilderness Girl

2022-05

Bridge Trail rock formations are amazing! Really a great hike.

Peter Brown

2018-05

Great hidden gem!!! Hikes are spectacular. I'd like to see it in the fall when I get a chance

Chase E

2022-05

One of the coolest visitor centers! Super friendly rangers.

Michael Ciurea

2018-05

The visitors center is a bit away from the actual river, but you’ll be able to learn about the ecology of the river and how to safely navigate it. The people are super friendly and helpful.

Danielle D

2017-05

Beautiful day. Best outdoors fun

Sid C

2022-05

Although it looks like an ordinary building from the outside, there is a nice exhibit on the inside for the Obed National Wild and Scenic park, with a terrific video on the park. Check it out!

Angela Hoffman

2023-05

Obed is an absolute gem of a natural area, a wonderful mix of protected land combined with opportunities for responsible recreation. We visited recently during our child's fall break, and we enjoyed beautiful short hikes at Lilly Bluff Overlook and in the Boulder Field, where we saw beautiful scenery and fascinating geology and observed many different bird and plant species. We also had wonderful interactions with the volunteers and staff at the visitor center, who were warm and encouraging (namely the volunteer named Riley). Obed and nearby Frozen Head State Park are now likely to be our go-to natural areas when we want to enjoy a day in nature but without all the crowds of the Smokies.

Saundra Stehlin

2023-05

After one National Battlefield after another, it was such a relief to visit a Park dedicated to nature and beauty! At the Visitor Center, it was fun to see the "relics" from previous years...the cigar shaped kayaks and the old Blue Hole canoes. The OBED and other KY and TN rivers rival anything out west for wild natural beauty.

David Thomson

2018-05

Highly recommended! Amazing friendly rangers, great video presentation if the park. Check out the overlook for a great view. There is a fun hike from the overlook to the river bridge. Our group of 50's and 60's had a great time in the hike. Not challenging, but take your time. You'll love it.

Brandon Brown

2019-05

Beautiful drive and great climbing area. Short hike from the road and very impressive rock. The rangers were very friendly and the routes are well bolted. Not many routes top out but that is because of a 5.13+ overhangs. That same overhangs provides great shade and light rain protection. The bugs were not out the day we were there but it was crowded.

Regenia Shepherd

2024-04

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KSD Ksd

2021-05

Keep in mind that the photo shown was taken at the park office, which is close to the NEMO trailheads, but 17 mins by car from Lilly Bluffs

Kat S

2017-05

The Rock climbing with a ranger is fantastic. Gear provided and many rangers to help you.