Virgin Falls State Natural Area

Had a great time hiking in, camping, and hiking back out the next morning. The hike in to Virgin Falls isn't bad (4.3 miles) and mostly down, but all of that down hill is a rough stair-climber workout on the way out. Recommend stopping to check out Sheep's Cave and other waterfalls on the way out as a break in the climb.

Side note - don't go in the caves. They are closed due to white-noise syndrome with the bats.

My husband and I attempted the hike to Virgin Falls in '21, and I just couldn't make it. We tried again yesterday, and met many friendly folks with insight about the hike or amazing stories to share. We were grateful for all of them! My husband and I are in our 60s, so probably a little more challenging for us, but we endured, took in all the beauty along the way, and finally reached the Virgin Falls. We took a little time there to regroup, relax, watch and listen to the falls, rehydrate, and revel in our accomplishment. Then it was time for the return trek back to the trailhead. To me, this trail is every bit of a "strenuous" trail, with the roots, boulders, and continuous ups and downs being the norm. A level straightaway without roots and boulders is definitely the exception, but if you've got the physical capability and endurance to take this hike, it will probably be one of the most memorable hikes you've ever taken, and you will be amazed by all the beauty! Pat yourself on the back when you've completed this hike, 'cause you've earned it!

Do not follow the GPS to falls, it will take you no where. Navigate to Virgin Falls trailhead parking.

Amazing waterfalls at the end of a beautiful 4mile hike. 4~5 hour round trip just to the falls, there are some overlooks and small falls on the way if you want to take deviations. Was less crowded when we visited during Memorial Day weekend. Few miles of unpaved roads till you reach to the trail entrance. Lot of parking availability and there is a park officer during day hours with maps and informations.
Look for weather conditions before coming. Back lot of water. Slightly long trail with downhill and uphill trails. Consider camping at the park to enjoy nature.

This was our favorite hike. I can't say enough good about this park! we did an 11 mile hike on Saturday it was gorgeous.. 😍

This trail is beautiful and very enjoyable for both day hiking and backpacking.
My wife and I went down this trail on a Sunday morning. There were plenty of people on the trail, but it wasn't crowded. We took our dogs, who were on leash the entire time. There were areas on the trail were we had to be careful with the dogs on leashes because it was a bit rough, but with a little care it was easily navigated.

Absolutely stunning place. The waterfalls are breathtaking. Worth backpacking in to camp for a night or two. Make sure you get a permit online. Please camp in designated sites and pack ALL of your trash out. ... Also, people... know how to poop in the woods. We don't want to see your toilet paper scattered along the trail.

Hiked Lost Cave Trail to the upper parking lot... about 9 miles. Quite strenuous. Water flow was excellent. Good display of spring wildflowers. Biting bugs were bad on upper end of trail 😮 Poison ivy has arrived 😐

Very tough coming back!! Pretty easy on the way there...almost to Virgin Falls there is a sign ..to the left it says .5 to virgin..on the right.. .8 to virgin..whatever way you take its a loop..do the loop or you will miss a waterfall..i went to sheeps cave falls and thought it was virgin falls..i almost went back the way i came and i would have missed virgin falls. Absolutely gorgeous..ten miles total..4 hours 22 min..stopping for pics and going to lookout ..i went off trail to get more pics but not far off. Things get slippery and steep off trail! ..do the lookout..i enjoyed the trail to the lookout more than the actual lookout..I'll definitely do it again. It was a spectacular day! I also think I broke my toe i was wearing Chacos stubbed on a rock..I've hiked almost 100 percent of my hikes in chacos ..lots of them..and next time ill wear keens with the rubber toe guard..I could not imagine doing this trail in the dead of summer even with all the water sources!! I Have not hiked a trail similar to this since last summer and honestly the way back was tough..lol. I'm 44. Long lazy winter..maybe in a couple months I'll do this hike again and say it wasn't as bad getting back

Beautiful place to hike. Several waterfalls to enjoy along the way including a natural spring cave. Make sure to bring a headlamp and shoes that can get wet. Definitely worth the 4+ miles in.

I forgot how beautiful this trail is. It is 8.5 miles round trip and that's if you only go to Virgin Falls. There is so much more to see and explore. There are several waterfalls along the way. There is an overlook that is on a side trail. You can walk down to Caney Fork River. It was wet muddy and slippery and it made a difficult trail even more difficult. I would consider wearing waterproof boots that go past the calf during wet weather. Sheep cave was closed because to prevent white nose syndrome in bats. The trails were well marked but a little confusing around Sheep Cave.

I have wanted to try out a strenuous trail and was a bit nervous about taking the main trail. With my husband at my side and an entire day off, we ventured into one of the most pristine parts of the Upper Cumberland I've experienced. The trail was extremely challenging, but walking alongside aqua green waters and clear waterfalls made it one of the most pleasant hiking experiences I've had. Before we knew it, we were at the main falls, and talk about breathtaking! The next time we go, we are hiking in and camping at one of the three campsites on the trail. I hope to be back again and again!

Camping here was a blast! Not to many people were camping at the hike in campsites. This hike can be hard for someone new to hiking. Even I had trouble towards the end. Definitely strenuous! Well worth it after seeing the falls. A couple swimming holes along the way.

An amazing trail and many falls along the way. Parking is limited, so get early. There are numerous camping sites along the way, which makes it a great experience in particular if 8.5 miles (not including sub trails) is too much for one day. The falls at the end are breathtaking, worth the effort. Bring lots of water, dinne snacks and bug spray.

I have been hiking this area for over 30 years, I love it. Hike this area in the fall or spring when the water levels are high. Avoid it in the summer, its to hot and dry. Be warned, the hike is fairly difficult and not for someone over weight or disabled. You most likely will not have cell service when on this trail so be very careful and hike with a friend. You will see many beautiful waterfalls and lots of wildlife.

Great hike and waterfalls. The water was low but the trail was in great shape and was a wonderful day to get outdoors.Lost Creek State Natural Area is a diverse area situated on the western flank of the Cumberland Plateau. Its scenic highlight is the beautiful Lost Creek Falls in White County. Lost Creek Falls is geologically similar to its nearby cousin, Virgin Falls, in that the creek emerges from large spring, or collapsed cave on top, drops over the 40’ falls, and disappears underground again. On the opposite side of this large sink is the spectacular entrance to Lost Creek Cave. Because these Falls and Cave open into this large sink, or bowl, with no surface drainage, cold air is trapped in the hottest and most humid times of summer, essentially wicking the water from the humid air and coating the rocks and vegetation in the bottom of the bowl with moisture. This increased moisture helps to stimulate rich ferns, flowers, and liverworts in the bottom of the sink in the late Spring and Summer. The beauty of this area attracted the Walt Disney Corporation in 1994 to film several scenes from the “Jungle Book” at the area, utilizing both the beautiful Falls and the Cave entrance. Lost Creek Cave is one of the larger caves in Tennessee, with five entrances (including the large one in the sink), and seven miles of mapped passages. It is a popular recreational cave. It is also home to several rare species, including the federally protected Indiana bat. Because of the population decline of cave-dwelling bats, the cave is closed during the hibernation and swarming time of bats. Recreational access is allowed during other times of the year, but a no-cost permit must be obtained from the Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls. Geologically, this area is on the flank of the western Cumberland Plateau. It has several other collapse features on the landscape which define it as a transition between the harder sandstones of the Plateau proper, and the more soluble limestones found on the Highland Rim. The water, which creates Lost Creek Falls, is coming from the Dog Cove area, a large cove of appearing, then disappearing creeks, just north of the Lost Creek Natural Area. Almost all of the Natural Area is covered with a diverse community of mixed hardwoods, including Butternut, Tulip tree, Sycamore, Sweetgum, Hemlock, a variety of Oaks, and Hickory. Wildflowers are abundant in the Spring. Ferns and mosses are rich in the area. Lost Creek State Natural Area was obtained by the public thanks to the generosity of James and Lillian Rylander, and their family. Mr. Rylander put this area in his will, that upon his death, it would be transferred to the State, for the area’s protection and its enjoyment by the public. We are very thankful for this incredible gift. This area is actually connected to the larger 57,000-acre land base informally called the “Mid-Cumberland Recreation Area”. This larger area is managed by TWRA, the TN Division of Forestry, and State Parks. It would be possible to hike from this area over to Virgin Falls, or on down to Fall Creek Falls State Park, and never leave public land. However, at this point, there are no trails connecting these areas. Consider liking my pictures and review and follow me on all my adventures. Get Your Hike On!

We camped at Martha's pretty point. Hiked to virgin falls , it was good hike, there is a beautiful overllok near to Martha's point and river streams are nearby if you want to take a dip. Loved the experience

Best trail there is. IMO. I've been there 4 times and haven't even gone to the Falls. Martha's Pretty Point is my favorite place.

Beautiful trail lots of rock formations, cascades, waterfalls, and caves. I would definitely recommend a visit to Virgin Falls

Good hike! Water is low right now but the views are breathtaking anyway.

I've done both the Lost Creek to Virgin Falls and the Virgin Falls trail hikes. The latter is more challenging but also more scenic.