Obey River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Obey River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 495 ft (151 m) |
| River mouth | Cumberland River |
| Length | 47.8 mi (76.9 km) |
The Obey River is a river in Tennessee, United States. It is about 47.8-mile-long (76.9 km). The Obey River is a tributary of the Cumberland River. This means it is a smaller river that flows into a larger one.
The Obey River joins the Cumberland River near the town of Celina. This area is important because it's where boats can easily start traveling on the Cumberland River. The Obey River is also part of a larger system. Its waters eventually flow into the Ohio River and then into the mighty Mississippi River. This whole area is called the Mississippi River watershed. A watershed is all the land where water drains into a specific river or lake.
About the Obey River
The Obey River is special because a large dam holds back its water. This dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They are a group that helps manage rivers and build important structures like dams.
Dale Hollow Lake
The dam on the Obey River creates a big lake called Dale Hollow Lake. This lake covers almost the entire length of the Obey River. It also reaches into the East and West Forks, which are smaller streams that feed into the Obey.
Because of the dam, the river's water becomes very still, like a lake. This still water is called slack water. Dale Hollow Lake is quite deep. This is because the dam is very tall, and the river used to flow through deep valleys and gorges. Part of this lake even extends into Kentucky.
River Features
After the dam, the Obey River makes two sharp turns before it flows into the Cumberland River. The main bridge that crosses the Obey River is on State Route 53. It is located just after the second sharp turn, which is known as Peterman Bend.
