Virgin Falls Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Peter Robbins on Unsplash

Virgin Falls Trail

~2 days · 3.7 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance3.7 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain266 ft
Gain / mile72 ft
High point1,762 ft

What the Virgin Falls Trail is known for

An 8-mile out-and-back (one-way ~4 miles) in the Virgin Falls State Natural Area of White County, TN, descending through hardwood forest to the 110-foot Virgin Falls, where a stream emerges from a cave, plunges into a sinkhole, and disappears underground. Designated primitive campsites are available near Big Branch along the route. Rated moderate with some strenuous descents.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Virgin Falls Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 2,927 ft to 5,781 ft over 3.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 0.7 mi · 19%
  • Downhill 2.2 mi · 62%
  • Flat 0.7 mi · 19%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Virgin Falls Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Virgin Falls Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 3.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Virgin Falls Trail?

The Virgin Falls Trail climbs roughly 266 ft total — about 72 ft per mile, topping out near 1,762 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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