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Virgin Falls Loop


Highlights:

Many creeks and waterfalls
Near:Sparta, TN
Scenery:
Distance:10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1300 ft
Hike Time:5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This route descends the plateau, crossing numerous creeks and goes next to many beautiful waterfalls. There are a few caves here (Sheep Cave, Big Laurel Falls Cave, VF Cave) that are worth visiting if you have time. Also, the overlook (Martha's Pretty Point) is well worth the deviation. It is listed as the Caney Fork Overlook Trail. Please note that the pictures in this description are taken from various websites and are not my own work (my digicam died). This hike took me nearly 8.5 hrs at a leisurely pace including visiting Sheep Cave.
Trailhead: On Scott Gulf Rd, off of Eastland Rd. Between Sparta and Crossville (Lat:35.85414 Lon:-85.28263)
Trail Guides for Virgin Falls Loop:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Bowater, Inc.
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bryan Taylor
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 5   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Amanda on 11/15/2009
Best hike in Tennessee. I always discover something new each time I go.

Reviewed by Andrew on 11/6/2009
Absolutely beautiful area, but not an easy hike. The trail is a little rough, but the sights are well worth it. We didn't make it to the actual Virgin Falls because we decided to do the overlook first, so by the time we got to Big Laurel falls we were getting tired and losing daylight so had to head back. We definitely will return and camp out so we can take our time and see it all. My only complaint is that the trail is not well marked, so its easy to go off the trail without realizing it.

Reviewed by dan on 7/29/2009
this palce is heaven 2 me there is everything 2 do this is close and hardly ever crowded most times stay 3 days

Reviewed by Larry on 6/17/2009
Outstanding! Camped next to the Big Branch Falls & hiked all the way to Virgin Falls. Signs & blazes are misleading leading up to Virgin Falls. Parts of the trail are muddy & difficult, so make sure you have good hiking boots, poles for climbing, & lots of water.

Reviewed by Tracey on 5/22/2009
This trail is totally awesome! Be sure not to skip the trail to the overlook, it's kind of rough but well worth it!

Reviewed by Veronica on 5/7/2009
Very rewarding views for a relatively short hike! Did a day hike with all the detours including the ones at the end before looping back. Not too difficult. Loved the "disappearing" falls - the first I'd ever seen. The trail could have been better marked in places - we had no guide-book and veered off the trail for about half a mile. Start early and with lots of sleep, because the looping back is difficult after 4 hours of hiking to the last fall!

Reviewed by Jeremy on 3/6/2009
my first trip to the falls was on my last birthday march 2nd of 08 i was trying to make it again this year but i had to work ($) but im going tomorrow march 7th 09, hoping the coyote thing is a joke, i will be meeting up with a couple of hiking buddies back there..they are staying the night but i will be hiking out at night fall, alone... i have already had some near fighting experiences with coyotes before, i hate when their hungry

Reviewed by Glenn on 11/3/2008
My wife and I hiked the trail on 11/2/08. Very nice hike. The trees color was beautiful. My biggest complaint is the lack of signage. There should be a way finding sign at highway 70 and another one at the right turn to the gravel roading leading to the parking area at the trail head. Also, at Virgin Falls there should be better signage concerning the loop.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, White County Hiking, White County Trails, White County Hikes

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