Obed Wild & Scenic River
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.
The Public is Invited to the Annual Big South Fork and Obed Science Meeting on April 8, 2026
The National Park Service will host an annual public science meeting at Historic Rugby Visitor Center, in Rugby, Tennessee. The public is invited to spend the day with scientists who have been conducting research at Obed Wild and Scenic River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and other areas on the Cumberland Plateau.
Obed Adaptive Outdoor Rock-Climbing Program, March 28
Obed Wild and Scenic River will be conducting an adaptive climbing program on Saturday, March 28, from 10 am to 3 pm ET. The program is designed for people with a limb difference or mobility challenge, with the goal of improving the accessibility of rock climbing for a wider range of visitors.
Obed Wild and Scenic River Seeks Volunteers for Cumberland Trail Workday
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.
Rare Species Discovered in the Obed Wild & Scenic River
A new mussel species has been discovered in the Obed Wild & Scenic River.
Photo by NPS Photo
Photo by NPS Photo/Brandon Jett