Obed

O b e d W i l d a n d Scenic R i v e r Tennessee N a t i o n a l Park S e r v i c e U.S. D e p a r t m e n t o f t h e I n t e r i o r Tennessee Wildlife Resources A g e n c y Wild and scenic are good words to describe the Obed river system. The Obed Wild and Scenic River consists of sections of four streams: Daddys Creek, Clear Creek, Emory River, and the Obed River. These streams have been running their course for thousands of years, cutting into the sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau and creating a rugged landscape of wild land and water found in relatively few places in the eastern United States. The Obed and its tributaries have carved spectacular gorges with 400-foot cliffs above the streams. Huge sandstone boulders, once part of the cliffs above, now dot the streams, creating large Whitewater rapids in the rushing water. The American Indians who first visited this area may have used the bluffs as shelter during extended hunting trips. They found abundant game here, but the soil was poor and permanent set- tlements were not built. The "Longhunters"—white men who hunted for animal skins and furs—came next to the region. They found the same rich hunting grounds as the Indians, but the pioneers and settlers in the Cumberland Plateau found the land in the river and stream canyons inhospitable, difficult to farm, and too far from the centers of commerce. The mainstream of human settlement flowed around and beyond the plateau to the rich farmlands to the west. The result is an undeveloped natural area sculpted by unceasing erosion over millennia. The Obed river system contains a mixed forest of oak, hickory, poplar, pine, and hemlock. Shrubs such as mountain laurel and rhododendron also are common. During the spring, colorful wildflowers can be found on the forest floor and along the streams. A variety of wildlife can be found seasonally in the stream gorges, including more than 100 species of birds. Along the banks of the streams you may spot signs of bobcat, beaver, raccoon, mink, deer, or a playful river otter. Lilly Bluff Overlook provides a great view of part of the rugged Obed Wild and Scenic River. Access to much of the Obed Wild and Scenic River is limited. A few bridges offer access to the streams for kayakers and canoeists interested in demanding Whitewater boating. (The Obed system offers some of the most challenging Whitewater in the Southeast, requiring serious Whitewater skills and experience. It is not recommended for beginning or novice Whitewater boaters.) Fishermen also use the streams, going after smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, or the muskellunge (better known locally as the "Jack fish"). For those who are not backcountry oriented, a short walk from your motor vehicle to the The Obed Wild and Scenic River was added to the National Park System in October 1976. The National Park Service and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) have joined forces to protect and manage this unique area. Through a cooperative agreement, lands within the Obed Wild and Scenic River that are part of the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area will continue to be owned and managed by TWRA. The goal is to preserve the river in a free-flowing condition and to preserve and protect the water quality, the wildlife resources, and the primitive character of the area for present and future generations. In this way, visitors today and in the future can experience and appreciate this part of wild America. Mistflower is one of many wildflowers native to the countryside. The ice, snow, and clear, cold water make a magical winter scene, a A Variety of Outdoor Pleasures At any moment this fisherman's repose may be interrupted by a fish taking the bait. The park's streams have many beautiful surprises, among them this waterfall. A climber finesses his way up a sheer sandstone bluff. James Thurston Picnics, one of summertime's joys, are made even more pleasant by good food and good company. NPS NPS reminder that all seasons have something to offer. Russ Manning NPS American Canoe Association 7432 A l b a n Station Blvd., Suite 232 Springfield, VA 22150 703-451-0141 www.acanet.org Things to Do Paddling Canoeing and kayaking b r i n g many people t o t h e O b e d . This is one o f t h e best and most difficult w h i t e w a t e r regions in t h e eastern U n i t e d States. Civilization seems a long w a y o f f here. It is o n e of t h e f e w remaining places in t h e country w h e r e waters run free a n d w h e r e t h e r e has been little or no change in t h e natural sequence o f events; t h a t is one o f t h e reasons t h e area was chosen t o be a w i l d and scenic river. Because t h e Obed is r o u g h country, any activity must be pursued carefully and in h a r m o n y w i t h t h e land. The cold rainy season b e t w e e n December and A p r i l is usually t h e only t i m e t h e rivers are f u l l e n o u g h f o r p a d d l i n g trips. A t t h a t t i m e , t h e streams can have nearly c o n t i n uous rapids a n d dangerous currents—technical Whitewater. Padd l i n g or " r u n n i n g " this k i n d of w a t e r takes t r a i n i n g , experience, a n d t h e r i g h t e q u i p m e n t . It is i m p o r t a n t t o t a k e certain precautions before m a k i n g a W h i t e w a t e r trip: • Always paddle w i t h a t least t w o o t h e r craft. Tennessee fishing license is req u i r e d t o fish in t h e area. Trapping is p r o h i b i t e d w i t h i n t h e park. For fishing and h u n t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n in t h e Catoosa W i l d l i f e M a n a g e m e n t Area, w h i c h has d i f f e r e n t h u n t i n g seasons t h a n elsewhere in t h e state, w r i t e t o Tennessee W i l d l i f e Resources Agency, 464 Industrial Blvd., Crossville, TN 38555. American W h i t e w a t e r 1430 Fenwick Lane Silver Spring, M D 20910 866-262-8429 www.americanwhitewater.org NPS • M a k e sure a f a m i l y m e m b e r or f r i e n d knows w h e r e and w h e n y o u plan t o begin y o u r t r i p and w h e r e and w h e n y o u plan t o g e t o f f t h e river. • Wear adequate clothing of t h e r i g h t t y p e t o protect yourself. The w a t e r can be extremely cold and t h e r e f o r e extremely hazardous. A w e t or dry suit is advisable in t h e w i n t e r or early spring. • Permission should be o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e l a n d o w n e r if y o u w i l l be using access points t h a t cross private property. • The river level, o n all sections, can change rapidly. The risk is t o o great if y o u a t t e m p t t o paddle w h e n t h e w a t e r level is in t h e trees. • K n o w t h e conditions in t h e area w h e r e y o u plan t o paddle. There are places w h e r e it is d i f f i c u l t t o g e t o f f t h e river if t r o u b l e arises. • There are times o f t h e year a n d certain places w h e r e p o r t a g i n g diff i c u l t rapids may be necessary. • K n o w w h a t HYPOTHERMIA is a n d h o w t o avoid it. • Be f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e International Scale o f River Difficulty and recognize y o u r skill level. Canoe Clubs For i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t canoe clubs in y o u r c o m m u n i t y and area, contact e i t h e r o f these o r g a n i z a t i o n s : Camping The Obed W i l d and Scenic River has one c a m p g r o u n d , t h e Rock Creek C a m p g r o u n d near Nemo. Rock Creek C a m p g r o u n d has 12 sites, consisting of t e n t pad, picnic t a b l e , c o o k i n g g r i l l , a n d lantern pole. There is no electricity or w a t e r available. A fee is required t o camp a t Rock Creek campg r o u n d (check w i t h t h e visitor center or t h e c a m p g r o u n d b u l l e t i n board f o r fee i n f o r m a t i o n ) . The c a m p g r o u n d is o n a self-registrat i o n basis; t h e r e are no reservations available. W h i l e camping on public lands, please carry o u t all y o u r litter or dispose o f it properly so t h a t y o u and others can c o n t i n u e t o enjoy t h e beauty of t h e O b e d . Russ Manning Hiking Hiking can be f u n if y o u are caref u l and k n o w w h a t y o u are d o i n g . Always make sure someone else k n o w s y o u r plans. K n o w y o u r route, and be wary o f t h e bluffs along t h e gorge rim. For i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e Cumberland Trail (part of t h e Tennessee State Parks System) contact t h e Cumberland Trail Conference, 19 East 4 t h Street, Crossville, TN 38555. The website is www.cumberlandtrail.org. Hunting and Fishing Deer, boar, turkey, and small g a m e may be h u n t e d in season w i t h a p e r m i t f r o m t h e Tennessee W i l d l i f e Resources Agency. Firearms are p r o h i b i t e d except d u r i n g h u n t i n g season w h e n y o u must carry t h e necessary licenses and permits. A Climbing The sandstone of t h e Obed area offers excellent o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r rock climbing, p r o v i d i n g vertical bluffs and overhangs. Climbers can test t h e i r skills o n climbs 40-200 f e e t in l e n g t h , on routes r a n g i n g in grade of difficulty f r o m 5.7 t o 5.13. As in W h i t e w a t e r b o a t i n g , rock climbing involves serious risks o f bodily injury, so t r a i n i n g and experience in climbing are absolutely necessary before a t t e m p t i n g any climbs in t h e O b e d . I n f o r m a t i o n o n climbing areas a n d regulations can be o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e National Park Service Visitor Center in W a r t b u r g , Tennessee. 208 N o r t h M a i d e n St. W a r t b u r g , TN 37887 423-346-6294 www.nps.gov/obed Regulations and Safety The Obed is being preserved in ways t h a t let nature c o n t i n u e its w o r k u n i m p e d e d . W i n d , water, and t i m e have shaped this landscape. The f u t u r e is d e p e n d e n t o n y o u . Being careful o f t h e land and t h e w a t e r w i l l ensure t h a t t h e next person may have a similar o p p o r t u n i t y . Non-game animals, plants, a n d artifacts are protected here. It is illegal t o h a r m or remove t h e m . W o o d ticks are prevalent in w a r m months, so examine yourself periodically and r e m o v e ticks b e f o r e t h e y attach themselves. Chiggers can also prove irritating. Rattlesnakes and copperheads live here and are best left alone. K n o w t h e safety precautions f o r snake country. C o m m o n sense is y o u r best p r o t e c t i o n against accidents. M a k e sure children realize t h e y are in a n a t u r a l area c o n t a i n i n g hazards unfamiliar t o more populous areas. Remember: clear w a t e r is n o t always clean water. Do n o t d r i n k stream w a t e r w i t h o u t b o i l i n g or t r e a t i n g it. Bluffs a n d cliffs are dangerous and can result in serious injury. Slippery, m u d d y rocks provide uncertain NPS f o o t i n g a n d can also result in injury. Be careful, because removal o f an accident victim t o safety and medical facilities is n o t an easy or quick matter. Since this is a r e m o t e area w i t h f e w roads and little traffic, protect your vehicle against t h e possibility o f vandalism. Put valuables in t h e t r u n k and leave your vehicle locked. Park w h e r e y o u or a responsible person can protect y o u r p r o p e r t y w h i l e y o u enjoy t h e park. If at all possible have a f r i e n d d r o p y o u o f f and pick y o u up if y o u plan t o f l o a t a section of t h e river. Report vandalism t o a park ranger or t o t h e M o r g a n County Sheriff's Office. Exploring the Obed Wild and Scenic River River Chart Use this chart as you plan your t r i p on one of the rivers or creeks. Look at the map and determine where you w a n t t o put in and take out. By checking t h e chart you can see the distance you will have t o travel and t h e degree of difficulty of t h a t section. Planning your t r i p in advance may offset an unforeseen problem and make your t r i p memorable for the right reasons. The chart is based on t h e Emory at Oakdale gauge levels. Obed-Emory Adams Bridge t o Potters Ford Potters Ford t o Obed Junction Obed Junction t o Clear Creek Junction Clear Creek Junction t o Nemo Clear Creek U.S. 127 Bridge t o Barnett Bridge Barnett Bridge t o Jett Bridge Jett Bridge t o Lilly Bridge Lilly Bridge t o Clear Creek Junction Daddys Creek Devils Breakfast Table t o Obed Junction Distance Average Difficulty* Maximum Difficulty** Flow (in cubic feet/second) Minimum Optimum Maximum 4 mi/6 km III IV 1000 3000 5000 12 mi/19 km II III 1000 3000 5000 4 mi/6 km III IV 500 1500 3000 5 mi/8 km II III 500 1500 3000 20 mi/32 km II III 1500 2500 5000 5 mi/8 km II II 500 2500 4000 2 mi/3 km II III 800 2500 4000 2 mi/3 km III IV 1000 2500 3000 2 mi/3 km II II 700 1500 3000 Notes to Chart * Average difficulty indicates degree of difficulty of a section of river at o p t i m u m flow. * * M a x i m u m difficulty indicates the highest rated rapid in t h a t sect i o n of t h e river at o p t i m u m flow. Flow information on most streams in East Tennessee is available f r o m the Tennessee Valley Authority. Call 800-238-2264 and listen t o t h e "Emory at Oakdale" recording. Information can also be obtained f r o m the USGS gauge at http://wwwd tnnsh.er.usgs.gov. Area Closures Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is closed t o visitors every February and March t o minimize impact on roads, environment, and w i l d life. The area is also closed t o all except hunters during the big game hunts in the fall and spring. Traveling to the Park The Obed is in central East Tennessee. From Nashville and west, take I-40 t o t h e Genesis Rd. exit (Tenn. 298). From Knoxville and east, take I-40 t o U.S. 27 north. Cross-country buses and scheduled airlines serve both Knoxville and Nashville where rental cars are available. No rail passenger service is w i t h i n easy distance. Obed W i l d and Scenic River is managed jointly by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. For topographic quadrangle Obed Wild and Scenic River is one of more t h a n 380 parks in the National Park System. The National Park Service cares f o r these special places saved by the American people so t h a t all may experience our heritage. Visit www.nps.gov t o learn more about parks and National Park Service programs in America's communities. maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, guide books, and other information, contact either the National Park Service or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. More Information Obed W i l d and Scenic River P.O. Box 429 Wartburg, TN 37887 423-346-6294 www.nps.gov/obed or Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Catoosa Wildlife Management Area 464 Industrial Blvd. Crossville, TN 38555 1-800-262-6704 w w w . t n w i Id I ife.org iiGPO:2O02-49t-282/4iJl98 Reprint 2002 Printed on recycled paper.