Parks

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.

Map showing location of park.

A group of people using rakes and tools to clear leaves and soil while building or maintaining a narrow trail on a wooded hillside, surrounded by trees in a forest.

Obed Wild and Scenic River Seeks Volunteers for Cumberland Trail Workday

2026-02-02

The National Park Service invites the public to join the annual Cumberland Trail workday on Feb. 14. Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and Cumberland Trail State Park will host the event.

An up-close view of a Slabside Pearly mussel.

Rare Species Discovered in the Obed Wild & Scenic River

2025-11-17

A new mussel species has been discovered in the Obed Wild & Scenic River.

Close up of the river with fall color trees reflect in the water.

Tourism to Obed WSR Contributes $5.5 Million to Local Economy

2025-09-30

A new National Park Service report shows that 262,000 visitors came to Obed Wild & Scenic River in 2024 spent $5.5 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.

A woman and a dog sitting in the center of a giant rock formation arch looking forward.

Obed Wild & Scenic River Announces 2025 Photo Contest Winners

2025-09-15

The National Park Service (NPS) announces the winners of the 2025 Obed Wild and Scenic River photo contest.

Adaptive Outdoor Rock-Climbing Program, September 27

2025-09-08

An adaptive climbing program is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (ET). The program is designed for people with an amputation or limb difference, with the goal of improving accessibility to climbing for visitors with mobility challenges.