Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Knoxville, Tennessee · Other
Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes is a natural swimming hole. It is at Nemo Picnic Area, Catoosa Rd, Wartburg, TN. Fee notes: Free day-use at Nemo Picnic Area (Obed Wild & Scenic River / NPS). Rock Creek Campground…. Best season: Weekdays late June–August after runoff settles.
Typical season: Weekdays late June–August after runoff settles
About Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
The Obed Wild & Scenic River protects free-flowing Cumberland Plateau gorges west of Knoxville. the swim people mean is usually the **Nemo** hole on the Emory River beside Nemo Picnic Area near Wartburg. Sandstone cliffs, clear green pools, and long-standing rope-swing tradition make it one of East Tennessee’s classic unofficial river days.
NPS picnic amenities (vault toilets, changing rooms, tables, trash) are free; there is no entrance fee. Flow swings hard after rain. treat high, muddy water as a hike day, not a jump day. Rock Creek Campground sits just across Nemo Bridge for tent camping (reservation system; no hookups). Stop at the Wartburg visitor center first if you are new to the plateau. rangers will tell you whether today’s CFS is a swim day or a photography day.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Nemo Picnic Area, Catoosa Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887
- Water type
- Varies- see below
- Water body
- Varies - see below
- Fee
- Free day-use at Nemo Picnic Area (Obed Wild & Scenic River / NPS). Rock Creek Campground is separately reserved/paid.
- Nearest town
- Knoxville
- State
- Tennessee
- Coordinates
- 36.07020, -84.66330
- Best season
- Weekdays late June–August after runoff settles
- Access difficulty
- Easy picnic-area walk to the river
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- Rock Creek Campground (reservations) + permitted backcountry
- Land manager
- National Park Service
- Activities
- Swimming, picnicking, short Cumberland Trail access, camping nearby
- Facilities
- Picnic tables, vault toilets, changing rooms, trash
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Weekdays late June, August after runoff settles
- Access Easy picnic-area walk to the river
- Facilities Picnic tables, vault toilets, changing rooms, trash
- Camping nearby Rock Creek Campground (reservations) + permitted backcountry
Highlights & features
- Towering sandstone cliffs
- Rope swings at Nemo
- Crystal-clear swimming holes
- Lush greenery and wildlife
- Rustic camping at Rock Creek
- Dramatic sandstone gorges
- Historic significance tied to Cherokee and early settlers
- Rope swings over deep pools
How to get there
For camping, continue across the concrete bridge to Rock Creek Campground’s gravel entrance.
-
From Wartburg visitor center area, take Catoosa Road several miles to Nemo Picnic Area on the right just before Nemo Bridge (~36.0702, -84.6633).
-
1. Optional stop: Obed Visitor Center in Wartburg for maps and river conditions.
-
2. Park in the picnic lot (fills on hot weekends).
-
3. Follow the path under/near the bridges to the river pools.
-
4. Scout depth and current before any swing or jump.
Plan your visit
Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Knoxville or Wartburg. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Piney River Tennessee Swimming Destinations or browse more Tennessee other spots in our directory. For the full list in Tennessee, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is unofficial and conditions vary. The Nemo site has a picnic area with basic facilities. No fee is indicated, but always verify current access rules. Parking is available at the designated picnic area for Nemo.
Top picks for this trip
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
For most swimmers, the Earth Pak is the easy default — tough, affordable, and it comes with the phone case you were going to buy anyway.
Check price on
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
Gear we compare side by side for other swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Is Obed / Nemo free?
Yes — Nemo Picnic Area day-use is free. Camping at Rock Creek is a separate reservation/fee.
Where is the Nemo swimming hole?
At Nemo Picnic Area on Catoosa Road near Wartburg — path from the picnic lot to Emory River pools under/near the bridges.
Are there rope swings at Nemo?
Historically yes — ropes come and go. Never use a swing without checking depth and hardware yourself.
How far is Nemo from Knoxville?
About an hour west via Oak Ridge / Wartburg depending on traffic.
Can you camp at Obed?
Yes — Rock Creek Campground (tent-only, reserve via the national system) plus free-permit backcountry camping in the WSR where allowed.
Are there bathrooms at Nemo?
Yes — vault toilets and changing rooms at the picnic area.
When is swimming best at Obed?
Late spring–early fall on dry-weather days when the river is clear and moderate — not after flashy storms.
Is Nemo good for kids?
Yes with constant supervision; rope swings and deep holes are for strong swimmers only.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Once revered by the Cherokee and later a vital resource for settlers, the Obed River carries a rich history intertwined with Tennessee's cultural heritage.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid disturbing wildlife, pack out all trash, and stick to designated trails to minimize environmental impact.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.