We took the left fork which leads to Virgin Falls.

What? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. Tennessee offers some of the best waterfalls (and swimming holes) in the country. There are designated camping sites off the trail (see map). Winery located on a farm that goes back five generations.

The 3 rd camping option is near Virgin Falls. The recreation area has easy access from Interstate-15 from Cedar Pocket Exit (Mile Post 18). Texts go out in some areas, but not all. **. The natural area is named for Virgin Falls, which is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave, then drops over a 110-foot high cliff before disappearing into another cave at the bottom of the sink. Or you can hike up to Martha’s Pretty Point and camp there. Within a 2-hour drive from downtown Chattanooga, this 9-mile hike offers 4 waterfalls, subterranean tributaries, and scenic overlooks. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. We are conveniently located in downtown Sparta, Tennessee. This temporary closure does not apply to contractors, law enforcement or other agency personnel overseeing renovations or other activities. Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Drive Spencer, TN  38585, phone  (423) 881-3297. It is $8 for the spot plus a $5 reservation fee. No joke. 2.35 Big Laurel Falls 3.50 Junction with the Virgin Falls Loop 3.80 Sheep Cave Junction.

Hiking to the top is worth it because you can see the cave that the water rushes from. The most important advice I have for this hike is to AVOID THE STINGING NETTLES. I eventually realized what was causing my torture, that I should have listened to the man warning me about stinging nettles, and that I would not be dying in the woods. I had no clue what they were, laughed off whoever told me about them, and didn’t even know they were a plant. No water spouts, no pit toilets, etc. VIRGIN FALLS STATE NATURAL AREA.

Hikers can scrabble over boulders to explore it or even take a shower in the falls. Both are low traffic, well-maintained routes. From there a short spur leads up to the top of the falls where it appears that a river flows out of a cave from what seems like a geographic high point. Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness is one of the most unusual waterfall hikes (four falls on a 9-mile loop) within driving distance of Chattanooga.

Public access is allowed. You get to spend more time in this beautiful area. Climb up to the source of. The trail leaving the parking area meanders down to the Big Branch of the Big Laurel Creek through an upland oak-hickory/chestnut oak hardwood forest crisscrossing a fern dominated upland drainage. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Leaving Sheep Falls the trail becomes vague. But it is worth it. Awesome scenery, waterfalls, etc. The Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area resides, provides a stunning and colorful mountain desert setting. Get your printable Backpacking Packing List here. A county tradition dating back over 160 years. Rates: $8 $12 Taxes and fees are not included. The 2 nd camping option is near Big Laurel Falls, a few miles in, which is where we camped.

Virgin Falls are a little over 4 miles from the trailhead. There's a beautiful creek crossing (where backpackers can stay) , then down down to a steep spot to the first waterfalls.

There are several notable caves in the area, including the cave above Virgin Falls, where the stream itself that forms the falls issues. If you want to really see the water flowing, don’t go during a drought. There are no services (trash, water, restrooms) at the trailhead, but it is close by to Sparta, Tennessee. the falls right when you get there, it makes a picnic or rest-break by the falls so much more relaxing and gives your legs a rest before the hike back. The trail tees into the Virgin Falls Loop 3.40 miles from the trailhead. It's a strange looking phenomena that makes you wonder if nature is breaking its own rules. Approaching Virgin Falls, you will pass multiple campsites with plenty of room for tents and hammocks. Within a 2-hour drive from downtown Chattanooga, this 9-mile hike offers 4 waterfalls, subterranean tributaries, and scenic overlooks. Rates: $15 $35 Taxes and fees are not included. Hiking to Virgin Falls and back to the parking area is a five to eight hour hike depending on your pace and whether you hike to the Caney Fork Overlook and/or the Caney Fork River. Rinse the area with clean water and apply hydrocortisone cream or Calamine lotion if you have it. ** The campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups. Never overlook Tennessee’s best overlooks. The falls weren’t huge when we were there, but it was still serene to sit behind the falls and watch the water cascade down. The Virgin Falls area was originally set aside in 1973 as a Pocket Wilderness by the Bowater Pulp and Paper Corporation. The sinkholes at Virgin Falls, such as Virgin Falls Sink and Sheep Cave Sink, are characteristic of karst features found on the Cumberland Plateau. Will do backcountry camping for sure! Want to know more? Once renovations are complete, the BLM will notify the public of the reopening of the recreation area through this website and notice to media outlets. The area is noted for its unique geological features and several (additional) other waterfalls including Big Laurel, Sheep Cave Falls, and Big Branch Falls. Please don’t do this. You can now reserve your spot online here.

Make sure to watch your step in some areas where a lot of roots and rocks are protruding the trail! One of the most unusual aspects of the pocket wilderness is its karst features—Virgin Falls being a prime example. The internet is spotty as you get close to the parking area, so don’t exit out of your map app. You approach the falls from the top, wrapping around the gapping mouth of the cave, until you reach the forest floor under which Big Branch Creek flows underground away from the falls. At this level there's several more tent spots at a ledge. The first sites are about 1.5 miles in. It was purchased from a private landowner by the State in 2012, partially with a grant from the U.S. This is a popular area so consult the log book at the trail head to ensure it isn't full. Apparently, the little “hairs” at the end of their leaves are like hypodermic needles, and they inject you with chemicals. Thought Friday might be busy but finished by 12:30 and only saw 2 people.this ti.e took the long trail to virgin falls and also did sheep cave and virgin falls spur to the top where the spring comes out of a cave.this trail is tough for those not used to lots of steep steps and.