Virgin Falls State Natural Area — Attraction in Crossville

Great hike and waterfalls. The water was low but the trail was in great shape and was a wonderful day to get outdoors.Lost Creek State Natural Area is a diverse area situated on the western flank of the Cumberland Plateau. Its scenic highlight is the beautiful Lost Creek Falls in White County. Lost Creek Falls is geologically similar to its nearby cousin, Virgin Falls, in that the creek emerges from large spring, or collapsed cave on top, drops over the 40’ falls, and disappears underground again. On the opposite side of this large sink is the spectacular entrance to Lost Creek Cave. Because these Falls and Cave open into this large sink, or bowl, with no surface drainage, cold air is trapped in the hottest and most humid times of summer, essentially wicking the water from the humid air and coating the rocks and vegetation in the bottom of the bowl with moisture. This increased moisture helps to stimulate rich ferns, flowers, and liverworts in the bottom of the sink in the late Spring and Summer. The beauty of this area attracted the Walt Disney Corporation in 1994 to film several scenes from the “Jungle Book” at the area, utilizing both the beautiful Falls and the Cave entrance. Lost Creek Cave is one of the larger caves in Tennessee, with five entrances (including the large one in the sink), and seven miles of mapped passages. It is a popular recreational cave. It is also home to several rare species, including the federally protected Indiana bat. Because of the population decline of cave-dwelling bats, the cave is closed during the hibernation and swarming time of bats. Recreational access is allowed during other times of the year, but a no-cost permit must be obtained from the Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls. Geologically, this area is on the flank of the western Cumberland Plateau. It has several other collapse features on the landscape which define it as a transition between the harder sandstones of the Plateau proper, and the more soluble limestones found on the Highland Rim. The water, which creates Lost Creek Falls, is coming from the Dog Cove area, a large cove of appearing, then disappearing creeks, just north of the Lost Creek Natural Area. Almost all of the Natural Area is covered with a diverse community of mixed hardwoods, including Butternut, Tulip tree, Sycamore, Sweetgum, Hemlock, a variety of Oaks, and Hickory. Wildflowers are abundant in the Spring. Ferns and mosses are rich in the area. Lost Creek State Natural Area was obtained by the public thanks to the generosity of James and Lillian Rylander, and their family. Mr. Rylander put this area in his will, that upon his death, it would be transferred to the State, for the area’s protection and its enjoyment by the public. We are very thankful for this incredible gift. This area is actually connected to the larger 57,000-acre land base informally called the “Mid-Cumberland Recreation Area”. This larger area is managed by TWRA, the TN Division of Forestry, and State Parks. It would be possible to hike from this area over to Virgin Falls, or on down to Fall Creek Falls State Park, and never leave public land. However, at this point, there are no trails connecting these areas. Consider liking my pictures and review and follow me on all my adventures. Get...

Words will be difficult to describe this amazingly magical place, but I will try. Even in this dry season, with very little rain and running water, this place was stunning. First, let me Begin by saying that if you are a novice hiker or out of shape or injured, I do not recommend this hike. It was the most strenuous hike I have ever been on however it was totally worth it. When you enter the first mile or so, its is relatively easy but picturesque. Then the large Boulders begin appearing, which are very cool. At this point the trails become more and more steep with some major ups and downs. The trail at times is only a few inches wide and takes you over Boulders and trees. As you approach the first set of Falls, the Forest around you becomes filled with mountain laurel trees. I say trees because these bushes are huge. I can't imagine how beautiful this place must be in spring and early summer with them all blooming. The first set of Falls is called Big Branch and looks like it would be beautiful when it is running but it was too dry and there was no water. Still it is stunning. The second stop was Laurel Falls. This was running a little and the Sweet water feels wonderful cascading over you and was delicious to drink. Next there is a stop called Sheep cave which I highly recommend because it is also amazing. It's a huge cave with very high walls and ceilings and a large area of soft dirt within with a spot for camping. There are many of these camping spots throughout the park. If you travel back in the cave a bit you can go deep within the mountain. Make sure you bring some bright flashlights because it is Pitch Black in there and it is very slippery. Next comes the ultimate destination, Virgin Falls. Even though the water was not rushing it was breathtaking. This is actually Beyond a hike but truly a spiritual life experience. I highly recommend camping at least one preferably two to three nights at this location. To attempt to hike in and out and explore all of the wonderful things in one day was brutal. I would like to come back again and spend lots more time because I'm sure there are so many more wonderful things to see that I missed. I certainly...

Fun & challenging experience. (3/21/2017)I don't work out which I believe made the hike strenuous experience. For someone that doesn't hike... I had the idea & imagined an easy path to walk. Drawn to the park due to seeing pictures of water falls. The deeper you get into the park there's various obstacles such as rocks and tree branches in the way. A couple of times, I had to bend down because there were tree branches in the way. I had my dog with me he loved the hike. Several spots my dog was able to drink fresh natural water. Depending on where you go in the park be careful (if you're not a skilled hiker/ just spontaneously random...like myself) you could trip and fall down a side of a cliff. Saw snakes... kept on thinking to myself one was going to randomly fall on me... Bugs weren't that bad. Got lost in the park. A bit thrilling for me to walk over a log and balance to get over water. You could easily twist an ankle if you're not paying attention. If you're not used to rapid physical activity Virginia Falls will be strenuous. I had to stop a few times and take a break due to being out of breath. the person I was with stated outdoors isn't my thing... However, I get satisfaction from overcoming challenging situations. I want to go back and will until the hike is no longer a challenge. If you get hurt and need help there is no one around to assist....excluding the person you're with. No cell...