Virgin Falls State Natural Area, Tennessee, United States

5Whatafall 5:00 PM Jan 20, 2020

Long-ish, roughish day-hike with creek crossings and AMAZING reward at the end
Starts in a flat pine forest but don't worry, you leave the mundane soon enough. There's a beautiful creek crossing (where backpackers can stay) , then down down to a steep spot to the first waterfalls. It gets more lovely but rougher from there. Climb up to the source of 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. Some side-hikes add to the adventure. This is a remote area - you will see other hikers but plan to be on your own.. bring water and tread carefully, as a sprained ankle or exhausted kid could extend your say until dark. Texts go out in some areas, but not all. I always bring a headlamp .. as I often stay at the falls area longer than expected. Thankfully, that first boring part of the trail is easy by moonlight.

5Leah F 5:00 PM Oct 1, 2018

Rugged Beauty!
This is my favorite day hike. Water everywhere and simply an amazing trail. Be prepared with hiking boots and a way to filter or sanitize water. I generally carry 2 Nalgene's full and then fill another from the waterfalls on the hike back. I went on a hot day and the cool breezes from the water and caves are just fantastic. The water itself is so clear and Virgin Falls is so much bigger than I thought it would be! I only hiked Virgin Falls and back, no spurs. When you enter the trail, after a bit, there are ferns and green everywhere and a left to Martha's Pretty Point. You then shortly begin your slow descent into the gorge and cross the river (there is a cable). A nice camping area is near this. As you keep going, the stream is now on your left and you are deep in the gorge. Rocks bigger than cars are scattered everywhere. The trail is rugged with rocks and exposed roots. You soon come to the first cave and waterfall at Big Branch. Take a bit to rest here since it's almost halfway to Virgin Falls. As you continue from this area, it has some steeper parts as you climb up some and you will come to a fork and can go either right to Sheep Cave or left to Virgin. I took a left the first time and will plan to explore the right to Sheep cave next time. There is steep descent again. The next fork is either a left to Caney Fork or a right to Virgin. The falls flows from cave at the top and goes backwards into a cave at the bottom. You can take the small, short trail to the top of the falls too. the falls is a great place to rehydrate, fill your water up (and filter it), rest, and get ready for the hike back. Perfect place for a hammock or to camp for the night, which can be reserved from the website. Definitely a top 3 favorite of mine. Just be ready, it's rated hard for a reason, but I'm in my 40s:)