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 |
Obed River is a stream draining a part of the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. It, and particularly its tributaries, are important streams for whitewater enthusiasts.
The Obed River rises in Cumberland County, Tennessee, just south of Crossville. It is bridged by U.S. Highway 70 between downtown Crossville and the municipal airport, and meets its confluence with the Little Obed River near a bridge on U.S. Highway 70N and an abandoned railroad bridge which was formerly part of the rail system linking Nashville and Knoxville. Shortly thereafter, it is bridged by U.S. Highway 127 and Interstate 40. Except during periods of very high flow, the stream is scarcely visible from these bridges because of the depth of its gorge.
Obed Wild and Scenic River
From there the stream enters a rather remote area. After several miles it is bridged by State Route 298 (Genesis Road). From this point to its mouth it is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River along with Clear Creek and Daddys Creek. The area is maintained by the National Park Service.
The direction of flow changes gradually from largely south to north to largely west to east. Shortly after crossing into Morgan County it receives the flow of Daddys Creek, which is a good whitewater rafting stream. Downstream from this is the mouth of Clear Creek. This stream is also part of the Obed River "Wild and Scenic" designation; like Daddys Creek, it too is a premiere whitewater stream during periods of high flow.
Amenities
The National Park Service maintains a visitor center located at 208 North Maiden Street in Wartburg. They also maintain the Rock Creek Campground and the Nemo Picnic Area.
Emory River confluence
Several miles below the mouth of Clear Creek is the confluence with the Emory River. Although the Obed River is the larger of the two, the river takes the name of the Emory River below the confluence.
