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Backpacking and Caving - Virgin Falls


The Basics:
Event Type:Multi-Sport
Event Location: Virgin Falls Sparta TN
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Nov 22 2008  10:30 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Oct 29 2008 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Nov 21 2008 2:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Days and 1 Night
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kelly Harris
Lee Harris
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
We will be backpacking 5 miles to to the caves. The three caves (Sheep Cave, Laurel Creek cave, and Virgin Falls cave) are huge, and pretty neat. It's also just a very scenic area, especially when the leaves are changing colors.The trail leaving the parking area meanders down to the Big Branch of the Big Laurel Creek through an upland oak-hickory/chestnut oak hardwood forest crisscrossing a fern dominated upland drainage. Upon descending into the gorge the vegetation changes to hemlock and mixed mesophytic forest which includes maples, oaks, tulip poplar, hickories, buckeye, basswood, cherry, yellow birch, sycamore and many more species. Mountain laurel, magnolia and several ericaceous shrubs (such as various wild blueberries) are common along the trail. The trails pass by small rockhouses, boulder fields, sinks, caves, and waterfalls on route to Virgin Falls where the trail ends. Virgin Falls is 1,133-acre natural area located adjacent to the Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness in White County. The natural area is named for Virgin Falls, which is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave, then drops over a 110-foot high cliff before disappearing into another cave at the bottom of the sink. The area is noted for its unique geological features and several (additional) other waterfalls including Big Laurel, Sheep Cave Falls, and Big Branch Falls.


Helmet & Light rentals are available for $20 for the weekend if you do not have your own. You can pay cash at the carpool but we need to know before hand if you need to rent them so we bring them with us. Please contact Lee at 678-887-8098 or leeharris13@hotmail.com if you need any.

Required Items to Bring:
Caving Helmet, headlamp, 2nd sourse of light, knee pads, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, water containers, 2 Lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, change of clothes, garbage bag, stove, 		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camp chair, IPOD, camp saw, knife, water filter, rope to hang clothes,

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Virgin Falls is located southeast of Sparta and is accessible via Highway 70. Go to the community of DeRossett, 11 miles east of Sparta, turn onto Eastland Road and proceed six miles to Scott's Gulf Road. There, you will see a sign for the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness. Turn right onto Scott's Gulf Road and proceed two miles to the parking area and trailhead on the right side of the road.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):360Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $144.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.