Trail 14: Obed Point Trail
Overview
Just far enough to be off the radar of many in Knoxville, this trail has a bit of everything - fun bridge crossings, deep forest, waterfalls, and two pretty overlooks. It does not climb so much as to become tiresome, but it’s long enough to feel like a real adventure. There’s something about the Obed area that feels both wild and inviting. The only downside? It’s a little out-of-the-way; in some ways, this trail feels farther than some destinations in the Smokies. It’s worth it for a great family hike with kids of all ages. Though out of the way, there are a few fun things to do to extend the hike or to visit very nearby on the way home. Great for kids of all hiking ages, and not a bad hike on which to carry a little one.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 2.5 hours - 4.5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 3.6 |
| Elevation Change | Gentle |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Little kids and Big kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Lilly Bluff Trailhead, 1 Lilly Bluff Trail Head, Lancing, TN 37770
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.10239, -84.72183
The above address should easily navigate you to the large parking area with a restroom. Look for the sign for the point trail.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start on the Point Trail. |
| 0.15 | Side trail to the Lilly Bluff Overlook for Clear Creek (we recommend!). |
| 0.4 | Small bridge crossing. |
| 0.45 | Large boulders and a rock wall. The trail winds around the side and atop the back of the wall. |
| 0.5 | Trail flattens and winds along the side of a ridge. |
| 1 | Trail bends to the right. |
| 1.4 | Trail bends to the left. |
| 1.8 | Overlook of the juncture of Clear Creek and Obed River. There are many great spots to view the rivers! After a good rest, turn around and head back to the trailhead. |
| 3.6 | Trailhead. |
This tree has the largest simple leaf of any North American tree—one single, undivided leaf! In the fall, its leaves scatter across the ground like pages from a newspaper. You’ll find it common on the Cumberland Plateau, though it’s rare in the Smokies.
Nearby
- Hang out at Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery, only open Saturdays and Sundays, 12-6 p.m. The Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery (https://www.lillypadhopyardbrewery.com) is a surprising, fantastic, kid-friendly destination for food and drinks.
- Play around the bouldering area. The Trailhead features a nearby shaded area full of boulders. While we’ve often used this spot as a peaceful place to finish kiddo naps, older kids love trying to climb the boulders.