Obed River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Obed River |
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Obed River
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The Emory/Obed drainage basin
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | southwest of Crossville in Cumberland County, Tennessee 1,860 ft (570 m) 35°55′07″N 85°06′46″W / 35.91861°N 85.11278°W |
| River mouth | Emory River, southwest of Wartburg in Morgan County, Tennessee 846 ft (258 m) 36°04′31″N 84°38′58″W / 36.07528°N 84.64944°W |
| Length | 45 mi (72 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 520 sq mi (1,300 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Type: | Wild, Scenic |
| Designated: | October 12, 1976 |
The Obed River is a beautiful river in Tennessee. It flows through a special area called the Cumberland Plateau. This river and its smaller streams are very popular for exciting activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking.
The Obed River starts in Cumberland County, Tennessee, near the town of Crossville. It flows under several bridges, including U.S. Highway 70 and Interstate 40. Even from these bridges, it can be hard to see the river because it flows deep inside a gorge, which is like a narrow valley with steep sides. The Little Obed River joins it along the way.
A Special River: Obed Wild and Scenic River
After flowing past the bridges, the Obed River enters a very wild and remote area. A few miles later, State Route 298 (Genesis Road) crosses over it. From this point all the way to where it ends, the Obed River is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means it is protected to keep its natural beauty and outdoor recreation value.
The National Park Service helps take care of this special river area. Two other important streams, Clear Creek and Daddys Creek, are also part of this protected system. These creeks are known for their thrilling whitewater sections, especially when the water levels are high. The river's flow gradually changes direction, moving from south to north, then mostly west to east.
Visitor Fun and Amenities
If you want to learn more about the Obed River, you can visit the National Park Service's visitor center. It is located in Wartburg. The park also has places for visitors to enjoy, like the Rock Creek Campground for camping and the Nemo Picnic Area for outdoor meals.
Where the Obed River Ends
Several miles after Clear Creek joins the Obed River, the Obed River meets the Emory River. Even though the Obed River is usually bigger than the Emory River, the combined river takes the name of the Emory River after they meet.
