Obed Wild and Scenic River Segment
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CUMBERLAND TRAIL
Obed Wild and Scenic River Segment |
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Nemo Bridge Trail:
This portion of the Obed W.S.R. Segment, within the Obed and Emory River gorges, incorporates the Obed's 2.5 mile Nemo Trail and an additional 2.5 mile segment built by the Cumberland Trail Conference, Tennessee Trails Association, and Breakaway Volunteers, giving a total one-way distance of 5.0 miles. The initial 2.5 miles is rated moderate, and the final 2.5 miles strenuous, as you find yourself hiking down into the Obed basin. From the Nemo Trailhead the hiker is exposed to rising bluffs and glimpses of the Emory and Obed Rivers. As you rise to the top of the gorge among a dryer forest of oak and hickory, you will soon walk on the tailings of an old strip mine, indicative of the history of the Cumberland Mountains. At 2.5 miles the trail continues on across old Alley Ford Road and continues 1.5 miles into and out of the Obed Gorge to the rewarding Break Bluff, a dramatic overlook of the Obed Gorge. The next 1.0 miles follows the bluff.
To reach the Nemo Trailhead, take I40 to exit 347 and go north on Hwy. 27 to Wartburg. Follow the signs in downtown Wartburg to theNemo/Catoosa Rd., and travel 7 miles to the Obed W.S.R. bridgecrossing, cross and take the first right down into the Rock CreekCamp Area and the Nemo Trailhead.
Devil's Breakfast Table Trail:
This portion of the Obed W.S.R. Segment covers 8.0 miles one-way and currently terminates deep inside Catoosa W.M.A. at the end of the abandoned dinky rail line. From the Devil's Breakfast Table Trailhead, the trail winds on the right side of the road for 0.2 miles before crossing the road and dipping down below the bluff. You now find yourself in Daddy's Creek gorge, and for the next mile you will walk under sheer bluffs and among the rock steps. At 1.2 miles you will rise out of the canyon through an Appalachian cove forest overlooking a ninety-foot sheer bluff cut by a cascading stream. Cross the stream and proceed a short distance to the Blueberry Bluff side trail, with views of Daddy's gorge. Return to the main trail and continue north 0.75 miles a side trail to Morgan's Overlook, offering views of Daddy's to the north. Rejoin the main trail and travel 0.4 miles to the Rain House, so named for the shelter it offered the builders of this trail on many a day. Then the trail works down in the gorge of Daddy's Creek as it winds its way steadily north to join the Obed River and connect in with the Nemo Bridge Trail.
To reach this trailhead take I40 to exit 322 Peavine Road and head north 1.8 miles to a left on Firetower Road. Take Firetower Road 14.7 miles to Daddy's Creek and the Devil's Breakfast Table parking area across the bridge on the right. Park and walk NE 40 yards on the road to the trailhead.
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