WaterfallNear Me

Big Branch Falls

White County, Tennessee

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
White County, Tennessee
Access status
State natural area trail passes the falls; distance to this falls not published
The walk
Before the Big Laurel Creek cable crossing, which the state places at 1.5 miles; no separate distance to Big Branch Falls is given by the state
Ground & access
Rough, rocky trail with uneven footing and creek crossings. The state rates the full Virgin Falls hike as strenuous; do not attempt the cable crossing beyond Big Branch Falls when Big Laurel Creek is flooding.
Tennessee Division of Natural Areas: Virgin Falls

Big Branch Falls is a small waterfall, about 15 feet high according to a visitor account, on the Big Branch of Big Laurel Creek in Virgin Falls State Natural Area, managed with Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park. From Sparta, drive east on US 70 about 11 miles, turn right on Eastland Road, go 6 miles to Scotts Gulf Road, then 2 miles to the parking lot on the right (2080 Scotts Gulf Road). The Virgin Falls Trail starts at the north end of the lot. It crosses the forest, meets Big Laurel Creek and follows and crosses it to Big Branch Falls, the first waterfall on the trail. Return the same way, or continue toward Big Laurel Falls and Virgin Falls past the cable crossing.

Plan your visit

Virgin Falls trailhead parking on Scotts Gulf Road, Virgin Falls Trail down to Big Branch Falls, the first waterfall on the trail

The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas places the Big Laurel Creek cable crossing at 1.5 miles; Hiking Project says the trail reaches Big Branch Falls before that crossing. The full hike to Virgin Falls is four miles one way. Return the same way.

Rough, rocky trail with uneven footing and creek crossings. The state rates the full Virgin Falls hike as strenuous; do not attempt the cable crossing beyond Big Branch Falls when Big Laurel Creek is flooding.

Where to start

Virgin Falls State Natural Area parking lot on the west side of Scotts Gulf Road, 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta. A visitor notes the lot is rather small.

Timing & water

No season limits are mentioned. The listing is marked as seasonal, and a visitor account notes that falls in the gorge can nearly dry up in summer.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned. Backcountry campers must reserve designated campsites online.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Tennessee

Waterfall location

White County, Tennessee.

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