Located just outside of Sparta in middle Tennessee, the beautiful Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area is a natural area unlike any other in the state. Visitors who are willing to hike the demanding Virgin Falls Trail will be rewarded with breathtaking natural scenery of over 1,000 acres of protected wilderness and unequaled views of four spectacular waterfalls.
The Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area boasts 1,157 acres of wooded trails and unique geological features, including elevated areas with stunning views, impressive caves, notable sinkholes, gorges, and four magnificent waterfalls.
Myndi Clements/Alltrails
The Virgin Falls Trail offers hikers the opportunity to appreciate lots of diverse natural scenery, including creeks, gorges, plateaus, scenic overlooks, and lovely streams. More adventurous hikers might also enjoy exploring around the wilderness area’s many sinkholes, like the Virgin Falls Sink and Sheep Cave Sink.
Patrick Skarp/Alltrails Virgin Falls is also home to many caves, but they are closed to the public for safety reasons.
The complete 8.7 mile hike can be strenuous, and is ideal for more advanced hikers. Hiking the whole trail usually takes between five to eight hours, and it is rocky and elevated in some areas.
Myndi Clements/Alltrails It does tend to attract a fair amount of adventure-seekers during peak months, so visitors may want to be prepared for some heavy traffic on the trail.
The wilderness area gets its name from the falls that are formed by a stream that runs underground until it emerges from one of the many caves in the area. The stream then drops over a majestic 110-foot high cliff, then continues its flow into another cave before disappearing underground.
Alex Crain/Alltrails
In addition to its namesake waterfall, the Virgin Falls Trail provides visitors the opportunity to view three additional scenic waterfalls: Big Laurel Falls, Sheep Cave Falls, and Big Branch Falls.
Tina Folsom/Alltrails These striking falls are spread out throughout the trail, so visitors will still be able to witness these stunning views even if they do not wish to complete the entire hike.
Hikers who make it to the top of the scenic lookout at Martha’s Pretty Point will be able to take in stunning views of the flowing Caney Fork River, Scott’s Gulf, and the gorgeous surrounding wilderness.
Wade Hacker/Alltrails
To learn more about the Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area and to plan your next hike on Virgin Falls Trail in Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation website here.
Myndi Clements/Alltrails
Patrick Skarp/Alltrails
Virgin Falls is also home to many caves, but they are closed to the public for safety reasons.
It does tend to attract a fair amount of adventure-seekers during peak months, so visitors may want to be prepared for some heavy traffic on the trail.
Alex Crain/Alltrails
Tina Folsom/Alltrails
These striking falls are spread out throughout the trail, so visitors will still be able to witness these stunning views even if they do not wish to complete the entire hike.
Wade Hacker/Alltrails
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Address: Virgin Falls Trail, Tennessee 38583, USA
