Virgin Falls State Natural Area

Virgin Falls State Natural Area is located in Scott's Gulf in Sparta/White County Tennessee. The mystical Virgin Falls is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave at the top of the bluff, drops over a 110-foot cliff and goes back into a cave at the bottom of a fern covered sink. The trailhead is located on Scott's Gulf Road. The trail is rated difficult and is an 8-mile round trip. You should allow 6 to 8 hours for hiking and sightseeing. The trail descends into the Caney Fork River Gorge passing the 15’ Big Branch Falls, Big Laurel Creek, the 40’ Big Laurel Falls, a subterranean creek that flows out of Upper Sheep Cave dropping 100’-150’ & on down to the 40’ Lower Sheep Falls (subject to wet weather), and on toward the ultimate destination of Virgin Falls. Along the way a loop trail will take hikers to the popular overlook “Martha’s Pretty Point”. A backpack camping area is near the Caney Fork River. (please camp away from the falls as a courtesy to other waterfall lovers and photographers) The Caney Fork River and small streams are subject to flash flooding. Please, leave nothing but footprints.