Virgin Falls Loop Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Cave · Fall Colors · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This trail is accessed from the Virgin Falls Trail. It is a short loop trail which ties to Virgin Falls as well as two other side trails to the Virgin Falls Trail. The trailhead is at the west end of the Virgin Falls Trail. Since this is a loop trail, it can be taken either clockwise or counterclockwise. The route is well marked with signs pointing in both directions of the loop. The counterclockwise direction goes toward the junction of a side trail to Sheep Cave while the clockwise direction heads more directly to Virgin Falls.

Taking the loop clockwise, the trail descends along a ridge toward the Caney Fork River. It levels out at the bottom of the ridge, crosses a creek, and arrives at Virgin Falls about a 1/2 mile from the loop trailhead. Virgin Falls is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave and then plunges over a 110-foot high cliff before disappearing into another cave at its base. It is a beautiful waterfall in a similarly beautiful setting. Like most waterfalls, it is more spectacular during times of high rain.

Traveling on in the clockwise direction, in a 1/2 mile, you'll reach the junction of a side trail to Sheep Cave, and then connect back to the trailhead and the Virgin Falls Trail in another 1/3 of a mile.

You will find a hardwood forest of oak, hickory, sycamore as well as mountain laurel and other shrubs along the trail.