Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness

Scott's Gulf Region - Tennessee 

The Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area is 317 acres set aside for public use as a wilderness area by Bowater, Inc. and is located just east of Sparta, Tennessee. Having hiked this area on four separate occasions, I must say that so far, it's my favorite hike.

If you are a waterfall lover or enjoy exploring caves, this trip is a must. Along the eight mile trail, you'll see four waterfalls and have the opportunity to explore several caves, the highlight of which is the 110' Virgin Falls. There is also a side trail that will take you up to an overlook where you have a great view of the Scott's Gulf region. 

Directions: From Sparta, TN 

Take HWY 70 E out of Sparta. You'll arrive in the small town of Bon Air. Turn right on Eastland Rd and travel South for 8 miles. Turn right on Scott's Gulf Rd. and travel 2 miles. You'll see the Virgin Falls State Natural Area sign and the small parking area on your right. 

The Trail: 

For the first 30-45 minutes, the trail isn't very exciting and is flat for the most part and will run along the left side of a small stream which you cross a couple of times. Eventually, the trail begins to descend and you'll come to Big Laurel Creek which you must cross with the assistance of a cable over some large rocks. On the other side of this creek, you'll see several campsites and the trail will soon fork. I suggest taking the lower trail which follows the creek.

You will soon arrive at Big Branch Falls on the left. It's worth a stop and is hidden among a huge canopy of rhododendrons. A bit further down the trail you'll see a side path for the Caney Fork Overlook. If you have an extra hour or so, take this in. I did on my first trip and it's worth a stop. However, we did get lost on the way back to the main trail because the side trails weren't well marked. If you want to skip this, keep an eye out for the white blazes on the main trail and you'll be fine. Some will be on rocks as you make your way down.

Continue hiking along the ridge alongside the creek and in another mile, you'll come to Big Laurel Falls, a great stop for a snack and some exploring. The 40' falls has carved out a large shelter underneath the waterfall and the water flows around the backside and down into the ground. The ground inside is mostly sand but I have seen people make a campsite here and there is usually a firepit dug out. The area in front of the falls also makes a great campsite. On one of my trips, we camped here and I had some late night visitors. Raccoons.

From Big Laurel Falls, the trail continues and snakes its way back towards the small loop trail where you'll find Virgin Falls. Once you reach the beginning of this loop, you'll see the sign for Virgin Falls and Sheep Cave. Head to the left for the shortest walk to Virgin Falls or to the right for Sheep Falls and Sheep Cave.

If you choose to go to the right, you'll get to see another great waterfall and a cave that's worth hiking up into. Personally, I have only ventured about 50 yards up into it because 1) it was a little chilly and I didn't want to risk wet feet, 2) it was getting late and we wanted to get to Virgin Falls as soon as possible to get the best campsite and 3) you really do need a good flashlight once you are that far up into the cave. I have heard that there are waterfalls back in there, so I imagine that this cave goes pretty far back.  You can continue along the trail and the loop will take you to Virgin Falls.

The path to the left at the head of the loop will take you down some steep rock ridges and down to Virgin Falls. At the base of one of these descents, you'll come to an intersection of a trail next to what looks like an old fence. Take a right to head to Virgin Falls or a left here will take you down to the Caney Fork River.

Once at Virgin Falls, make enough time for lots of exploring. Depending on the rainfall, the falls will either be  a slight trickle or it will be a heavy flow. I have seen both. Venture down into the basin of the falls, but be careful as you'll find the rocks quite slippery. There are trails on both sides of the falls that will take you up to the top where you'll find the source of the amazing waterfall. Water emerges from a cave, falls over a first shelf that's about 6' tall and then falls again into the cave below. You can walk up into the cave and out onto this 1st shelf. Again, use caution. 

With headlamps, take time to explore this cave. Where you see the water emerging, you can hike straight up into the cave or take a small rock hallway to the right, just inside the mouth. The trail that crosses in front of the cave opening will wrap around to the right and will then take you back up the hillside to the upper entrance to the same cave. We did encounter a few bats and some odd looking spiders but that's all you need to worry about.

This trail can get crowded. I have seen van-loads of kids getting out on Saturdays at the parking lot, so if you'd like a quieter hike, I'd suggest going on a weekday or during cooler weather. Since I first went, this trail seems to have become much more popular. We often leave from Atlanta after work on Friday, take in some of our own firewood and make camp in the parking area. 

Enjoy this hike!