This Little-Known Scenic Spot In Tennessee That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall
By Chris Dodge|Published October 06, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
When the heat of summer gives way to the cool crispness of autumn, it’s the prime time to get outside and enjoy the Great Outdoors of Tennessee. Looking for a little scenic seasonal location in Tennessee isn’t hard to do, either, as our state is filled with beautiful forests full of gorgeous scenery. When it comes to fall foliage, one of the best ways to experience is to fully immerse yourself in the forest… and what better place than the Obed Wild and Scenic River?
This scenic river is protected by the National Parks Service and is located in the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, about an hour and a half west of Knoxville.
This special area in our state is teeming with amazing outdoor recreation. Many people opt to brave the waters down below and kayak the rough waters, while rock climbers will scale the massive canyon walls for a tough challenge. If you prefer to keep both feet planted firmly on the ground, the Obed River Point Hike will be perfect for you.
In the fall, the leaves come alive in bold reds, bright yellows, and glowing oranges. The scene is quite spectacular and with this hike, you will have plenty of opportunities to appreciate the beauty.
There are several exposed cliffsides along the way for you to rest and take in the views. Stop and bring a snack and enjoy some solitude and quiet -- just be sure to leave no trace!
As you wander through the woods, focus on all of the senses: hear the crunch of the fallen leaves under your hiking boots as you journey on, breathe in the foliage and refreshing smells of the forest, and feel the crisp air on your face.
Along the trail, you will traverse bridges over creeks, climb staircases, and you will even find a natural bridge. Overall the trail is very well maintained and around every corner, you are sure to stumble upon more and more incredible finds.
Whenever I hike I love having the AllTrails app handy to help me navigate the trail. The Obed River Point Trail is a moderate 3.6-mile hike with just under 700 feet of elevation gain, making it should be accessible to most hikers -- but if you bring your children, please be extra careful around the cliffs.
While you are looking for a scenic fall location in Tennessee, this is one of the best. Make sure you catch the peak of fall foliage in Tennessee and you’ll be treated a hike with sensational views! Want to add to your adventure? Close to this trail is the historical place in Oak Ridge where they made part of the first atomic bomb — make sure to check that out, too.
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