Obed National Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center

"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 before going off."

"I really enjoyed making a stop at this visitor center as the park ranger was very informative and friendly! The visitor center is quite small but it has all of the information needed to learn about everything this beautiful park has to offer! Bring your national stamp book here as this place does have a stamp here!"

"The visitor center is located outside the main park but I recommend a visit to the visitor center before anything else. The visitor center offers maps, trail guides, and advice from rangers. The park itself is quite remote and peaceful. The river is free flowing and for the most part calm in the summer months. For hikes, I recommend the point trail and the overlook trail. Bring plenty of water and be on the lookout for snakes and other wildlife."

"Awesome place. So pretty. Hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, etc. come see it for yourself. It’s magical. Great climbing on some beautiful steep southern rock. Variety of climbs ranging from 5.4ish to stupid hard. Nice park ranger staff. Really knowledgeable about the area. Campground is awesome."

"The rangers at the visitors center were great! We had our 7 yo with us and they were really good with her. They are very knowledgeable about everything in the area. They gave us 3 suggestions of what to do and we were going to do all three but we ended up only doing one because we had such a great time there. We hiked Lilly Bluff Overlook and then found a swimming hole to cool off in."