Obed Wild & Scenic River Segment: Devil’s Breakfast Table to Nemo Bridge

Obed Wild & Scenic River Segment: Devil’s Breakfast Table to Nemo Bridge

Most of the Obed River Section is within the 82,000-acre Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in Cumberland and Morgan Counties, which is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). This is a 14.1-mile (one-way) hike. The stretch of trail northeast from Devil’s Breakfast Table for 8 or so miles was constructed with the help of Morgan County Regional Correctional Facility and CTC volunteers. The remaining trail to Alley Ford was built by CTC and Breakaway college student volunteers. From Alley Ford to Nemo Bridge is within the Obed Wild and Scenic River federal lands managed by the National Park Service, and is sometimes referred to as the “Nemo Bridge Trail.”

Trailheads: The southern end of this section can be reached by entering the Catoosa WMA on Firetower Road. Take I-40 Exit 322, go north on Peavine Road/101 North for 1.8 miles to Firetower Road. Turn left on Firetower Road where you will see the high voltage power lines on your left. Firetower Road is a paved road for 3.5 miles and then becomes packed gravel when you approach the Catoosa WMA entry. The main roads in the Catoosa are graveled but suitable for passenger cars. Proceed another 11 miles after entering the WMA to Daddy’s Creek and the Devil’s Breakfast Table. (Note: Fire Tower Road turns into Otter Creek Road shortly after entering Catoosa WMA). Cross a sturdy 120-foot one-lane bridge with wood decking and no guardrails over Daddy’s Creek. Graveled parking is on the right with room for about a dozen vehicles at Daddy’s Creek Trailhead. Trailhead is about 200 feet farther up the dirt road. The trail with two big boulders across from the parking area is not the CT. This area is also popular with people swimming and fishing during the summer months. (Note: Fire Tower/Otter Creek Road becomes Hebbertsburg Road after crossing the bridge over Daddy’s Creek.) Devil’s Breakfast Table Trailhead on Firetower Road at (El. 1,266′ N36°03.523 W84°47.548) (Trailhead is in Central Time Zone).

The northern end of this section can be reached from Wartburg on Catoosa Road to Nemo Bridge. Take I-40 Exit 347 and go north on Hwy 27 through Harriman. Continue 19 miles to Wartburg. Follow the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail and Obed Wild & Scenic River National Headquarters signs on Main Street. Turn left at Main and Maiden (right to visit the OWSR Headquarters) and continue 5.5 miles to the Nemo Picnic Area and River Access parking or cross Nemo Bridge and turn right to Rock Creek Campground and the Nemo Trailhead. Nemo Trailhead in Rock Creek Campground (N36°04.242 W84°39.880) or Nemo Picnic Area and River Access (El. 919′ N36 04.135 W84 39.674) (Trailhead is in Eastern Time Zone)