Virgin Falls State Natural Area
Explore over 9,500 acres of wilderness featuring stunning waterfalls, caves, and challenging hiking trails on the Cumberland Plateau.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Waterfalls are most impressive
Virgin Falls State Natural Area
Best Time
Waterfalls are most impressive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 9,500 acres of wilderness featuring stunning waterfalls, caves, and challenging hiking trails on the Cumberland Plateau.
"The hike is definitely strenuous, clocking in at 9 miles round trip and taking about 5 hours total, including a well-deserved lunch break at Virgin Falls. The waterfall is breathtaking and made every step worth it."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be slippery, muddy, and steep. Good traction is key!
💧 Bring plenty of water
The 9-mile hike is strenuous and requires ample hydration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Virgin Falls
End of Virgin Falls Trail
A breathtaking 110-foot waterfall cascading from a cave, making the strenuous hike incredibly rewarding.
Big Laurel Falls
Along Virgin Falls Trail
Another stunning waterfall within the natural area, offering a scenic stop on your hike.
Sheep Cave
Along Virgin Falls Trail
Explore this fascinating cave system, adding an element of adventure to your outdoor exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Strenuous Trail
Best Time for Peak Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be slippery, muddy, and steep. Good traction is key!
💧 Bring plenty of water
The 9-mile hike is strenuous and requires ample hydration.
🌿 Watch for poison ivy
It's prevalent along many trails; take precautions.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty in this remote area.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be slippery, muddy, and steep. Good traction is key!
💧 Bring plenty of water
The 9-mile hike is strenuous and requires ample hydration.
🌿 Watch for poison ivy
It's prevalent along many trails; take precautions.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty in this remote area.
📸 Capture the beauty
The scenery is stunning, especially the waterfalls after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Virgin Falls and the surrounding waterfalls, calling the area 'pristine' and 'nature at its finest.' The hike is consistently described as strenuous but incredibly rewarding, with many finding the effort well worth the spectacular views. Some note the prevalence of poison ivy and the challenging terrain, advising caution and preparation.
"Great park with beautiful waterfalls and a nice network of trails and back country campsites for backpacking. Be warned there's lots of poison ivy along most of the trails so take proper precautions. Best time to visit is after a good rainfall so the waterfalls are pumping. We got lucky with some great volume going over the falls."
Will Pfleger
"Hiked virgin fall loop as part of a 2 night camping trip.
Camping is available by reservation in designated campsites.
Besides the viewing point for the fall, you can hike to the top and bottom of the fall. Water from the fall wasn’t too strong on the day we went (end of July) so we were able to go behind the fall. There is a large hole on the left side so keep to the right.
Hike back to the parking lot is uphill and considered hard by many hikers.
I hiked this my wife and kids ( 9 & 10) in full backpacking gear.
Leave early enough to explore sheep cave and , time permitting , hike to caney river and swim at the rope swing."
Brent Scott
"Absolutely pristine area—nature at its finest. The hike is definitely strenuous, clocking in at 9 miles round trip and taking about 5 hours total, including a well-deserved lunch break at Virgin Falls. The waterfall is breathtaking and made every step worth it. A challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure!"
Ilicenia Fray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Virgin Falls State Natural Area is located in Sparta, Tennessee. Access is typically via Scott Gulf Road to the Virgin Falls Trailhead.
Yes, Virgin Falls is now officially part of the larger Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park, which protects over 9,500 acres of wilderness.
The main trail is the Virgin Falls Trail, an out-and-back route. Some visitors also explore the Hemlock Springs trail. Downloading offline maps is highly recommended due to limited cell service.
The trailhead is accessible via Scott Gulf Road. It's advisable to consult a reliable GPS or mapping service for the most current directions, as road conditions can vary.
Virgin Falls is also encompassed within the broader Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park, offering a vast area for exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there is no mention of an entrance fee for Virgin Falls State Natural Area. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Tennessee State Parks website for any updates before your visit.
As a natural area, it is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours for any facilities like visitor centers (if available) should be confirmed on the official Tennessee State Parks website.
No, tickets are not required for hiking. However, if you plan to camp, reservations are necessary for designated campsites.
For day hiking, no special permits are typically required. Camping requires advance reservation.
Yes, Virgin Falls can be visited year-round. Winter visits offer unique snowy waterfall views, while spring and fall provide pleasant hiking temperatures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 8.6 miles roundtrip and is considered strenuous. It can take 4-5 hours to complete, not including time spent enjoying the falls.
The hike is rated as strenuous due to its length, elevation gain, and challenging terrain, including slippery rocks and steep climbs. +1
Yes, the area features other beautiful waterfalls like Big Laurel Falls and Big Branch Falls along the trail.
Yes, it's possible to go behind the falls, especially when water flow is not too strong. Be cautious of a large hole on the left side and stick to the right.
Yes, backcountry campsites are available for overnight stays, but they require advance reservation. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The base of Virgin Falls offers dramatic shots, especially after rain. The surrounding trails and other waterfalls like Big Laurel Falls also provide excellent photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Winter can offer unique perspectives with snow and ice, creating a magical atmosphere around the falls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in low light or to smooth out water.
As a state natural area, drone usage may be restricted. It's best to check with Tennessee State Parks for current regulations regarding drone operation.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer harsh shadows. However, the dramatic nature of the falls can be captured at any time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Backpackers & Overnight Campers
⛰️ Challenging Hike Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Virgin Falls Trail: A Hiker's Challenge
Expect a significant elevation gain of over 1100 feet, which translates to steep climbs, especially on the return journey to the trailhead. Beyond the main Virgin Falls, the trail system offers access to other beautiful cascades like Big Laurel Falls and Big Branch Falls, providing multiple scenic rewards along the way.
+1 For those seeking an even more immersive experience, Sheep Cave is an intriguing geological feature to explore. Planning is key for this hike. Given the length and difficulty, starting early in the day is advisable to allow ample time for the hike, exploration, and potential breaks.
Experiencing the Waterfalls: Beyond the Main Attraction
+1 These additional falls contribute to the area's reputation as a prime destination for waterfall enthusiasts in Tennessee. The experience of the falls is highly dependent on recent weather. Visitors strongly advise visiting after a good rainfall to witness the waterfalls at their most powerful and impressive.
Some hikers have even reported being able to walk behind Virgin Falls when the water flow is moderate, offering a unique perspective and photo opportunity. Beyond the visual spectacle, the natural area offers a sense of immersion in the wild. The trails wind through lush forests, and the sound of cascading water creates a serene atmosphere.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking a challenge or a nature lover looking for stunning scenery, the diverse waterfalls of Virgin Falls State Natural Area provide a memorable experience. 
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