Weekend Gem-Virgin Falls

Amazing Virgin Falls disappears into a cave below!

Did a quick overnight trip to Scott’s Gulf State Park on the Cumberland Plateau to enjoy the recent rainfall flow and the fall colors. This trail exceeded every expectation I had for a 4.3 miler. Start by heading to the TH in the morning to get more exploring done of the 3 falls along your way. The trail looks ordinary enough until you drop down a bit to Big Branch Falls, a small cascade. Soon is a stream crossing on some flat boulders and a nice close in overnight spot called Cable Camp.  The way gets more rugged as you drop down to Big Laurel Falls which drain into a crack in the cliff the size of a city sewer drain? The trail goes on for another couple miles to a viewpoint of Virgin Falls. Make sure to select campsite 8 if you can, it has the best view of the Falls. A short side trail to the right leads to the head of this amazing sight which comes out of a cave. This is the best spot to get water as there is no pool on the bottom of Virgin. I was talking to a dude that is mapping the inlet, it starts 6 miles away in Dog Cove.

Big Branch Falls

Cable crossing

Big Laurel Falls

Inlet cave

After a relaxing morning, start heading back to your car. Along the way you can take a couple of short side trails if you like. One goes to Sheep Cave the other to Martha’s Pretty Point. We went to Sheep Cave which is tucked into an impressive fold in the land where a small waterfall runs. Get back to your rig and enjoy some Buccees grub on the ride home.

Sheep Cave area

Ranger!