Friday-Saturday Virgin Falls overnight : September 19-20, 2025

Please read the entire description before you RSVP
Please follow these steps to get on this trip:
1. RSVP to get ON the waitlist.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $3 to help cover the permit fees. This will move you to the going list.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step)
4. Show up.
5. Hike.
(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 10 people, MAX. No exceptions.)
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Now for the good stuff!

Let’s do a little Friday-Saturday Virgin Falls adventure.

Friday, September 19: Drive to the Virgin Falls trailhead at Scotts Gulf Wilderness State Park. Hike the Virgin Falls trail to Caney Fork campsite. I have reserved site 11 (the group site). As of now, I will be coming in later in the evening, probably hitting the trail around 5:00-6:00 PM. I’ve never hiked this trail in the dark, so that could be an adventure. If that changes, I’ll let you all know. If you plan to show up earlier, and hike on to camp, that’s fine, just let me know.

Miles: ~4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 395/1300
Gaia Route Virgin Falls Trailhead to Caney Fork campsite

Saturday, August 9: We will wake up and hike to Virgin Falls and Sheep Cave (optional) on the way back to the trailhead. This will be an all uphill hike, with a particularly intense section just after Big Laurel Falls.

Miles: ~5 miles
Elevation G/L: 1488/587 (basically all uphill)
Gaia Route Caney Fork to Virgin Falls to Sheep Cave to Trailhead

Totals for the trip: 9 miles, 1,840 feet elevation gain/loss.

Difficulty: This is a moderate to difficult hike. Some of the terrain is pretty tough, and some of the hiking will either be in the dark, or by yourself. This is a hike for experienced hikers only, due to the intensity and timing of the trip.

Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast.

Water: There are some water sources along the route, and one near camp. Please have a map and familiarize yourself with where those are and plan accordingly.

Food Storage: There are no bears at Virgin Falls, so you do not need to bring a canister or Ursack.You should, however, bring some way to do a basic rodent hang to get your food off the ground.

Cost: The cost is $3 to cover the cost of the permits. My Venmo is @BackpackerWill. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.

Carpooling: If you can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead.

If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.