Obed Wildlife and Scenic River Park is a park you need to add to your list. The heart of the park is the stunning Obed River that carves a picturesque canyon through the Cumberland Plateau. It still resembles what the land looked like before our nation became a country. With a wide range of outdoor activities, it makes it the perfect place to take your adventurous kiddos to explore. 
Kids and families who visit the Obed can participate in hiking, rock climbing, camping, bouldering, stargazing, birding, and fishing. If you start out at the Wartburg Visitor Center, you can get a Junior Ranger booklet. The Junior Ranger program helps children learn about the Obed River ecosystem and history of the park. Be sure to check out the park’s collection of historical, cultural, and biological artifacts at the Visitor Center and learn more about the Obed before you go.
The ranger-led programs, which take place during spring, summer, and fall, are an absolute must. All programs are free.
One of the best programs at Obed is Coffee and Climb with a Ranger, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month. This program is for any skill level and for anyone who is interested in the sport of rock climbing. The park rangers provide all the rock climbing gear and only ask that visitors bring sturdy footwear and their own drinking water. The program starts around 10am with meeting rangers at the Lily Bridge and walking up to the rock climbing area. The first hour is dedicated to children 12 and under with times for visitors 13 and up starting at around 12pm. Rangers plan on having all visitors to their vehicles by 3pm. Bring your questions and your adventurous energy and try something new!
Rangers also host Lunch and Learn on Fridays during the summer. Activities are different every week. The upcoming ones in July are a creek crawl, a hike to the Lily Bluff overlook, learning the essentials to hiking, and exploring Nemo Bridge. Lunch is provided by the park. 
On the last Saturday of the month, rangers host a Junior Ranger Let’s go Fishing program. Kids will learn the basics of fishing and conservation, earn their Junior Ranger angler badge, and even take home their own fishing pole.
If you are interested in more ranger led activities be sure to check the activities calendar.
Enjoy your time at the Obed Wildlife and Scenic River Park!
