Obed National Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center — Attraction in Wartburg

We visited on a Friday morning in early April. It was a little tricky getting here through town navigating the 1 way roads. There was plenty of parking when we arrived.

We were the only ones in the visitor center the whole time we were there. They have a short video of Obed but we actually had watched it the day before at Big South Fork Visitor Center at Bandy Creek.

The kids where hear to turn in their Obed Junior Ranger books (which is also points for the Go Big Challenge 2023). We had hiked Lily Bluff the evening before and it was great. The parking is a little tricky as it's at the bottom next to the river so they are significantly inclined. There were plenty of spots available. There is also bathrooms there. There is also a local dog that belongs to the nearby brewery. The Rangers at the visitor center are aware of the dog and he is very friendly. We walked up to him and he just laid down and rolled over for a belly rub. If you read his collage it says "not all who wander are lost" which gave us the first clue he wasn't lost. A local was trying to get him home as the rain was starting and a storm coming through. We were told by the Rangers at the visitor center that the dog has his own Instagram page.

There were a couple things to see and read at the visitor center but not much. There is a small talk with color sheets for kids to work on. There is a small NPS store in one of the corners which also has the NPS cancellation stamp and a small exhibit of outdoor sports in another. There is a nature display as well with some wild animals you may encounter on your hike/visit to the park. Probably could spend about good 30 mins here with the video and be on your way to explore the actual park.

Definitely worth a stop by to talk with the rangers regarding trail suggestions or conditions...

Obed is an absolute gem of a natural area, a wonderful mix of protected land combined with opportunities for responsible recreation. We visited recently during our child's fall break, and we enjoyed beautiful short hikes at Lilly Bluff Overlook and in the Boulder Field, where we saw beautiful scenery and fascinating geology and observed many different bird and plant species. We also had wonderful interactions with the volunteers and staff at the visitor center, who were warm and encouraging (namely the volunteer named Riley). Obed and nearby Frozen Head State Park are now likely to be our go-to natural areas when we want to enjoy a day in nature but without all the crowds of...

The gentleman working during our visit was very helpful giving us ideas and places to stop. I'm 9 months pregnant and he suggested a few spots we could experience that wouldn't be too much walking...he was right on the money! We we're able to experience the park for several hours without walking too deep on the trails.

Honestly, I would pick Obed NP over the Smoky Mountains NP. So beautiful and there was NO ONE there! We couldn't believe...