News Release

Obed WSR Announces 2020 Photo Contest Winners

“Milky Way Panorama—Lilly Bluff Overlook”

Mark Leckington

News Release Date: November 27, 2020

Contact: Matt Hudson, [phone]

Obed Wild & Scenic River announces the winners of the ninth annual photo contest. 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.

This year's winners by category:

1. Youth: “Yellow Twins” by Lilly McDonald, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
2. Recreation: “Lunch Break” by Rob Herchenrider, Knoxville, Tennessee
3. Dark Skies: “Milky Way Panorama—Lilly Bluff Overlook” by Mark Leckington, Cookeville, Tennessee
4. Flora and Fauna: “Fence Lizard” by Bill Merrick, Crossville, Tennessee
5. Landscapes: “Melton Branch Falls” by Jeff Parlow, Harriman, Tennessee

Runners up for this year's photo contest:

• Nicole Newport, Helenwood, Tennessee
• Richard Yaeger, Corbin, Kentucky
• Travis Tracey, Rocky Top, Kentucky
• Kamden Rountree, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Photos entered for the park's annual photo contest are envaluable. They promote the beauty and splender of the park to people all over the world. Photos are used on park-produced publcations all kinds, as well as online, on the park's offical website and social media. 

Photographers are encouraged to grab their cameras and participate in the TENTH annual Obed WSR photo contest in 2021. Details will be announced soon.

For information about the annual photo contest, as well as previous year's winners, click here.