BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.4.1//EN TZID:America/New_York X-WR-TIMEZONE:America/New_York BEGIN:VEVENT UID:1203@t48.org DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220923T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220925T193000 DTSTAMP:20220909T133448Z URL:https://t48.org/events/2022-virgin-falls-backing/ SUMMARY:2022 Virgin Falls Truck-in and Backpacking Hybrid DESCRIPTION:(Trip Sheet)\nVirgin Falls 2022 (PDF)\n(Virgin Falls Location)\ n2080 Scotts Gulf Road\, Sparta TN\, 38583\n\n\n\n\n \;\nThe 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 elev ation 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 th e 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 att empt to cross! Overall\, please check the forecast before heading out on t his hike.\n\nHiking 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 Can ey Fork Overlook and/or the Caney Fork River. The trail leaving the parkin g area meanders down to the Big Branch of the Big Laurel Creek through an upland oak-hickory/chestnut oak hardwood forest crisscrossing a fern domin ated upland drainage. Upon descending into the gorge the vegetation change s to hemlock and mixed mesophytic forest which includes maples\, oaks\, tu lip poplar\, hickories\, buckeye\, basswood\, cherry\, yellow birch\, syca more\, and many more species. Mountain laurel\, magnolia and several erica ceous shrubs (such as various wild blueberries) are common along the trail . The trails pass by small rockhouses\, boulder fields\, sinks\, caves\, a nd 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. V irgin Falls State Natural Area is located in the Scott's Gulf area\, and a djacent to the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness\, which also ha s some great trails. The Virgin Falls area was originally set aside in 197 3 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 ve getation\, sparkling waterfalls\, and streams make this area a favorite hi king and backpacking destination. All natural and cultural features are pr otected. Please be sure to respect the resources\, and to take out all was te brought in. If camping\, please leave your campsite in as good as\, or better shape than you found it.\n\n\n\n[avatar user="Mr Gould" size="thumb nail" /]\nSignups Open 07/25/2022 12:00 AM\n\n\n\n\n$$ You Must See Mr. B rowning to Pay for this trip. $$\n\n\n\n CATEGORIES:Adventure,Troop 48 Sponsored LOCATION:Fall Creek Falls State Park\, 10821 Park Road\, Spencer\, Tennesse e\, 38585\, United States X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=10821 Park Road\, Spencer\, Tennessee\, 38585\, United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Fall Creek F alls State Park:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York X-LIC-LOCATION:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20220313T030000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR