This photograph was taken from inside a massive cave underneath the 40-foot tall Big Laurel Falls, located in the Virgin Falls State Park. Although the water level along Big Laurel Creek was low during my visit, its interesting that the entire area sits on top of a broad network of subterranean caverns. As such, this waterfall (and others) disappear underground, oftentimes to reemerge some great distance away.
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Big Laurel Falls stands 40-feet tall. However, as with many waterfalls situated on the Cumberland Plateau, the volume of water present diminishes during generally drier, summer months.
That said, at times such as these it’s much easier to enjoy exploring the cave behind the falls, which has dimensions of approximately 160-feet wide by 80-feet deep. Located on top of a large network of caverns, the water from this creek and falls drains back inside the cave and vanishes underground.
Although the water was low during my visit to the Virgin Falls State Natural Area, home to Big Laurel Creek and several other points of interest, I did observe a few deep pools of crystal-clean, turquoise water. You can see more – prints, gifts & apparel – in these shops:
This is a side waterfall which I photographed while visiting the Lost Creek Falls State Natural Area, located in Sparta, Tennessee. You can see many fine prints in my gallery!
This photograph was taken while visiting Lost Creek Falls State Natural Area, in Sparta, Tennessee, featuring a nameless waterfall located nearby. If you’d be interested in an accent piece for an empty wall in your home or office, then visit the following galleries to find a print which suits your interests…
Lost Creek Falls are picturesque, and also have an interesting story. Water first flows out of a few small mountainside caves, cascading downhill until dropping 50-feet as a waterfall. Splashing into the plunge pool, below, water then disappears underground into a “sink” (or bowl), that flows approx. 250-feet into a large cave. On days like yesterday, with water plentiful, an overflow of surface-runoff into the cave is present.
In connection with Virgin Falls State Natural Area, these two parks sit atop Tennessee’s largest network of underground caverns, featuring seven miles of mapped passageways. There are only five entrances, of which Lost Creek Cave is one point of entry. The opening is approx. 20-feet high, and, once inside, it quickly becomes pitch black.
Trivia
GPS coordinates of the parking area are N35 50.442, W85 21.660
I was told there’s a 30-foot tall waterfall somewhere in the caverns
No restrooms, gift shop or food
In 1994, the Walt Disney Corporation, so pleased with the area’s natural beauty, filmed several scenes from “The Jungle Book” at both the falls and cave entrance.
Located slightly uphill along a short trail to the right of Lost Creek Falls, there are a few smaller waterfalls to enjoy, These, however, typically run dry at times of low water during summer months. Here’s a photograph of one…
Another area to enjoy is called Rylander Cascades. It’s less than a 1/2 mile drive from the Lost Creek Falls parking area, and then approx. a 1/2 mile hike from the road into the forest. Here a photograph…
Prints
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I hope that you’ve enjoyed this post about Lost Creek Falls, and find a print of interest to purchase. Thanks for stopping by ~ enjoy the great outdoors!
This cave is located at the Virgin Falls State Park, in Sparta, Tennessee, immediately behind Big Laurel Falls. As photographed, the water drains back into the cave and underground.
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This photograph was taken roadside in Robbinsville, North Carolina, along the Cheoah River, and features white water rapids. Prints and more are available in my galleries at Pixels and ArtPal.
Despite low water levels in Big Laurel Creek, it was easy to locate some scenic areas among the boulders to photograph. Prints and more are available in my galleries at Pixels, ArtPal and Redbubble.
I shot this photograph of Big Laurel Falls using my zoom lens from the other side of a large cave. Located in the Virgin Falls State Park, near Sparta, Tennessee, the waterfall stands 40-feet tall. You can enjoy fine prints and more when you visit any of the following galleries:
Located at the Virgin Falls State Park of Tennessee, this photograph features Big Laurel Creek with a low water level. See more: Pixels, ArtPal, Redbubble.
Despite low water levels at Big Laurel Creek during my recent visit, and, given that the creek exhibits periodic subterranean detours through a network of caverns before reemerging, there were nevertheless a few areas where I observed deep pools of crystal-clear water…case in point.
If you might be interested in a fine print, or other items featuring my photography, may I suggest that you visit the following galleries to review several options available:
Yesterday, my alarm clock sounded at 3:30 a.m. and I headed to the kitchen to make coffee. After a few cups at my computer, I used the restroom and was on the road within the hour, headed to the Virgin Falls State Natural Area in White County, Tennessee.
I wanted to visit Big Laurel Falls, a 40-foot tall waterfall along a five mile out and back hike rated as difficult. The park is connected with the Lost Creek State Natural Area, both of which rest upon Tennessee’s largest network of underground caverns (featuring five entrances, with seven miles of mapped passages).
What makes these areas interesting is that creeks and waterfalls disappear underground into the caverns, including: Big Laurel Falls, Sheep Cave, Virgin Falls and Lost Creek Falls. The same is true with Big Laurel Creek: it’s visible, then not, only to return once again somewhere downstream.
The cave is approximately 160-feet wide and 80-feet deep. Runoff from the waterfall drains to the back of the cave, flowing along the wall toward the center before vanishing underground. The surface of the cave is mostly sand, and, when standing near the back, has a distinctive spongy feel. Listening closely, one can hear water flowing underfoot, and there are a few areas resembling small sinkholes, pockets where sand has collapsed.
Prints available. Located on the Cumberland Plateau near Sparta, Tennessee, the Burgess Falls State Park has four waterfalls along Falling Water River, cascading down from over 250 feet in elevation. See it all on an easy hike of only 1.5 miles out and back, with restrooms and a water-bottle filling station available, also. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Get comfortable, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of these scenic cascades at the Burgess Falls State Park. Or, stay home and enjoy a museum quality print on your wall.
Phil Perkins • Photography 