This is the smallest waterfall in the area with a drop of about 20 feet. It's also the only "normal" waterfall with the water continuing to flow above ground after the waterfall. We stopped for a couple of pictures and then continued on down to Big Laurel Creek and the cable crossing. Even in fairly high water levels, the crossing was pretty easy and I don't think the cable was necessary. From here, the trail became more steep as we headed downstream along Big Laurel Creek. It was all downhill, so not so tough going down, but it would be more strenuous on the way back out. We saw a group of backpackers making their way out and we knew it would be a tough hike back up. We continued down the creek until came to Big Laurel Falls.
This amazing waterfall drops 40 feet over a cliff, then flows backwards into a rockhouse behind the falls and disappears! The water flows into the ground and presumably flows underground until it reaches Caney Fork River.
We walked around for a while getting pictures of the waterfall from different angles and checking out the cave behind the falls.
A sign at the trailhead indicated that all the caves were closed to reduce the risk to bats, so we didn't explore in the cave itself. Then we continued on the trail, following the now-underground creek downstream, though there was no creek to see - just a depression in the ground. As we got closer to Caney Fork River, we reached the Loop Trail and turned right and headed towards Sheep Cave. Like Big Laurel Falls, this waterfall drains into a sinkhole and disappears.
But it also comes out of a cave! Unfortunately, there were too many trees and vegetation to get a picture of the entire thing. We climbed up to Sheep Cave and had a snack here, watching the water flow out of the cave and then over the waterfall. I found a ledge to climb out on and get a picture of the upper section of the falls.
Then we headed back and continued on towards Virgin Falls. Looking down, we could see where the underground creeks likely were located, draining the water from the waterfalls. Continuing on a short ways, we came to Virgin Falls. The water for Virgin Falls originates from a cave, drops 110 feet and falls into a sinkhole, disappearing from view.
This is truly a spectacular waterfall! We got some pictures from the midpoint and walked around a bit.
I found a nice patch of beautiful trout lilies blooming near the falls.
Then we headed up to the top to see the cave. Located about 40 feet from the brink, all of the water came out of a small cave in the side of the mountain.
Where that water came from, I have no idea. A cool breeze was emanating from the cave and felt like air conditioning. We got some pictures from up here, then continued back down to the base and started making our way back. On the way, we made a detour to Caney Fork River. The river was very pretty with a number of small rapids.
There appeared to be a ford at this point, but the water level was way too high to cross. We also saw lots of pretty wildflowers blooming along the shore.
After a snack break, we started making our way back. We stopped again at Big Laurel Falls as a rainbow was now visible.
Continuing up the trail past the waterfall, there were a number of nice cascades that we had passed on the way down.
We made a couple quick stops to scamble down and see some of these nice cascades. Most of them had great swim holes, but it was way too cold to think about swimming today. We made another quick stop at Big Branch Falls as the lighting was better than it had been in the morning.
Then we finished our hike back to the car. I spotted some beautiful eastern redbud blooming right by the parking area.
We headed into Crossville for dinner at Cancun Mexican Restaurant and then drove back to our hotel in Cleveland.
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