News Release
NPS Photo/ Chad Steed
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WARTBURG, Tennessee- The National Park Service (NPS) announces the winners of the 2025 Obed Wild and Scenic River photo contest. Photographers were invited to submit striking digital images highlighting the spectacular views, dark night skies, 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:
Recreation Category: “Taking a Break” by Chad Steed of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Dark Skies Category: “Northern Lights at Lily Bluff” by Kelli L. Thompson of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Flora and Fauna Category: “Skimmer Dragonfly” by Peggy Yaeger of Corbin, Kentucky.
Landscapes: “Melton Mill Falls” by Rick McCulley of Rockwood, Tennessee.
Runners up in the contest included “Triangles” by Ben Cook of Woodstock, Georgia; “Autumn on Obed” by Daniel Arris Miller of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; “Climb On” by Rob Herchenrider of Knoxville, Tennessee; and “Summer on the Obed River” by Debbi Exberger of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Photographers are encouraged to grab their cameras and visit the Obed Wild and Scenic River. The park will be announcing its 2026 photo contest soon. For more information on Obed Wild and Scenic River, please call (423) 346-6294, or visit online at www.nps.gov/obed.
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Last updated: September 15, 2025