News Release

2021 Obed Photo Contest Winners Announced

Butterfly Milkweed Blaze

NPS/Katelyn Massengale

News Release Date: September 1, 2021

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

The winners of the annual Obed Wild and Scenic River photo contest have been announced. Photographers were invited to submit striking digital images highlighting the spectacular views, dark night skies, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life in the park. Entries to the contest were judged by members of the Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers.

The winners of this year’s contest were:

1. Youth Category: “Rockin’ Rhododendron,” by Katelyn Massengale.
2. Recreation Category: “Whitewater Paddler on Clear Creek,” by Rodney Hendrickson.
3. Dark Skies Category: “Galactic Skies over the Obed,” by Travis Tracey.
4. Flora and Fauna Category: “Whitetail Dragon Fly at Lilly Bluff Overlook,” by Bill Merrick.
5. Landscapes: “Foggy Sunrise over Nemo,” by Jeff Parlow.

Runners up in the contest included “Beauty on Lower Melton” by Nicole Newport of Helenwood, Tennessee, and “Mountain Laurel” by Peggy Yaeger of Corbin, Kentucky.

Photographers are encouraged to grab their cameras and visit Obed Wild and Scenic River. Fore more information about the annual photo contest, please click here. The park will be announcing the 2022 photo contest soon.