Obed beta.

Some friends and I are getting rained out of the RRG, so we have decided to go down to the Obed in Tennessee. We are looking for some good beta on where to find a guidebook and possibly some good places to eat and buy beer in that area. We will be staying in Oliver Springs. Can anybody offer any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason Y.

Beta Bump.

I have only been to the Obed once but there is not much in that area. If you don't already have reservations I would recommend staying at the climbers campground, The Lily Pad. The owners are very nice, and he made BBQ for all of the climbers when I stayed there. Plus, we walked to all the crags. The owners would probably have a guidebook that you could borrow or I'm sure you could meet other climbers at the campground.
I would highly recommend buying everything before you get there. There is no 'Pies n Pints' or 'Miguels' in that area that I recall.

you can actually buy a guide at The Lilly Pad. The owner has a nice little shop set up there with guides, t-shirts, etc. As far as good places to eat go, good luck. I'm sure you can find something to your liking and people with more experience in the area may be able to chime in here, but there's not a whole lot around to chose from. There's a subway in town and maybe another fast food joint or two, and i think i remember seeing a mexican restaurant, but that's about all in the immediate vicinity. We bought beer at the gas station closest to the camp ground.

The climbing at the obed is amazing, you won't be sorry you went.

You can buy the guidebook to the Obed at Del's Lilly Pad camping area, right in the heart of the Obed, or you can also get it at the Obed visitor center. Maybe you could ask the nice folks at Miguel's if they would consider carrying the Obed guidebooks in their store. If you drive through Knoxville on your way you could stop in at River Sports Outfitters and pick up a guidebook there as well.

The guidebook has some suggestions for food in Wartburg, but the choices are limited. Talking with Del or Marte at the Lilly Pad would be your best bet for local beta.

Have fun, the Obed is amazing!

-andy wellman, greener grass publishing

Thanks for all the info folks! We actually scored a great deal on a cabin in Oliver Springs, so we're gonna stay there for the rest of our trip. We'll stop by the Lily Pad and look for a guidebook though. It's turning into another rest day so we'll stock up on supplies, peruse the guidebook, and hope for nice weather. Anyone know if it's possible to climb in the rain at the Obed?

Jason Y.

the Obed is THE place to climb in the rain. lots of areas have a roof over them. you're gonna have a blast. too bad you're missing out on the lilly pad. del and marti and good peoples

The cabin is great, the Obed looks awesome, and Del and Marti were very cool (Soldier the dog was sweet also). The guidebook is very informative and the weather is supposed to be decent tomorrow, so things are looking up! Looking forward to climbing here.

How do you get "rained out" in the red river gorge? Its probably one of the worlds best places for rainy day climbs. Honestly I can think of hundreds of climbs that stay dry during a down pour and lots of routes there NEVER see rain. WTF?