Melton Mill Branch - Obed National Wild and Scenic River

In late January 2014, I revisited the Bridge and Point Trails in Obed National Wild and Scenic River.  The trails both start from the top of Lilly Bluff.  To get to Lilly Bluff, drive west of Lancing, Tennessee on state route 62 for about 2 miles before turning left on Ridge Road.  Follow Ridge Road for 3.8 miles before turning left at the Lilly Bluff Overlook sign onto a park service road.  While there is overflow parking near the sign at Ridge Road, follow the short park service road to a paved parking area near the trail head.  Walk down the Lilly Bluff Overlook trail a short distance to the trail heads for both the ½ mile Bridge Trail that leads down to Lilly Bridge on Ridge Road and the 3.8 mile (round trip) Point Trail that ends on the bluff above the confluence of Clear Creek and the Obed River.  I hiked down the Bridge Trail to a short side trail near Melton Mill Falls and then retraced my steps back up to the Point Trail.

Rock stack along the Bridge Trail

Frozen Melton Mill Falls

Icicles near the falls

Footbridge over Melton Mills Branch on the Point Trail

Melton Mills Branch

The sparkling clear water of Melton Mills Branch

"Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign"

Water melting an icefall from the inside out

Ice flows along the Point Trail

Icicles from the top of the bluff on the Point Trail

Rock bluff

The foot bridge over Melton Mills Branch from the other direction

Another view of Melton Mills Branch

More icicles along the Point Trail

Open woods along Point Trail

Clear Creek from Ridge Road

View upstream of Clear Creek from Lilly Bridge

View downstream of Clear Creek from Lilly Bridge

No entrance fee is charged for Obed National Wild and Scenic River.

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/obed/index.htm.