Hiking

Regardless of the time of year, every season offers its own special rewards to those who take the time to explore the Obed Wild and Scenic River on foot.

• Obed WSR Map

 

Lilly Bluff Trails

The four trails found in the Lilly Bluff area allow visitors to expore Obed's sun-baked bluffs, sheer cliffs, moisture-rich forests, cascading creeks, and expansive boulder fields.

• Click here for a downloadable brochure on Lilly Bluff Trail Descriptions.

 

Lilly Bluff Overlook

NPS Photo

Overlook Trail

Distance: 0.3-mile one way
Difficulty: Easy
Enjoy the high rock outcrop of Lilly Bluff, where you’ll find sweeping views of the river gorge. Strollers and wheelchairs can negotiate the gravel trail and boardwalk with minimal assistance.

 

Lilly Arch

NPS Photo

Point Trail

Distance: 3.8-mile round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The trail dips to Melton Mill Branch, which can be a trickle in summer or a roar in winter and spring, then leads past a hidden natural arch, guiding you along the bluff to a secluded view overlooking the river gorge.

 

Upper Melton Mill Falls

NPS Photo

Bridge Trail

Distance: 0.5 mile one way
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The trail runs between Lily Bridge and the Overlook trail. It cuts beneath Lilly Bluff, where sheer cliffs are exposed. It lends you low past the trunks of sycamore and ash trees near the river’s edge, then high among hemlock, oak, and hickory canopies.

 

Visitors bouldering during a ranger-led program!

NPS Photo

Boulder Field Trail

Distance: 0.4 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
The trail meanders among massive sandstone boulders, which fell from the bluff thousands of years ago. Today climbers train and test their skill on the boulders’ faces while non-climbers look on.

 

Nemo Trails

This day use area offers the perfect natural and historic backdrop for your next picnic, forested hiking adventure, or refreshing dip in the river! Do you want to experience Nemo after dark? Pick up a backcountry permit at the visitor center or online!

• Click here for a downloadable brochure on Nemo Trail Descriptions

 

A snake ssssssoaking up the sun along the trail.

NPS Photo

Emory River Nature Trail

Distance: 1.0-mile loop.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
The Nature Trail shares a small portion of the Cumberland Trail before looping down and around to return along the Emory River to the Rock Creek Campground. The trail offers a close up appreciation of the transition from bluff to gorge, where massive sandstone boulders fell from the bluff thousands of years ago and now rest in and near the river gorge.

 

Keep an eye out for evidence of how people used to use Obed's natural resources!

NPS Photo

Cumberland Trail – Emory River Gorge Section

Distance: 2.6-mile round-trip.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Above the Nemo Picnic Area stands the historic Nemo Bridge, now used by hikers to enjoy an above-ground view of the Emory River. The trail leaves the picnic area from the upstream end of the parking lot and ascends above the river to a sweeping overlook of the confluence of the Obed and Emory Rivers. The trail ends at a seasonal stream cascade.

 

This trail really pops in the spring!

NPS Photo

Cumberland Trail – Obed River Section

Distance: 14.2 miles one way.
Difficulty: Very Strenuous.
The trail leaves Rock Creek Campground and includes many ascents and descents along the Obed River leading to remote overlooks that offer solitude and sweeping views of the gorge. The section terminus is at the Devils Breakfast Table trailhead. A popular abbreviated hike on this section is from the campground to Alley Ford and back (5 miles roundtrip – moderate to strenuous).

For more information on Cumberland Trail State Park, call 423-566-2229.

 

Ticks, Snakes, and Bears! Oh My!

While hiking at Obed, it is important to be prepared and to know the possible risks.

Ticks 

Ticks are common throughout the recreation area.

• Use tick repellents with DEET, according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Wear light colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants with socks tucked into pants.
• Do frequent "tick checks" of yourself and any children with you.
• Always check for ticks after any outdoor activities.
• Tick- Bourne Disese

Snakes

Be alert for poisonous snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes are generally found on land but may sometimes be seen in the water. Use ordinary precautions, wear shoes and always carry a flashlight after dusk. If you see a snake, leave it alone!

Poison Ivy 

Poison ivy grows plentifully along roadsides, trails and the edges of fields and parking lots, as a vine or a low shrub. The leaves are red in early spring, shiny green in summer, and an attractive red or orange in the fall. Each leaf consists of three leaflets.

• Most people are sensitive in varying degrees to the sap of this plant, which makes skin itch, blister, and swell.

• Avoid contact with all parts of the plant. If exposed, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible. It takes several minutes for the sap to penetrate the skin.

• Remember: Leaves of three, let them be!

Black Bears 

Although black bears live in this area, they are rare to see on trail. Be bear aware by following these safety tips: 

• Hike in groups 
• Make noise while hiking 
• Remain watchful
• Do not approach bears
• If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear.
• If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.