Virgin Falls + Fall Creek Falls (Day Hikes) // Sunrise Campground Camping (Family Adventure Only) – Kingsport, Tennessee

The hike into Virgin Falls, which will total around 9 miles going in and out, should be considered a strenuous hike. The trail descends around 900 foot in elevation along a path that in many areas is rocky with uneven footing. Please allow 5 to 9 hours for the hike. And it is recommended to start the hike early in the day, in order to give yourself plenty of daylight. Know your physical ability! And be prepared with water, food, and clothing for the season. All hikers should let a family member or a friend know of their hiking plans, and expected time back home. At 1.5 miles there is a cable crossing at Big Laurel Creek: if the creek is flooding, please do not attempt to cross! Overall, please check the forecast before heading out on this hike.

Hiking to Virgin Falls and back to the parking area is a five to eight hour hike depending on your pace and whether you hike to the Caney Fork Overlook and/or the Caney Fork River. The trail leaving the parking area meanders down to the Big Branch of the Big Laurel Creek through an upland oak-hickory/chestnut oak hardwood forest crisscrossing a fern dominated upland drainage. Upon descending into the gorge the vegetation changes to hemlock and mixed mesophytic forest which includes maples, oaks, tulip poplar, hickories, buckeye, basswood, cherry, yellow birch, sycamore, and many more species. Mountain laurel, magnolia and several ericaceous shrubs (such as various wild blueberries) are common along the trail. The trails pass by small rockhouses, boulder fields, sinks, caves, and waterfalls on route to Virgin Falls where the trail ends. The distance to Virgin Falls is four miles one way. There are designated camping sites off the trail (see map). There is no camping allowed above Virgin Falls. Virgin Falls State Natural Area is located in the Scott’s Gulf area, and adjacent to the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, which also has some great trails. The Virgin Falls area was originally set aside in 1973 as a Pocket Wilderness by the Bowater Pulp and Paper Corporation. It was purchased from a private landowner by the State in 2012, partially with a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The deep gorges, rich vegetation, sparkling waterfalls, and streams make this area a favorite hiking and backpacking destination. All natural and cultural features are protected. Please be sure to respect the resources, and to take out all waste brought in. If camping, please leave your campsite in as good as, or better shape than you found it.

2021 Gilbert Gaul Tril Map fcfGG (PDF)

Sunrise Campground to Gilbert Gaul Trail Parking Lot Directions (Google Map Online)

2021 Sunrise Campground to Gilbert Gaul Loop Trail Parking Lot Google Maps (PDF)

GILBERT GAUL LOOP: Park at the gate of Group
Camp #2. The trail begins on the left of the paved
road and follows an old dirt road for a level .8 miles.
Stay straight at the beginning of the hike where
another old road branches off to the left (this is a
return). The dirt road goes downhill into an open
field, close to the site of the Gilbert Gaul homestead,
and finally on to the head of the lake. Here the road
ends and the trail really begins leading off to the
left. Follow the lake for 1.1 miles to the Frazier Ran
Shelter. It is then 1.35 miles from the shelter to the
cabins. Shortly before reaching the cabins, the main
trail leaves the lake and goes up a gentle hill for .2
miles. This section of the trail was nicknamed the
fern line. At the top of the hill go right on another
old road and it’s .45 miles back to the trailhead.
NOTE: 1. The trail is new however, it follows a road
or a lake so it should not be hard to follow. 2. The
trail can also be accessed from the end of the Villas
(cabins) but this trailhead should only be used by Inn
or Cabin guests

Gilbert Gaul Trail Parking Lot to CHPC Directions (Google Map Online)

2021 Gilbert Gaul Loop Parking Lot to Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church – Google Maps (PDF)

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