This event is complete. Here is a short cut from this years review. Please see the Virgin Falls Trial Review for complete information.
Midlife Hikers Review 02-2016 Backpacking
Another great adventure to the Virgin Falls State Natural Area. The 
group is starting to grow a little and we had some other members join us on this trip! Thanks for Ted P. and Curtis L. for meeting at the park and sharing your adventure time with us.
Bug Whisperer, Snake Stepper, Sob, and Go Girl drove out late Friday evening to hit the trail at at night again. The moon was almost full again this time and we had moderately pleasant weather for the hike to Cable Crossing.
We hiked the easy 1.5 miles to Cable Crossing Camp and met Curtis along the way who decided to meet us near camp, so he could enjoy his hike in, at his pace. We all met again at Big Laurel Creek (Cable Crossing) and maneuvered across the creek without incident. The water was especially fast and high due to the amount of rain we’ve had over the past few days.
We setup camp and spent an early evening around the campfire getting to know one another and resting up for tomorrow’s hike to Virgin Falls.
A nice early morning, after a great sleep! Snake Stepper and I have
been backpacking all winter and to enjoy a nice warmer night was truly a treat! We all had breakfast and awaited the day-hiker people to show up. Ted P. arrived right on time and was ready to hit the trail.
This was Ted’s first time to Virgin Falls so we took some extra time while passing through Big Laurel Falls and the geological wonders in the area.
I had forgotten how taxing the final part of this hike was, but we moved forward and finally made the falls around 1:30. Such a beautiful view with all the water flow. It was probably the best I’ve seen it the past couple of years.
We all enjoyed a quick snack and headed back to camp for an evening of rest and relaxation! Ted was a day hiker and had to finish up the trail back to the cars. He did an awesome job hiking the entire 9.2 miles of this trail in a day. We all went to bed around midnight and enjoyed another pleasant evening and great sleep.
A little chillier in the mornin
g but still not bad considering we were in February! We packed our gear up and headed back to the trailhead on the last 1.5 miles.
This natural area never disappoints and we are blessed to get to experience it again this year. This trail is a must-see and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature at her finest!
Don’t forget to see our other reviews of this trail from last year!
2016 Backpacking Gallery
Midlife Hikers Review 05-2015 Backpacking
Visit Facebook Midlife Hiking Club to Join this Event!
Hey Hikers! It’s that time of year again. Our annual January (oops a little late this year) visit Virgin Falls State Natural Area. I trust that all of you have had a wonderful start to the new year! We all are anxiously awaiting springtime and looking forward to this seasons adventure agenda! We have a ton planned for the year so please stay tuned!
Please read the entire description so you are fully prepared for this adventure! This is a no-cost backpacking trip and all members are welcome to join in on any portion of the trip! Please contact me with questions, comments or post on this event!
This hike is Fur-Baby friendly!! Please bring your hiking buddies with you. Dogs are welcome at this park and make for great hiking partners. 6′ or less leash is required throughout the park.
Ok back to the hike! We are planning a 2 night, 2 day trip into the natural area starting Friday Feb 19th at 8pm at the trailhead and ending Sunday Feb 21st at 2pm. Dayhikers are welcome to join on any portion of the hike. This park does not disappoint! There are three major waterfalls and geological wonders that will truly leave you breathless. There are a couple of strenuous portions of the trail, but we will pace according to the group’s slowest.
Backpackers should plan to meet at the Virgin Falls Trailhead between 7:30-8:30pm on Friday! Anoyone wanting to follow us or carpool please contact me by Thursday afternoon. Day-Hikers should plan on meeting at Cable Crossing Camp 1.53 miles from the trailhead (Martha’s Pretty Point alternate) at 10am on Saturday to finish the loop and visit Virgin Falls. The loop can be completed in a day and is only about 9 miles roundtrip.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! If Cable Crossing Campsite is occupied or we have too many backpackers our alternate camping location will be Martha’s Pretty Point Campsite! Watch for notes at the Kiosk if our plans change!!!
The first section of the trail is easy hiking and we often enjoy a night hike to the campsite @ Cable Crossing about 1.53 miles 
from the trailhead. The moon will be Waxing Gibbous (3/4+ full) to provide additional lighting and a beautiful evening stroll through the forest. Nobody will be required to hike that evening. Hikers can meet at Cable Crossing Campsite by 10am on Saturday and join in there.
ITINERARY
02-19-2016 9:00pm – Trailhead meeting and hike to Cable Crossing Camp (Martha’s Pretty Point Alternate)
02-19-2016 9:45pm – Setup camp and enjoy a peaceful dinner / snack by the fire
02-20-2016 10:00am – After breakfast finish the trail to Virgin Falls
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02-21-2016 12:00pm-2:00pm – Return to the vehicles and head home
Maps and directions to the starting campsite will be posted in the event, so please pay close attention and contact me if you have any questions.
It is super important to let me know your intention to join us, so I can plan accordingly. Remember to click the GOING button on the RIGHT side of this page 🙂
For the techinical adventurers out there here is the data you’re looking for:
Mileage 9.25 miles
MHC Rating 12.23
MHC Class 1
Average Speed 1.72 mph
Max Speed 6 mph
Moving Time 2:31:00
Maximum Elevation 1620 feet
Minimum Elevation 909 feet
Ascent 485 feet
Descent 1004 feet
Total Grade – Gain/Loss % -2.3 %
N35° 50.628′ W85° 18.568′ – Big Laurel Falls Campsite
N35° 51.002′ W85° 18.125′ – Cable Crossing Campsite
N35° 11.988′ W82° 37.023′ – Caney Fork Campsite
N35° 50.903′ W85° 18.427′ – Martha’s Pretty Point Campsite
N35° 50.289′ W85° 19.775′ – Virgin Falls Campsite
N35° 51.034′ W85° 17.968′ – Big Branch Falls
N35° 50.627′ W85° 18.609′ – Big Laurel Falls
N35° 50.292′ W85° 19.758′ – Virgin Falls
The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation – MHC Provided
2. Sun Protection
3. Insulation (cold weather protection)
4. Illumination
5. First-aid Kit
6. Fire Starter
7. Repair Kit/Tools
8. Nutrition (2 nights, 2 days + 1 day extra emergency)
9. Shelter (bivy, tent, tarp or reflective blanket)
10. Hydration (Lots of water and purification)
MHC group leaders have these and more to provide members, in the case of necessity. Please always be prepared for the worst and ask for these items, before the trip!
We practice LEAVE NO TRACE!! Please make sure you are fully aware of our club standards when visiting nature:
1. Plan ahead and prepare!
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND!
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife!
7. Be considerate of other visitors!
If you need any details of the leave no trace ethics that we practice, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly!