Virgin Falls State Natural Area

 

Virgin Falls

 
Virgin Falls State Natural Area is located in Scott's Gulf in Sparta/White County Tennessee. The mystical Virgin Falls is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave at the top of the bluff, drops over a 110-foot cliff and goes back into a cave at the bottom of a fern covered sink.

The trailhead is located on Scott's Gulf Road. The trail is rated difficult and is an 8-mile round trip. You should allow 6 to 8 hours for hiking and sightseeing.

The trail descends into the Caney Fork River Gorge passing the 15’ Big Branch Falls, Big Laurel Creek, the 40’ Big Laurel Falls, a subterranean creek that flows out of Upper Sheep Cave dropping 100’-150’ & on down to the 40’ Lower Sheep Falls (subject to wet weather), and on toward the ultimate destination of Virgin Falls.

Along the way a loop trail will take hikers to the popular overlook “Martha’s Pretty Point”. A backpack camping area is near the Caney Fork River. (please camp away from the falls as a courtesy to other waterfall lovers and photographers) The Caney Fork River and small streams are subject to flash flooding.

The trail is designated as both a National Recreation Trail and a State Recreation Trail. The 317-acre Natural Area was named “Dream Pick” by Outsider Magazine in 2003 and one of the “Top 3 Waterfall Hikes” by Backpacker Magazine April 2005.

Please, leave nothing but footprints.

Directions:

Follow Highway 70 East of Sparta Tennessee 11 miles, turn right at Eastland Road and travel 5.9 miles to Scott's Gulf Road, turn right again onto a gravel road and travel 2 miles to the trail head parking area. This trail is adjacent to the 35 mile trail system of the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness Wildlife Management Area.

Call Sparta-White Chamber of Commerce for map and info: 931-836-3552

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