Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness, tn

[weathermansam]

Got a one nighter planned there this weekend.  I've read random write ups about it online and what few books I have.  Anyone been there before?  I'd like to know what I'm up against in terms of trail conditions in general, and people.  Most of the photography online focuses on the waterfall itself.  Does me little good.  Am I hiking 9 or so miles on generally flat rock free land, boulder fields from the get go, will I be attacked by siamese mimes with dart guns?  These are things one should know. 

[Joshua Szulecki]

On my list for this year, but not been there yet.

I've heard mostly good things about the trail system, although I do recall hearing of a dicey spot regarding one of the smaller falls...

I've heard some less-than-good things about general safety in the area from locals. Nothing that rises to the level of Daniel Boone NF in terms of frequency of issues, but at least one person has warned me about poachers and illegal mining, and I've heard a few complaints about car break-ins. I wouldn't panic about it, just pay attention and be smart.

[Bearpaw]

You're looking at a level walk for the first couple of miles, then a steady 1000-foot descent to the falls.  Then you'll have to head back up on the way out.  There is a side hike to a view close to where you begin the descent.  In summer foliage, you'll get no view, so skip it.

One of the neatest points is on the level section.  You'll have a stream crossing where there is a steel cable at head height to help with balance.  It's a fun walk.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Bearpaw,

Is it a crossing with a cable (like a log, rocks, etc...), or one of those dual/triple cable crossings that I loathe so much?

I've used both the tandem vertical cable type (like this =), and the tri-cable semi-bridge (a V), and I dislike them both. Ironically, it was the V, not the =, that got me soaked. Then again, the cable bridges are pretty much the only things that can survive in really flood prone areas.

[weathermansam]

Things went without a hitch for the most part, though I've banged my knee up bad enough I'm considering seeing a dcotor about it.  I noticed the 'dicey' waterfall, or I assume it was it.  The rock shelter nearby was practically covered in spray paint.  Met a lot of nice hikers out there, and parking lot was full.  Someone from the sheriff's office left a note on our car saying they'd been there, and they left a note on everyone else's as well.  Weird thing was they listed the time on the card at something like 1:50a.m.  Seems awful late.  Anyway, the overlooks were nice, but the second set of stairs was gone, nothing but a shear drop so we had to backtrack.  The creek with the single cable crossing was fun.  The cable wasn't really necessary, though, and wasn't strong enough to support my weight fully [I'm 140, roughly].  The creek was flooded on the hike out from all the rain Saturday night, and both of us ended with wet shoes, although I was limping bad enough I didn't necessarily care at that point.