Byrd Lake and Pioneer Short Loop Trail

This beautiful, 110-foot waterfall is an easy 15-minute walk from the parking area. Note that the walk down to the falls, although short, is steep and there isn’t a well-marked trail down. It’s more about choosing the path of least resistance.  Also, it can get quite busy in the summer time especially mid-day, however in the other seasons and early in the morning and at dusk, it's generally not...

The trail begins on the right side of the parking lot. The first part is flat with no elevation change and easy walking. About half a mile in you will reach a trail split. The right trail will take you to the falls and the left trail will take you to an overlook of the gorge below. I was not able to go to the overlook due to the late hour; however, I definitely would because I have read in many...

The gravel road heading to the trailhead is on the rougher side to take it slow. When you get to the trailhead it’s a small gravel pull off right off the road. There are no maps at the trailhead but there are only a few trails to take and they are marked with a blue marker.  To get to the upper falls head down the trail until you reach a three way split. It is about .75 miles to the campsites....

Beginning at the Virgin Falls SNA parking area, the Virgin Falls trail is approximately a 9 mile round trip (excluding any side trails) which will allow you to experience three waterfalls: Big Branch Falls, Big Laurel Falls, and the namesake Virgin Falls. There is a fourth, Sheep Cave Falls, that is not included on this particular hike. The elevation gain is around 900 feet but increases to aro...

This location was recently opened back to the public by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment in the fall of 2014 after being closed for over a decade! It is one of the most spectacular spots to watch the sunset in east Tennessee. This overlook is down the road beside Virgin Falls, where there is an abundance of waterfalls and hiking t...

You will want to park at the Lilly Bluff parking lot. Your GPS won't know where this is, so here are the GPS coordinates N36° 06.162', W84° 43.280'.The trailhead is located on the North side of the parking lot. All you need to do is follow the sign for Point Trail. The trail culminates at an exposed rocky cliff with great spots for camping and exploring. You will find plenty of great camp s...