Rustin Needer Hike at Obed Wild & Scenic River-Point+Brewery+Buffet

The First and ONLY Rustin Needer Memorial Hike and Funfest.

Time listed is Central, park is in Eastern

In honor of the much loved Rustin who left us too soon, this hike is to remember his life on one of his favorite trails.
Rustin's first Meetup hike with me was here in Nov. 2019. The last Meetup hike with me was here in April 2025. We hiked, kayaked, ate, drank, danced and enjoyed life often with other hikers or just us.

Meetup: Overlook Trailhead, NOT the bridge trailhead.
Address: 1 Lilly Bluff Trail Head, Lancing, TN 37770
Hike Distance 5 miles
Hike Time 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hike Leader: Bill Hennessee 615-305-6741 No service at this trail.
We expect to be on the trail by 10:30-10:45am CENTRAL. The park is in Eastern time.

Please RSVP with integrity--if you find you cannot come please say so.

We will go .4 miles on the Overlook Trail at Lilly Bluff which offers a jaw-dropping views of Clear Creek.
Then the Point Trail which is a there-and-back totaling 3.8 miles to the Point overlooking where Clear Creek joins the Obed River. We'll have lunch/light snack here.
We'll stop along the way at various spots to oooh-and-ahhhh over the views and the rock formations. Expect awesome scenery-bring the camera.
We'll head back to the Overlook parking lot.

NEXT we'll stop at Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery & Campgrounds 2 minutes away for a quick pint or two. 920 Ridge Rd, Lancing TN

NEXT head towards home stopping in 15 minutes in Deer Lodge at Wiedemann's Hotel for a great all you can eat meal 302 Old Deer Lodge Pike, Deer Lodge, TN.
(CASH only, no plastic)
Note: there will be ample food for vegetarians-that's me.
Note: This supper only happens twice per year, it is a fund-raiser for the Deer Lodge Historical Association. The hotel has been inactive for years.

Please bring ample water, lunch and snacks. Dress appropriately with suitable footwear. Please be willing to drive your vehicle or be ready to offer your driver money to help pay for gas. Last day before the end of Daylight Savings Time.

Kids and dogs: ask me.

Please RSVP with integrity--if you find you cannot come please say so.
Standard Notice:

Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.

Please RSVP with integrity--if you find you cannot come please say so.