A strenuous 8-mile hike to a 110-foot waterfall formed by an underground stream, with a cable crossing hazard during flooding and leashed dogs allowed.
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Official page notes the cable crossing at Big Laurel Creek can be impassable during flooding — check weather before visiting.
Virgin Falls is a 110-foot waterfall formed by an underground stream emerging from a cave at Virgin Falls State Natural Area near Sparta, Tennessee. The strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike passes through remote terrain and includes a cable crossing at Big Laurel Creek that can become impassable during flooding. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the property.
Critical safety note: all caves in the area are closed to recreational use due to white-nose syndrome affecting bats, though this does not affect the main falls trail. The site address is 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta, TN 38583. Verify weather and creek conditions before committing to the full hike.
Spring through fall; check weather before visiting as the cable crossing can become impassable during heavy rain.
4–5 hours
Not wheelchair accessible.
Heavy rain is forecast; the cable crossing at Big Laurel Creek is impassable during flooding.
No fee or permit requirement was published on the managing agency's site when we last checked — confirm current conditions before you go, since these change.
Via a 8-mile round-trip trail rated strenuous by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 13 waterfalls in Cumberland Plateau TN.
tn.gov
tn.gov official Virgin Falls State Natural Area page, checked Sept 2026. Falls formed by an underground stream emerging from a cave and dropping over a 110-ft cliff. All caves in the area closed to recreational use due to white-nose syndrome (bat disease) — does not affect the main falls trail. Address: 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta, TN 38583. Dogs allowed on leash per page.
Checked September 2026.