WaterfallNear Me

Big Laurel Falls

White County, Tennessee

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
White County, Tennessee
Access status
State natural area trail to the base of the falls
The walk
About 2.2 to 2.5 miles one way; sources differ
Ground & access
Rough, narrow and rocky trail with a boulder field and a cable crossing of Big Laurel Creek. The state says not to cross if the creek is flooding.
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation: Virgin Falls State Natural Area
Big Laurel Falls, TN
Big Laurel Falls, TN
Photo creditPhoto: Mike Tilley, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Big Laurel Falls drops about 45 feet into a large rock overhang on Big Laurel Creek in Virgin Falls State Natural Area. Start on the Virgin Falls Trail at the north end of the parking lot. The trail follows Big Branch and Big Laurel Creek past Big Branch Falls, crosses Big Laurel Creek on a cable crossing at 1.5 miles, and continues high on the ravine past caves and rock houses to the base of Big Laurel Falls. Virgin Falls is about 2.1 miles farther. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Virgin Falls State Natural Area parking on Scotts Gulf Road, Virgin Falls Trail along Big Laurel Creek to the base of Big Laurel Falls

A visitor account gives 2.2 miles one way by the main route (2.7 miles by the overlook route); Hiking Project reaches the base at about the 2.5-mile mark. Return the same way.

Rough, narrow and rocky trail with a boulder field and a cable crossing of Big Laurel Creek. The state says not to cross if the creek is flooding.

Where to start

Virgin Falls State Natural Area parking lot on the west side of Scotts Gulf Road near Sparta: from US 70 take Eastland Road 6 miles to Scotts Gulf Road, then 2 miles, per the state.

Timing & water

All caves in the natural area are closed to recreational use because of white-nose syndrome.

Before you go

Landscape Imagery lists no fees. Backcountry campers must reserve a designated campsite online, per the state.

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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