Virgin Falls State Natural Area is the home of the well-known falls of the same name that we first visited on New Year’s Day in 2012. As of 2021, the natural area was incorporated into Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park along with along with the Lost Creek State Natural Area. See Scott’s Gulf Map. The state park, together with the adjacent Bridgestone-Firestone Nature Reserve and the two Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness Wildlife Management Areas, comprise almost 22 square miles of natural habitats, hiking trails, waterfalls, backcountry camping, and a portion of the Caney Fork River.
The traditional hike to Virgin Falls from Scott’s Gulf Road is a strenuous 9½ mile roundtrip with an elevation change of 900’.
Virgin Falls State Natural Area
Small parking lot at Scott’s Gulf Rd.
Big Branch Falls
The first featyre along the trail.
Big Branch Falls
Easy Part of the Trail
Early spring in March.
Bluffs Along the Trail
Big Branch of the Big Laurel Creek
As the sign says, “Bif Laurel Falls”
Big Laurel Falls
The river flows into a cavern and disappears.
Big Laurel Falls Cavern
Loop at the End of the Trail
Sheep Cave Falls
Virgin Falls
New Year’s Day
Virgin Falls
During a dryer October. The water flows from a cave and drops into a cave.
Virgin Falls
The top of the falls.
Virgin Falls Source
Top of the Falls
Caney Fork River
Down a short spur off the trail near Virgin Falls.