Park Details
Park Details
Location Information
Location:
Wartburg, Tennessee
Address:
Telephone:
(423) 346-6294
Directions:
From I-40 follow State Highway 27 north. From southern points
follow I-75 and connect with I-40 west bound. From northern
points exit I-75 onto State Highway 63 west and connect to State
Highway 27 south.
Transitions:
No public transportation is available. Shuttles may be
available for hire for boats running rivers; call for
information.
Operating Hours/Seasons
Weekdays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Weekends 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Closed December 25.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Fees:
None.
Reservations, Permits:
A voluntary permit system is used for those who wish to
register. Registration is at the visitor center and is available
after hours.
Rules and Regulations of Special Note:
Glass bottles are prohibited at all river access areas.
Alcohol is prohibited at all developed areas in the park. Bring
plastic bottles or aluminum cans and recycle.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Climate is relatively mild with few winter days below 20 and several minor snowfalls per year. Summers can be hot and humid. Late fall and spring are usually the wettest seasons and provide opportunities for whitewater boating. Dress in layers as weather can change throughout the day. Boaters and other water users should dress to avoid hypothermia in the event they get wet.
Facilities and Opportunities
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Visitor center is in Wartburg, Tennessee; exhibits deal with
natural history, cultural history and prehistory. Information and
book sales.
Trails, Roads:
Roads are limited with only a few access sites leading to the
rivers. Some trails are available with more planned in the near
future. Contact the visitor center for more information.
Programs/Activities:
Slide presentations available on request at the visitor
center. Special programs may be available for school groups and
others. Contact the visitor center for scheduling and program
availability.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Primitive camping is available at the Nemo Bridge river
access.
Food/Supplies:
Restaurants and grocery stores available in Wartburg and in
Crossville on the west side of the park.
Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
Eastern National operates a bookstore in the visitor center.
Accessibility:
The visitor center is wheelchair accessible. Some backcountry
sites are partially accessible; contact the visitor center for
more information.
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Whitewater paddling Class II - V in and around the park; boaters need to know their experience level and water conditions before putting on the river. Swimming, no lifeguards, be aware that rivers have moving currents and can be dangerous, especially during high water. Camping, one primitive campground is located in the Nemo area of the park. Hiking trails are currently limited, but will be increasing in the near future. Hunting and fishing are allowed in the park and State regulations are enforced. Climbing and repelling on the park's numerous sandstone bluffs offer adventure and challenge to the knowledgeable climber.
Visitation
Opportunity for adventure exists year round. Highest use is during the summer from picnickers and campers. Spring and fall are the times when park visitation is chiefly comprised of whitewater boaters and rock climbers.
Basic Visit Recommendations:
Be aware of weather conditions as they can change rapidly,
especially if boating or climbing. Flash flooding is possible
during severe storms.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Several State and Federal recreational facilities are nearby including; Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Frozen Head State Park, Lone Mountain State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park, Pickett State Park and Catoosa Wildlife Management Area.
Additional Information
Write Obed Wild and Scenic River, Park Headquarters, P.O. Box 429, Wartburg, Tennessee 37887 or call (423) 346-6294.
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