PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS§ 1.5 CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE PERMITSUSE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT(a)(1) Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the Obed Wild and Scenic River is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links, etc.). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones, etc.) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Justification: The use of unmanned aircraft has the potential to cause unacceptable impacts such as harming visitors, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. Management Policies 2006 Section 1.5 requires caution when a park is confronted with a new park use such as unmanned aircraft. Less restrictive approaches are deemed to be insufficient, as this closure is a necessary, interim measure which will allow the NPS to consider how to address this new use on a long-term basis. Allowing the use of unmanned aircraft before the park has properly evaluated whether this use is appropriate could result in unacceptable impacts to park resources, park values, and visitor safety. AREAS POSTED AS CLOSED(a)(1) Entering any area of the park which has been posted or signed as closed, or which has been designated as closed by the Superintendent, is prohibited. Justification: Closures may be necessary for a variety of reasons including site restoration, protection of sensitive or threatened species and protection of visitor safety. NEMO DAY USE AREA(a)(1) Vehicular entry into Nemo Day Use Area is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. All vehicles must be removed from Nemo Day Use Area prior to sunset. This provision does not apply to individuals possessing a valid backcountry permit for the date that the vehicle is present. BARNETT BRIDGE DAY USE AREA(a)(1) All locations within two hundred feet of either end of Barnett Bridge are closed from sunset to sunrise. It is prohibited to be present in these areas during this time, whether in a vehicle or on foot. All vehicles must be removed from theses locations prior to sunset. This provision does not apply to individuals possessing a valid backcountry permit for the date that they are present. This provision also does not apply to vehicles driving through the area on the county road, provided that such vehicles do not leave the primary roadway surface. JETT BRIDGE DAY USE AREA(a)(1) All locations within two hundred feet of the parking areas at Jett Bridge Day Use Area are closed from sunset to sunrise. Additionally, all locations within two hundred feet of the parking area for Slant Rock, the trail to Slant Rock and Slant Rock itself are also closed from sunset to sunrise. It is prohibited to be present in these areas during this time, whether in a vehicle or on foot. All vehicles must be removed from these locations prior to sunset. This provision does not apply to individuals possessing a valid backcountry permit for the date that they are present. This provision also does not apply to vehicles driving through the area on the state highway, provided that such vehicles do not leave the primary roadway surface. Justification: This area is closed to visitation from sunset to sunrise to protect visitor safety and to protect park resources. Historically, the park has experienced a high incidence of nighttime crime at Jett Bridge Day Use Area/Slant Rock and these restrictions will significantly curtail this trend while allowing for legitimate uses. OBED JUNCTION PARKING AREA(a)(1) All locations within two hundred feet of the gravel parking area near Obed Junction adjacent to Potter’s Chapel Road are closed from sunset to sunrise. It is prohibited to be present in these areas during this time, whether in a vehicle or on foot. All vehicles must be removed from these locations prior to sunset. This provision does not apply to individuals possessing a valid backcountry permit for the date that they are present. This provision also does not apply to vehicles driving through the area on the county road, provided that such vehicles do not leave the primary roadway surface. Justification: This area is closed to visitation from sunset to sunrise to protect visitor safety and to protect park resources. Historically, the park has experienced a high incidence of nighttime crime at the Obed Junction parking area and these restrictions will significantly curtail this trend while allowing for legitimate uses. MOTORIZED VESSELS(a)(1) Motorized vessels are not permitted on streams within the park with one exception: Vessels propelled solely by electrically powered motors are permitted on the section of the Emory River which has been designated as “recreational” and which extends downstream from the confluence of the Obed and Emory rivers to Nemo Bridge. ROAD CLOSURES(a)(1) Designated park roads may be temporarily closed on occasions when a hazardous condition exists or when required by other circumstances to protect the safety of the public. Operating a motor vehicle in violation of such closures is prohibited. OFF-ROAD VEHICLES IN ROCK CREEK CAMPGROUND AND NEMO DAY USE AREA(a)(1) The operation of off-road vehicles and other similar vehicles, including all vehicles which are not permitted on public highways and all vehicles which are not licensed by the State of Tennessee for use on public highways, is prohibited in the Rock Creek Campground and at Nemo Day Use Area, unless these vehicles are being operated for the purpose of accessing other areas off park property. In all cases, the operation of such vehicles is limited to the immediate surface of the primary roadway. It is prohibited to take such vehicles off of the immediate surface of the primary roadway for any reason. REOPENING OF ROADS, TRAILS, ETC.(a)(1) The reopening, to any extent, of any roads, trails or routes within the park which have been closed by means of revegetation, fallen trees, or any other means, is prohibited for anyone other than a member of the park’s staff or an official park volunteer acting under specific orders from a member of the park’s staff. This prohibition does not apply to the reopening of designated park roads and parking areas. IDLING OF DIESEL-FUELED ENGINES(a)(1) Operators of diesel-fueled vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines within the park. USE OF GENERATORS(a)(1) The use of generators within the park is prohibited with one exception: Generators may be used in Rock Creek Campground between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., so long as the use of such generators does not otherwise violate the provisions of 36 CFR 2.12 regarding audio disturbances. SEARCHING OF TRASH RECEPTACLES(a)(1) The searching of park trash receptacles, refuse containers, dumpsters and recycling bins is prohibited, as is the removal of items from such containers. ENTERING MINE SHAFTS(a)(1) Entering any mine shaft within the park is prohibited. CLOSURE OF THE AREA SURROUNDING LILLY BLUFF OVERLOOK BOARDWALK(a)(1) Departing from the Lilly Bluff Overlook boardwalk by any means other than the designated gravel trail to the parking lot is prohibited. It is prohibited for an individual to be within 50 feet of the overlook boardwalk unless that individual is either on the boardwalk or on the designated gravel trail. JUMPING FROM BRIDGES(a)(1) Jumping or diving from any bridge within the park is prohibited. ROPE SWINGS, DIVING BOARDS, LADDERS AND SIMILAR ITEMS(a)(1) Attaching or otherwise affixing a rope swing, diving board, ladder, slide or other such item to the shore of any stream within the park, to an object or to vegetation alongside such stream, or to an object or vegetation within the stream itself, is prohibited. HUNTING STANDS(a)(1) The construction of a permanent hunting stand of any sort and the construction or placement of any hunting stand that harms any vegetation or other park resource in any way is prohibited. Temporary hunting stands are permitted only if they cause no damage to any trees, vegetation or other park resource, and will not be left unattended for over 24 hours. Stands must be removed when not in use. Stands must be marked with the hunter’s Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency identification number or the hunter’s name, address and phone number. SALT LICKS AND OTHER FORMS OF WILDLIFE BAITING(a)(1) The placement of salt licks, mineral blocks, food items, and all other forms of “baiting” to attract wildlife to a particular location or area is prohibited. Attempting to take wildlife through the use or in reliance upon such baited locations is prohibited, regardless of whether or not the person attempting to take such wildlife was responsible for the establishment of the baited location. COLLECTION OF BIRDS(a)(1) Collecting or attempting to collect birds from their nest is prohibited. HUNTING NEAR DEVELOPED AREAS(a)(1) Any form of hunting, or the possession of a loaded rifle, shotgun or black powder rifle, is prohibited within a safety zone, as signed, within 1000 feet of any portion of a developed visitor use area, including Lilly Bluff Overlook platform and any parking lot, or as depicted on the maps attached as Appendix B. Hunters may walk through a safety zone provided that their weapons are unloaded and that their hunting dogs, if any, are on leashes. In accordance with state regulations, an individual with a hand-gun carry permit may carry a loaded handgun in a safety zone, provided that they are not actively hunting with that handgun. RETRIEVING GAME(a)(1) Lawfully taken big game may be quartered for ease of transportation so long as species and gender can be determined. Hunters are required to retrieve all injured or dead game if possible. DISPOSING OF DEAD ANIMALS(a)(1) Disposing of dead animals, including lawfully taken game, is prohibited. MUSSEL REMOVAL(a)(1) The harvesting by any means of any species of fresh water mussel is prohibited. STACKING ROCKS AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES(a)(1) Stacking rocks for any purpose or using rocks to create any sort of rock structure is prohibited. This provision does not apply to the use of rocks to create temporary fire rings as further described in Section 2.13 of this Superintendent’s Compendium. Such temporary fire rings must be less than 6 feet in diameter along their outer edge and less than 12 inches in height. Rocks used for the construction of such fire rings must be collected from the surface of the ground only. Rocks which are partially or fully buried may not be disturbed. POSSESSION OR TRANSPORT OF FIREWOOD FROM OTHER LOCATIONS(a)(1) Firewood originating from outside of Morgan or Cumberland Counties is not permitted to be possessed within or transported through the park. ZIPLINES, SLACKLINES AND ROPE BRIDGES(a)(1) The installation or use of ziplines, slacklines, rope bridges and similar devices that are affixed between two objects for the purpose of being traversed either by hand or foot or via a pulley, carabineer or other device is prohibited. CLIMBING, RAPELLING AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES(a)(1) Climbing routes on the section of cliff upstream from Lilly Bluff Overlook, from the route commonly known as “Alien” to the route commonly known as “Blasphemy,” will be closed for use by the general public on the first Saturday of every month between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this time, this section of cliff is reserved for participants in the park’s ranger-led “Climb with a Ranger” program. Other sections of cliff may be closed periodically for other park educational or interpretive programs as posted. Climbing in these areas during these times is prohibited.
Justification: Certain areas are more sensitive and more likely to be impacted by activities such as climbing. GEOCACHING AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES(a)(2) Establishment of geocaches is not allowed. No burial of containers, movement of natural items or other manipulation of the natural environment is permitted. The establishment of virtual geocaches is allowed if authorized by a permit issued by the Superintendent. Virtual geocaching is defined as the activity in which a location is marked or specified by means of Global Positioning System (GPS), map or any means other than a physical marking or object placed at the site of the location, and which is done with the intent that such locations will be searched for or sought out by others. ADVENTURE RACES AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES(a)(2) Any activity in which persons compete with one another by traveling along a course within the park, including, but not limited to, triathalons, adventure races, ecochallenges, iron man competitions, hash house harrier games (also known as “hashing”), and other races or competitions of any sort, must be conducted pursuant to a permit issued by the Superintendent. OFF-TRAIL ACTIVITIES INVOLVING MORE THAN 25 PERSONS(a)(2) Any land-based activity in which members of a group of more than 25 persons depart from an established road, trail or parking area must be conducted pursuant to a permit issued by the Superintendent.
(a)(2) The use of electronic personal assistance mobility devices (for example, the device marketed under the brand name "Segway") by persons with a disability will be allowed in all of the park's paved parking areas, on the paved road in the Rock Creek Campground, on the gravel trail to the Lilly Bluff Overlook and on the Lilly Bluff Overlook platform itself, provided that such devices display a valid, government issued placard indicating that the user has a disability. The use of such devices is prohibited elsewhere in the park.
USE OF ELECTRONIC BICYCLES(a)(2) The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). E-bikes are allowed in the park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited. A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5). Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within the park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
§ 1.6 PERMITS
(f) Pursuant to the provisions of 36 CFR 1.6(f), the following is a compilation of the activities for which a permit is required. Not all of the activities/permits listed below are relevant to the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. In those cases where permit use is frequent, a specific permit form has been designed (e.g., the Rock Creek Campground self-registration form). In most other cases, a special use permit or letter of authorization will be prepared describing the specific conditions under which the permitted activity is authorized. In all cases, a permit or letter of authorization must be in the permittee’s possession at all times and must be shown to any authorized person upon request. For the purposes of self-registration at Rock Creek Campground, the application requirement is met by completing the fee collection envelop fully and accurately, inserting the required payment into the envelope, depositing the envelope in the security container of the self-registration station, and by affixing the appropriate, completed portion of the envelope to the clip on the site marker provided for that purpose.
PART 2—RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION§ 2.1 PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCESUSE OF DEAD WOOD(a)(4) Dead wood that has fallen and that is on the ground may be collected anywhere in the park and used as fuel for campfires within the park, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth elsewhere in federal and state regulations and in Section 2.13 of this Superintendent’s Compendium; the collection or use of such wood for any purpose other than the building of a campfire within the boundaries of the park is prohibited. Standing dead trees may not be felled or otherwise brought to the ground. Also excluded from this provision are the remains of any tree the trunk of which is more than four inches in diameter and which is found within 100 feet of the top or bottom of any cliff face; such dead trees may not be used as firewood or otherwise disturbed or removed.Justification: Downed, dead wood is generally plentiful within the park; however, standing dead trees provide important habitat for a variety of species. Additionally, many of the trees that grow in the vicinity of the park’s cliff faces are extremely old, and whether living or dead, are important physical records of the area’s natural history. RETURN TO TOP GATHERING OF FRUITS, MUSHROOMS, BERRIES AND NUTS(c)(1) The following fruits (including the fruiting bodies of certain mushrooms), berries and nuts may be gathered by hand for personal consumption or use:
(c)(2)(i) The quantity of fruits (including the fruiting bodies of certain mushrooms), berries and nuts collect under the provisions of Section 2.1(c)(1) will not exceed 1 gallon per family or group per day for each species. Justification: The unrestricted collection of fruits, berries and nuts could have an adverse impact on plant propagation and/or wildlife food sources. (c)(2)(ii) Persons gathering the species of fruits, berries and nuts listed in Section 2.1(c)(1) of this Superintendent’s Compendium are prohibited from climbing trees or other vegetation, and from using stools or ladders. All such fruits, berries or nuts must be collected while standing on the ground. The gathering of such fruits, berries or nuts is also prohibited within 200 feet of scientific research plots or areas. Justification: The use of collection methods such as ladders and tree climbing is prohibited in order to protect trees and vegetation from damage and to allow sufficient food supplies for wildlife. Gathering such items in research areas is prohibited in order to protect the integrity and reliability of research activities. RETURN TO TOP § 2.2 WILDLIFE PROTECTIONHUNTING WILD AND FERAL HOGS(b)(2) During the county-wide deer season established by the State of Tennessee, the hunting of hogs is permitted on park property. During this time period, such hunting is permitted only on days on which deer may be hunted, only with the weapons allowed to be used for deer hunting on that date and only by individuals who are allowed to hunt deer on that date (for example, only “youth” during a “youth only” hunt). During this period, individuals hunting hogs on park property must possess all necessary licenses required by the State of Tennessee to hunt deer and a hog hunting permit issued by the National Park Service. Additionally, during the period of time beginning the day after the last deer hunt and ending the last day of the Tennessee small game season for most species (typically near the end of February), the hunting of hogs is permitted on park property. During this time period, such hunting is permitted only with weapons allowed to be used for big game hunting. During this time period, individuals hunting hogs on park property must possess the necessary licenses required by the State of Tennessee to hunt small game and a hog hunting permit issued by the National Park Service.Justification: Allowing the hunting of wild and feral hogs will help curtail resource damage caused by this non-native species. RETURN TO TOP BEAR HUNTING(b)(2) Bear hunting is prohibited within the park.Justification: The development of a long-term bear management strategy is a necessary precursor to determining how to sustainably manage bear hunting within the park. Such a strategy has not yet been developed. RETURN TO TOP VIEWING OF WILDLIFE WITH AN ARTIFICIAL LIGHT(e) The entire park is closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light (including headlights), except when such lights are used to view wildlife in compliance with state laws which permit their use in the hunting of specified species.Justification: The prohibition of viewing wildlife with an artificial light is necessary to protect wildlife against nighttime poaching and is consistent with applicable state hunting regulations. RETURN TO TOP § 2.3 FISHINGPOSSESSION AND USE OF BAIT(d)(2) All sections of park streams are open for the possession and use of live or dead bait fish or fish eggs. Provided, however, that non-native fish species or the eggs of non-native fish species may not be used.Justification: The use of native minnows and other bait species does not pose a risk to park resources. However, the use of non-native species as bait risks the introduction of invasive species to park waters. RETURN TO TOP § 2.5 RESEARCH SPECIMENSSCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND COLLECTION PERMITSPursuant to the authority found in 36 CFR 2.5, the Superintendent may issue permits for the collection of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks and minerals for research purposes subject to the conditions established by the National Park Service for scientific research and collection permits. These conditions, in part, are found online at http://science.nature.nps.gov/research and are subject to periodic revision. The guidelines and requirements contained at the above website are hereby adopted and made part of this Superintendent’s Compendium. The violation of any applicable condition, guideline or requirement is prohibited.Justification: Conditions on research performed pursuant to permits are necessary to protect park resources from negative impacts and to ensure compliance with permitting procedures. RETURN TO TOP § 2.10 CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGEREGULATIONS RELATING TO LENGTH OF STAY(a) No person, party, organization or other group shall camp within the park for more than a total of 30 days in a calendar year. No person, party, organization or other group shall camp within the park for more than 14 consecutive days.Justification: Limitations relating to length of stay help ensure camper turnover and allow campsite vegetation a better opportunity to recover. RETURN TO TOP LEAVING CAMPSITES UNATTENDED(a) Campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.Justification: Campsites left unattended for more than 24 hours are sources of potential problems with wildlife and may encourage criminal activity such as theft RETURN TO TOP REGULATIONS FOR ROCK CREEK CAMPGROUND(a) The following regulations apply in Rock Creek Campground. Any failure to abide by these provisions is prohibited. (Note: For the purposes of this paragraph only, the numbered subparagraphs have no corresponding subparagraphs in 36 CFR.)1. Individual campsites are to be occupied by no more than one immediate family, or, alternatively, by no more than eight persons. Exceeding these limits is prohibited. Justification: Per person limitations at individual campsites help limit resource impacts and preserve a better experience for other campers. 2. No more than two tents, or alternatively, no more than one tent and one wheeled camping unit, are allowed per campsite. Tents must be placed on tent pads. Justification: Restrictions on the number of tents and other camping units are necessary due to space limitations in the campground, to protect park resources and to preserve a quality visitor experience. 3. Any vehicles or wheeled camping units, including any combination of recreational vehicles, camping trailers or other such units, and including vehicles being used to tow such units or being towed by such units, when the combined length exceeds 25 feet, are prohibited from entering Rock Creek Campground. This provision does not apply to park staff when conducting official park business. Justification: The road in and to Rock Creek Campground is narrow and the campsites are not designed for large motor homes or trailers. 4. No more than two motor vehicles or, alternatively, one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. All vehicles must be parked in designated parking spots immediately adjacent to the vicinity of the site for which the party is registered, or at the overflow area adjacent to the campground bulletin board. Vehicles, trailers and other personal items must in no way impede or interfere with the flow of traffic in Rock Creek Campground. All wheels of all vehicles and trailers must remain on paved surfaces at all times. Invited guests of registered campers must park at the overflow parking area near the campground bulletin board. Justification: The limited availability of parking and narrowness of the campground road requires that use of parking areas must be restricted to registered campers and that parking be done in a controlled manner. 5. Vehicular entry and traffic within Rock Creek Campground is limited to registered campers and their invited guests; provided, however, that hikers may park vehicles in the parking spaces immediately adjacent to the campground's bulletin board for the purposes of accessing the Cumberland Trail and the Emory River Nature Trail. Only registered campers may be present in the campground between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Justification: The limited availability of parking requires that use of parking areas must be limited to registered campers. 6. Prior to occupying a campsite, campers who wish to camp in Rock Creek Campground must first reserve a site by phone or the internet. Campers must either print their reservation confirmation number or write it in large, legible characters and affix it to the site marker post as proof of payment. Campers must camp in the specific site for which they have a reservation. Failure to complete the above is prohibited. Justification: Clearly specified procedures concerning campsite registration are required to help eliminate disputes over specific sites and to ensure compliance with registration requirements. 7. Sites which have been reserved and which display the reservation confirmation number will be considered to be occupied, and it is prohibited for another individual or party to occupy such a site. Interfering with the occupancy or use of any portion of such a campsite including parking spaces is prohibited. Justification: Clearly specified procedures concerning campsite registration are required to help eliminate disputes over specific sites and to ensure compliance with registration requirements. 8. Holding or reserving a campsite for another party is prohibited. Sites may be reserved and occupied only by following the instructions given above. Justification: Clearly specified procedures concerning campsite registration are required to help eliminate disputes over specific sites and to ensure compliance with registration requirements. 9. Registration permits expire at 12 p.m. on the day following the final date for which payment has been made and for which appropriate registration procedures have been completed. Campers must vacate the site prior to this time unless they have recompleted the registration process and paid the appropriate fee by this time. Continuing to occupy a campsite beyond such time without repeating the required registration process and providing the appropriate payment is prohibited. Justification: Clearly specified procedures concerning campsite registration are required to help eliminate disputes over specific sites and to ensure compliance with registration requirements. 10. Tying, hanging, wrapping or otherwise affixing or attaching any cord, line, string, rope or wire to any trees, vegetation, posts or structures is prohibited. Justification: Affixing such items to trees and other objects leads to resource damage and frequently decreases the quality of the camping experience for other park visitors. 11. Horses, pack animals and other livestock (trailered or otherwise) are not permitted in Nemo Day Use Area or Rock Creek Campground. Justification: Horses, pack animals and livestock have the potential to cause significant resource damage. 12. Except for campers with a registered site in Rock Creek Campground, the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed is prohibited at or within 200 feet of Rock Creek Campground. Justification: Over the history of the park incidents of aberrant behavior at this location relating to the consumption of alcoholic beverages have been of such a magnitude that the diligent application of the other provisions of 36 CFR 2.35 and the provisions of 36 CFR 1.5 and 2.34 have not alleviated problems related to the consumption of alcohol. Limiting this activity to registered campers will help address these incidents. RETURN TO TOP BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING REGISTRATION(a) Camping outside of Rock Creek Campground is prohibited without a properly completed backcountry camping permit.Justification: The requirement for a backcountry camping permit allows the park to monitor and limit impacts to park resources. It also assists park staff in identifying individuals who might be overdue or in distress. RETURN TO TOP PROHIBITED LOCATIONS FOR CAMPSITES OUTSIDE OF ROCK CREEK CAMPGROUND(a) Except at designated campsites within Rock Creek Campground or a designated backcountry campsite, camping is prohibited at the following locations and in the following areas:
RETURN TO TOP LEAVING NO TRACE AT CAMPSITES OUTSIDE OF ROCK CREEK CAMPGROUND(a) Campers are required to obliterate all traces of human presence or activity upon leaving their campsite.Justification: Leaving a campsite just as it was found helps to preserve a quality park experience for other visitors. RETURN TO TOP CAMPING WITHIN 100 FEET OF BODIES OF WATER(b)(3) The prohibition against camping within 100 feet of streams and other bodies of water as contained in 36 CFR 2.10(b)(3) shall not apply when camping within 100 feet of the following streams: the Emory River, the Obed River or Clear Creek. However, all other regulations and restrictions on camping shall remain in effect.Justification: The areas along the park’s streams are regularly scoured by floodwaters and are not necessarily more subject to resource damage than any other area of the park. RETURN TO TOP STORAGE OF FOOD AND OTHER ITEMS(d) The entire park is designated as subject to the requirements contained in 36 CFR 2.10(d) for the storage of food and other items. Food, lawfully taken fish or wildlife, garbage, and equipment used to cook or store eleood must be stored as outlined in 36 CFR 2.10 (d). Items found in violation of 36 CFR 2.10(d) are considered to interfere with visitor safety and to present a threat to park resources. Accordingly, such items may be impounded at any time under 36 CFR 2.22(b)(2)..Justification: Improper storage of food and other items interferes with visitor safety and enjoyment and poses risks to the welfare of the animals thus habituated by creating a situation in which animals view human beings as sources of food. RETURN TO TOP § 2.11 PICNICINGPicnicking is allowed within the park. Provided, however, that picnicking in Rock Creek Campground is permitted only to registered campers that have completed the required self-registration process for their campsite and to the invited guests of such campers. Additionally, all refuse, trash and other such items must be maintained in an appropriate refuse container at all times; failure to place such items immediately into an appropriate refuse container is prohibited. Picnicking is prohibited within 100 feet of an area of cultural or archeological significance or a research site or plot.Justification: Not placing items of refuse immediately into an appropriate receptacle creates greater potential for problems with scavenging wildlife and littering. Picnicking at or near cultural areas poses the risk of damage to such areas. RETURN TO TOP § 2.13 FIRESLOCATION WHERE FIRES ARE PERMITTED(a)(1) Lighting or maintaining a fire within the park is permitted in park established grills and park established fire pits and in other areas of the park, with the following exceptions:
Justification: Lighting or maintaining fires, except in the locations described above, is not likely to lead to significant resource damage. RETURN TO TOP CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE BUILDING OF FIRES(a)(1) Where permitted, the lighting or maintaining of a fire is subject to the following conditions.
Justification: Fires must be maintained at a reasonable level of intensity for safety and to prevent the occurrence of wildfires. The burning of synthetic materials releases toxic chemicals, leaves residue in fire pits and decreases the enjoyment of other visitors.. RETURN TO TOP EXTINGUISHING OF FIRES(b) Upon termination of use and before a fire site may be left unattended for any period of time, however brief, the fire must be extinguished to the extent that no hot materials (including hot coals, ashes or burnt materials) remain at the site and so that all remains of the fire are cool to the touch. All traces of fires must be completely obliterated, including any new fire rings. Established, long-standing fire rings exist at certain popular camping locations in the park (for example, downstream from Barnett Bridge, downstream from Lilly Bridge, at the mouth of Little Clear Creek, etc.). Destroying or altering these fire rings is prohibited.Justification: Fires must be fully extinguished for safety and to prevent the occurrence of wildfires. RETURN TO TOP § 2.14 SANITATION AND REFUSEDISPOSAL OF HUMAN BODY WASTE(b) Within a distance of one-quarter of a mile from a restroom or pit toilet facility, human body waste must be appropriately disposed of in such facilities. Beyond a distance of one-quarter of a mile from such facilities, human body waste must either be containerized and carried out or it must be buried at a depth of 4 to 6 inches in organic soil and at a location not frequented by the public. Human waste may not be buried within 100 feet or in sight of any trail, road, parking lot, developed area, campsite, cliff or rock formation, climbing route or climbing area, water source or the high water mark of any stream, whether intermittent or not.Justification: Improper disposal of human waste is a potential health hazard. RETURN TO TOP § 2.15 PETSDISPOSAL OF PET EXCREMENT(a)(5) Within 100 feet of any parking lot, road or other developed area or within 10 feet of any trail, pet excrement must be immediately collected and containerized by the pet handler or owner. Such container must be placed in a refuse receptacle or removed from the park for other proper disposal.Justification: Improper disposal of pet waste is a potential health hazard. RETURN TO TOP HUNTING DOGS(b) Dogs being used in support of authorized hunting activities must be crated, caged or restrained on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length when within a developed area or a designated safety zone.Justification: In accordance with state law, dogs may be used to hunt certain species. However, for visitor safety and to preserve the quality of the visitor experience, such dogs must be appropriate restrained. RETURN TO TOP § 2.16 HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS(a) Pack animals are defined as horses, burros, mules, donkeys, llamas and other hoofed mammals that are ridden or used to carry or transport equipment, supplies or other such items.(b) No trails, routes or areas within the park are designated for the use of horses or pack animals; the use or possession of horses or pack animals within the park is prohibited. RETURN TO TOP § 2.21 SMOKING(a) Smoking, including the carrying of lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic nicotine delivery systems is prohibited in the park’s visitor center. Electronic nicotine delivery system means an electronic device, such as an electronic cigarette, that a person uses to simulate smoking by inhaling vapor from the device.Justification: Second-hand smoke has negative health consequences for other visitors and park staff. RETURN TO TOP § 2.22 PROPERTYLEAVING MOTOR VEHICLES UNATTENDED WHILE ENGAGED IN BACKCOUNTRY ACTIVITIES(a)(2) Motor vehicles may be left unattended for longer than 24 hours while the vehicle’s operator is engaged in overnight hiking, overnight river trips or any other authorized backcountry activity.Justification: Motor vehicles may be left unattended to permit the participation in backcountry activities. RETURN TO TOP § 2.35 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCESALCOHOL CONSUMPTION(a)(3)(i) The consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed, is prohibited in the following areas:
RETURN TO TOP § 2.51 DEMONSTRATIONSSee Appendix A for a map of locations where demonstrations, as defined in 36 CFR 2.51 and subject to the requirements contained therein, are allowed.RETURN TO TOP § 2.52 SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTERSee Appendix A for a map of locations where the sale and distribution of printed material, as defined in 36 CFR 2.52 and subject to the requirements contained therein, are allowed.RETURN TO TOP PART 3 - BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES§ 3.21 SWIMMING AND BATHINGPROHIBITION OF GLASS CONTAINERS WITHIN 100 FEET OF CERTAIN STREAMS(a) Glass containers of any sort are prohibited within 100 feet of any portion of a major tributary within the park, including the Emory River, the Obed River, Clear Creek and Daddy’s Creek.Justification: Broken glass presents a serious safety risk. RETURN TO TOP PART 4 - VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY§ 4.21 SPEED LIMITS(b) A maximum speed limit of 5 miles per hour is established for the following routes and areas within the park:
RETURN TO TOP § 4.31 HITCHHIKINGHitchhiking is permitted only under exigent circumstances when the health or safety of the person or persons hitchhiking is in jeopardy, or to obtain assistance for a disabled motor vehicle.Justification: At times visitor safety may necessitate attempting to obtain a ride from strangers in order to reach safety, shelter or means to contact an acquaintance. RETURN TO TOP 
APPENDIX A: Designated Locations for Demonstrations and for the Sale or Distribution of Printed MatterAs provided in Sections 2.51 and 2.52 of this Superintendent’s Compendium, demonstrations as defined in 36 CFR 2.51 and the sale and distribution of printed matter as defined in 36 CFR 2.52 are allowed in the areas described below, as provided therein. APPENDIX A |
Last updated: June 8, 2024