Return to map

Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park

Birding Seasons:

Spring A

Summer A

Fall A

Winter B

View Larger Map Share Submit a sighting via or

Site Description and Habitats

The Obed River corridor extends from one mile downstream (east) of Highway 298 (Genesis Road) in the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area to the confluence with the Emory River; Clear Creek from the west Morgan County line to the confluence with the Obed River; Daddys Creek from the Morgan County line to the confluence with the Obed River; and the Emory River 1/4 mile upstream from the confluence with the Obed River to Nemo Bridge. The site is the only Federal scenic river in Tennessee. These waterways have cut narrow gorges creating bluffs some 500 feet high and narrow river beds. Represented are old growth trees, clear waters, and sharp elevation changes. Many large hemlocks and small steams are present.

The National Park has opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, camping and many hiking trails. We recommend visiting the park headquarters and visitor center in downtown Wartburg.

The pristine, non-dammed rivers attract whitewater boaters to some of the finest paddling (class I-IV rapids) in the United States. There are numerous waterfalls both in the streams and falling off the steep walls of the canyons. The steep ravines and gorges have kept a few areas from being logged, and, thus, there are several areas where old growth trees occur. One of these is near Nemo where the Cumberland Trail crosses the Emory River.

The rock walls that form the canyons in Clear Creek and the Obed River are very steep and beautiful. Rock climbers come from all over to these sties that are rated easy to very difficult. The Lilly area has a handicap accessible boardwalk that offers several scenic views of Clear Creek Canyon. It is also the site of a large unique sandstone bluff that contains several endangered plant species that grow no where else in the world.

The Lilly Bluff Overlook on 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. The Lily Bluff Overlook is just a short walk through the woods from the parking lot and boasts an excellent boardwalk to the edge of the bluffs overlooking the river.

Bird species of interest

Spring and Fall Migration: Warblers, vireos, and thrushes are often common across the area. Louisiana Waterthrush, Eastern Phoebe, Chipping Sparrow, Tennessee, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Blue-winged, and Blackpoll Warbler can be common. Eastern Whip-poor-wills can be very abundant (mostly heard only) in spring and early summer at dusk and especially on nights with a full moon.

Summer: Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Yelloow-throated Warbler, Northern Parula, and Swainson's Warbler in rhododendron thickets.

Winter: Woodland birding can be slow, but look for Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglet, and sparrows may occur along forest edges.

Year-Round: Barred and Eastern Screech-Owl are regular, resident species including Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, among other residents are common.

Submit your data to eBird here

Detailed directions for birding Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park
The Obed Wild and Scenic River Visitor Center is located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg, Tennessee.

From the East, take State Route 62 West, then veer to the right onto State Route 27. Make a left onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the Visitor Center on North Maiden Street.

From the West, take State Route 62 East, then make a right onto State Route 27 South. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the Visitor Center on North Maiden Street.

From the North, follow State Route 27 South into Wartburg. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the Visitor Center on North Maiden Street.

From the South, follow State Route 27 North into Wartburg. Make a left onto Kingston Street, then follow the brown Obed road signs to the Visitor Center on North Maiden Street.

Directions to Lilly Bluff Overlook:
From Wartburg, travel north/west on Hwy 27 to Hwy 62 on the right. Turn right on Hwy 62 and follow to Ridge Road on the left. Turn Left on Ridge Road and follow. You will cross over the Obed River and then see signs for the Lilly Bluff Overlook. Follow the signs to the parking lot.

See also the Big South Fork NRRA

Lat-Long (GPS) coordinates
Headquarters in Wartburg: 36.10597 -84.59765
Lilly Bluff Overlook: 36.102298,-84.717764

There's a nice list of other access points and trails at Big South Fork on Dr. Steve Stedman's web site here.

Additional information on bird species and abundances at the Big South Fork here.

Fees and Hours
Open daylight hours, year round however some areas are open 24 hrs a day. No fee for birding and hiking, however there are fees for camping and other activities.

Facilities
There are restroom and camping facilities.

Hazards
Please refer to TWRA Hunting Guide about hunting seasons and public access dates. Access dates vary by site.

Contact
Big South Fork NRRA

Info for other sites
Tennessee's Watchable Wildlife web site