Obed & Clear Creek Climbing

The confluence of Clear Creek and the Obed River is home to a series of beautiful sandstone cliff bands providing some of the best sport climbing in the Southeast. Just bring a rack of draws, a stick clip (high first bolts are commonplace in these parts), and guns (double entendre intended). The rock here is Cumberland Plateau sandstone, and the sedimentary layering of the rock tends to form huge horizontal roofs, jugs, and slopers. The rock is generally bullet hard and provides good friction. Climbing happens year-round — chase the shade or sun depending on the season.

While camping is no longer permitted at the Lilly Pad Hopyard & Brewery, it's still the place to go when you're done climbing for the day. Del has expanded the brewery quite a bit and now has three bathrooms with running water sinks in each. Marte serves up a rotating menu of delicious food to go along with the on-tap beers, and you can even get cans to go. Guidebooks are available for sale here, along with some other items from different local producers. 

There is a new campground a few minutes from the Lilly Pad- Clear Creek Campground. It's owned by Nathaniel Armes, a friend of the Scruggs family. The campground is located at 259 AJ Armes Rd. Lancing, TN 37770. You can also go to the Lilly Bluff Overlook parking lot (where you park for the boulder field) and follow the white "Camping" signs. Cost is $10/night per person, payable by cash in a drop box or Venmo- check out the sign by the portapotty when you get there. There is more information on the Lilly Pad website- lillypadhopyardbrewery.com.