Dark-sky weekend: Obed & Lilly Bluff

Arrive · afternoon

Wartburg, Morgan County

Obed’s visitor center is in downtown Wartburg — pick up a map and ask about night-sky programs before heading to the bluffs. ⓘ

Sunset

Lilly Bluff Overlook

The 0.3-mile Overlook Trail is gravel and boardwalk that strollers and wheelchairs can manage with minimal help; the NPS’s own night-sky photo shows the Milky Way over Clear Creek and the overlook. ⓘ ⓘ

Check first: NPS: ticks are common on Obed trails — watch for copperheads and rattlesnakes, especially after dark.

After dark

Obed Wild & Scenic River dark sky

Certified by Dark Sky International in 2017 — the NPS says Obed was the second park unit east of Colorado to earn it, and trees and topography buffer the few outside lights from nearby homes. ⓘ ⓘ

Optional

Astronomy programs

Park staff and volunteers from the Knoxville Observers and ORION astronomy clubs have hosted telescope programs here since the early 1990s; the NPS asks you to call the visitor center (423-346-6294) for upcoming dates and locations. ⓘ

Overnight

Rock Creek Campground (Nemo)

Obed’s one primitive campground sits in the Nemo area, where part of the Cumberland Trail passes and a 1-mile Nature Trail loops back along the Emory River; the NPS fee page says to reserve by phone or online. ⓘ ⓘ ⓘ

Check first: NPS: the rivers can rise fast and there are no lifeguards — swim at your own risk. Check the alerts page before you go.

Day two · longer drive

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

Tennessee State Parks call Pickett the first state park in the Southeast to earn dark-sky certification and list dark-sky viewing among its activities, along with natural bridges, Arch Lake paddling and a CCC museum. ⓘ ⓘ

Check first: TNSP: Pickett’s campground is closed for renovations to the bathhouse and campground.