Description
Celebrate the long holiday weekend with ReLeaf! Join us for this 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure in the Virgin Falls State Natural Area, featuring overlooks, monster waterfalls, caves, and swimming in the Caney Fork River! The Virgin Falls area is a truly magical place to experience. Nikki likes to equate the experience to Alice in Wonderland; the further into the rabbit hole you go, the more magical it gets. And we are so excited to share the magic with you!
Trip Type: Guided Backcountry Backpacking
Trip Length: 4 Days
Distance: ~9 miles + optional exploration miles
Elevation Gain: 1,381 ft
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Highlights: Bluff Overlooks, Caves, Waterfalls, Swimming
Group Size: 4-10 Guests
Itinerary
Day 1
We will be meeting at the Virgin Falls Trailhead parking area on Friday evening. After a brief introduction and getting everyone packed up, we will make an easy 2.4-mile journey into our first campsite at Martha’s Pretty Point. This area will provide us with a dramatic sunset view over Scott’s Gulf and the Caney Fork River 900ft below!
Day 2
Saturday morning we will break down camp and pack our bags for the descent into the gorge all the way down to our second campsite along the Caney Fork River, where we will stay for 2 nights. Our path will take us alongside Big Branch Creek and multiple waterfalls where the falling water immediately disappears into sinkholes, something truly remarkable to witness. After setting up camp at the Caney we can leave the packs behind and climb a short distance to the beautiful 110-ft monster known as Virgin Falls.
Day 3
Sunday your guide will lead a leisurely exploration of the area’s multiple waterfalls, caves, and sinkholes. You will have time for free exploration at your own pace, so we encourage you to follow your own excitement and experience childlike play on Sunday. Take a plunge in the Caney using the rope swing at our campsite. The choices are yours to make and there is time to do it all!
Day 4
Monday we will break down camp once again and climb back out of the gorge to the Virgin Falls Trailhead Parking with our packs feeling lighter than ever after eating all of our trail food. The ascent in this direction can be challenging, but we have plenty of time for breaks along the way.
Registration Details
Cost: $499 per person
Price includes professional guide service, all individual and group backpacking gear, all on-trail food, and backcountry permits/camping fees. See below for more details. If you would like to join us but do not require the use of our gear please contact us regarding the possibility of discounted pricing.
Registration Deadline: May 14, 2022
This trip requires a minimum of 4 guests to register prior to the deadline in order to run. If the minimum is not met we will contact you via email 14 days prior to the scheduled trip to discuss refund/rescheduling options.
Group Size: 4-10 guests
All regularly scheduled trips will maintain a maximum of 5 guests per guide. If you are interested in scheduling a private trip or an outing for a larger group please contact us.
Age Recommendation: 12 years and older
This is a recommendation based on the ability to properly fit our backpacks to the guest, and the guest’s ability to carry the anticipated weight of the pack loaded with gear and food. Our packs are adjustable to a minimum torso length of 14”. Pack weight can be adjusted between guests to an extent. If you are interested in bringing your child and would like to discuss prior to registering please feel free to contact us.
Registration Process
You will be asked to complete an initial registration form as part of the checkout process by clicking the Register Now button below. It is critical that you complete the form in its entirety and ensure the information you provide is accurate, especially regarding any medical conditions/medications, dietary restrictions, and emergency contact information.
Upon completing the checkout process each registered guest will receive an email containing a detailed packing list.
Each guest will be required to complete and sign a release of liability waiver provided by your guide at the meeting point prior to the start of the trip.
What’s Included:
Gear
We provide everything needed for a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience, with the exception of your clothes, footwear, and personal items.
Each piece of high-quality gear provided to our guests has been intentionally selected by our cofounder, Brett “Pumpkin Spice” Welter, to strike an ideal balance of weight, comfort, convenience, and durability. As a former Appalachian Trial thru-hiker and an ultalightist at heart, Brett has drawn from his experience to assemble a guest kit that minimizes the weight you are required to carry without sacrificing your comfort.
Backpack
Deuter Aircontact Lite
These backpacks are offered in two variations to maximize comfort for different body types and can be adjusted to fit torso sizes down to 14”. Each guest will receive a personal pack fitting from your guide prior to venturing into nature, and adjustments can be made along the way if necessary.
Tent
MSR Zoic 2-Person
These free-standing tents are quick and easy to set up, even for quests with no prior experience. They provide ample headroom and space for two to sleep comfortably, and guests who share a tent will benefit from dividing the weight between them while we hike. Solo guests will get a 2-person tent to themselves as 1-person tents can sometimes feel claustrophobic even for a single guest.
Sleeping Bag
30-degree Marmot Trestles
These sleeping bags are insulated with synthetic fiber filling, which will retain loft and heat even when damp. They are rated for comfort down to 30 degrees F and are designed gender-specifically. Women’s bags will have more fill to achieve the same comfortable temperature rating.
Sleeping Bag Liner
Sea-to-Summit CoolMax Adaptor
These moisture-wicking polyester liners provide guests with a comfortable experience comparable to soft cotton against the skin and allow guests to sleep with their bags unzipped on warmer nights without feeling too exposed to drafty breezes.
Sleeping Pads
REI AirRail Plus Inflatable Pad
These sleeping pads provide 1.5” of foam-filled cushioning and insulation between guests and the ground. Air pockets on both sides of the pad ensure guests don’t accidentally roll off the pad in their sleep.
NEMO Switchback Foam Pad
These lightweight pads serve more uses than any other piece of gear you will carry. They are carried on the outside of the packs and can be pulled off at any time to use as a personal seat or lounge pad at breaks and around camp. At night they can be placed under the inflatable pad as protection from punctures and extra insulation from the cold ground.
Dry Bags
15L REI Lightweight Dry Bag (x2)
Each guest will be provided two 15L waterproof dry bags. One will be used to store any clothing you are not actively wearing and the other will serve as your food bag. In the evenings, your guide will assist you with hanging food bags to protect them from hungry critters, and show you how to use your clothes bag as a comfortable camp pillow.
Headlamp
Petzl Tikka
These lightweight headlamps are provided to each guest so that they can function after the sun sets. Many guests have never experienced darkness like they will experience on an evening in the wilderness with us. The headlamps are equipped with a redlight function so that guests can maneuver around camp after hours without waking other guests nearby.
Trekking Poles
REI Trailbreak
These trekking poles are adjustable to fit each guest based on their height and the terrain we find ourselves in. Trekking poles allow guests to relieve some of the additional pressure and impact on the back and joints while hiking.
Cookware
JetBoil Flash Stoves w/ Fuel
These stoves will strictly be used to boil water for hot beverages and to rehydrate your meals for breakfast and dinner. Your guide will provide some instruction on operating them safely before we use them.
Cup and Spoon
Each guest will be provided with a stainless steel cup (which seconds as a bowl) and a long-handled spoon for their personal use.
Water Bottles
Each guest will be provided with two (2) 1L Nalgene bottles for personal use during the trip.
Water Filtration
We will be collecting water as we go for drinking and cooking, but even water that looks incredibly clean needs to be treated before consumption. We will bring water filters for the group to share along the way.
Trowels, Toilet Paper, & Hand Sanitizer
These are the essential items for going #2 in the woods when we don’t have access to a camp toilet. It is not necessary for each guest to carry their own, so we will bring enough supplies for the group. If you’ve never gone #2 in the woods, don’t worry. Your guide will talk you through it before we get too far away from the comfort of a toilet, and you might realize you prefer it!
First Aid Kit & Emergency Communication Device
All of our guides will carry a first aid kit and emergency communication device for the group.
Meals
We provide you with all the fuel you will need while we are on the trail. At our core, we strive to fuel ourselves and our guests with high-quality, healthy, organic foods while eliminating packaging waste as much as possible. To achieve this we proudly offer dehydrated backpacking meals from Mary Jane’s Farm, dehydrated fruits and trail mixes from Sun & Swell Foods, and coffee from Muletown Coffee Co. We are able to cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, and we will do our best to cater to other dietary needs. Just let us know your needs when you complete the registration form.
Guide
All of our guides have honed their skills and knowledge with extensive backcountry wilderness and hiking experience. Each guide brings his/her own unique perspectives, fun adventure stories, and tips/tricks for making your backpacking experience enjoyable and efficient.
Fees
All permitting, campsite and entrance fees associated with the trip are covered in the price.
What’s not Included (what to bring):
Upon completing the registration form and checkout process, each registered guest will receive an email containing a detailed packing list. See below for an overview.
Footwear
The right socks and shoes are critical to an enjoyable backpacking or hiking experience.
We recommend each guest bring two (2) pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks, one for hiking and one for lounging around camp. Avoid cotton socks as they will not wick moisture from your feet and will be more likely to promote blisters.
Comfortable, lightweight trail shoes, sometimes called trail runners, or everyday athletic shoes you already own are what we generally recommend unless you have a history of ankle injuries or have concerns about your ankle strength. Mid-height boots will provide additional ankle support in these cases. If you decide to get new shoes, please break them in by wearing them several times before your scheduled trip.
Lightweight sandals are recommended for exploring wet areas and lounging at camp. These can be hung from a carabiner on the outside of your pack saving internal space for your other gear and providing quick access.
Clothing
Overpacking on clothing and bringing the wrong type of clothing are two of the most common mistakes for beginner backpackers. Each piece of clothing adds weight and takes up valuable space inside your pack.
Guests should bring no more than two (2) pairs of lightweight, synthetic tops and bottoms. One pair will be used for actively hiking, and one pair for lounging around camp.
Swimwear is recommended as we will have multiple opportunities for a refreshing swim.
A lightweight down or synthetic puffy jacket is recommended as the drop in temperature after sunset can feel colder than temps reflect. These types of jackets will compress into your clothes bag, taking up less space in the pack.
Rainwear
One of the most fulfilling parts of backcountry adventures is embracing the weather you are given and learning to operate confidently in it. With the exception of severe weather, we will hike rain or shine. Because any forecast carries a risk of inaccuracy, we recommend guests be prepared for rain. A waterproof rain jacket is essential, and rain pants are an optional addition.
Personal Items
Personal items include medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size recommended), sun protection, bug repellant, and feminine hygiene products. Specific product recommendations are provided in the detailed packing list guests receive via email after registration is completed.
Gratuity
Our goal is to provide guests with a safe and exceptionally enjoyable backcountry experience. If your guide meets or exceeds your expectations, your gratuity is greatly appreciated. The industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost
Cancellation Policy
Trip cost includes a 10% non-refundable administrative fee. Guest cancellation requests must be made in writing via email.
Guest cancellations requested for any reason will be refunded/credited according to the following schedule, based on the date we receive the written cancellation request:
14+ days prior to scheduled start date: a full refund of registration cost will be issued (minus 10% administration fee) -or- registration cost will be credited in full for a future ReLeaf outing (credit expires 1 year after being issued)
3-13 days prior to scheduled start date: a 50% refund of registration cost will be issued (minus 10% administration fee) -or- 50% of registration cost will be credited for a future ReLeaf outing (credit expires 1 year after being issued)
Within 48 hours of scheduled start date: no refunds or credits will be provided.
ReLeaf Outings reserves the right to cancel any trip for reasons including but not limited to inadequate signups, loss of staff due to injury or illness, significant damage/loss of inventory, and severe weather or other imminent risks to health and safety.
If ReLeaf Outings cancels a trip for any reason, including within 48 hours, a full refund of registration cost will be issued -or- registration cost will be credited in full for a future ReLeaf outing (credit expires 1 year after being issued).
ReLeaf Outings is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip. For example personal travel expenses, clothing, equipment, medical expenses, etc.
Location
Virgin Falls Trailhead Parking
2080 Scotts Gulf Road Sparta, TN, 38583