Virgin Falls

I first remember going to Virgin Falls on August 12th, 2005. I was supposed to meet a friend to dayhike the trail. He failed to show, and I decided to solo. I was inexperienced, and unprepared for the 9+ mile hike that lay ahead of me. Before the end of the day, I ran out of water, lost the trail, and was running out of daylight. This was a moment that would come to define my life. I oriented myself in the direction I thought my car lay, and walked. Eventually, I found my way back, and not a moment too soon. The sun set minutes before I found my car. I had been beaten. Or almost beaten.

I took that personally, and made it a goal to never find myself in that position again. It was a grudge match - me versus Virgin Falls. Over the next 8 years, I would end up hiking that trail partially 9 times, and completely 28 times.

I regard it now as an old friend. It's something that I trust; a beauty that I can describe with my eyes closed. In this post I will share with you my favorite photos I've taken at what is now Virgin Falls State Natural Area.

Big Laurel Falls, Leanne Berry, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN Big Laurel Falls detail, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN Big Laurel Falls, Big Laurel Creek Cave, Virgin Falls SNA, White County, Tennessee 2 Big Laurel Creek Cave 1, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN Big Laurel Creek Cave 2, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN Big Laurel Falls, Big Laurel Creek Cave, Jason Collard, Virgin Falls State Natural Area, White Co, TN Jason Collard, Upper Virgin Falls Cave, White County, Tennessee Caney Fork River 1, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN Martha's Pretty Point, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN Upper Sheep Cave twillight, Virgin Falls SNA, White Co, TN

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