Today I am going to focus on a local-ish hike to me. By local, I mean that it is easy for me to drive there and back in day. Sand Cave and White Rocks is a day hike located in Ewing, Va. This lollipop hike is a well-marked trail that begins at the Thomas Walker Civil Park.
There is a parking lot with a dozen spots, a picnic shelter, and a couple vault toilets. The parking lot can fill up early, and some people actually park overnight and backpack out to the Hensley settlement. The trail is a part of the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. This hike is an approximately 9-mile lollipop trail and can be considered rather challenging due to the steep terrain. Plan accordingly and bring ample water and snacks for approximately 3.5-5 hours depending on your pace. I would also recommend checking the weather in advance. Foggy and rainy conditions can sometimes completely white out the sky at the White Rocks overlook and hinder any view. It feels like you’re sitting in the clouds. The rocks can also become rather slippery.
Each time that I have hiked this loop, I have climbed to the White Rock overlook first. The hike begins toward the back of the parking area. It starts as a paved trail and then turns to dirt and rock. About 0.5 mile in, you will turn left onto the Ewing Trail. This trail is also used for horses, so watch your step accordingly. It is a slow, steep climb with switchbacks placed throughout to help with the ascent. Around 2.3 miles in you will see a trail to the right that is marked as The White rocks foot trail with a no horses sign beneath.
Take this 0.2 mi foot trail up the hill. At the top of the hill turn right to get to the White Rocks overlook. (Left will take you to the Sand Cave.) You do have to scramble over a few rocks near the top. These rocks can become quite slick in foggy or rainy conditions.
Once you reach the summit, you will stand atop the 500 ft. White Rocks which sit at 3,500 ft. elevation. The White Rocks get their name from the hue the towering cliff gives from the imbedded quartzite. It is said that these towering cliffs were a famous landmark to early settlers traveling through the Cumberland Gap region. The overlook offers gorgeous, panoramic views of rolling hills. Take a break, grab some water and lunch, then head back down to trek the ridge line on to the Sand Cave.
The Sand Cave is a large, half-domed chamber. It is 250 feet across and open with a sloping floor that is 1.25 acres of sand! This cave was generated from years of wind erosion. There is a small waterfall on the left side before entering the cave. This water source is the only one you encounter during the hike. The Sand cave is so unique and majestic. I highly recommend making the trek up to the back of the cave. From here, you can get a nice view looking down and out on the beautiful, domed shape opening. The dark inner cave, with the light shining in, makes for a beautiful photo opportunity! It is beautiful on a sunny or foggy day. It is also nice and cool inside. This makes a great resting place after hiking in.
When you’re finished, follow the trail back out toward the Civil Park. This trail is pet friendly, on a leash. I would not recommend this hike for young children, unless they are accustomed to strenuous hiking. Our 9-year-old struggled with this hike when we did it with her. A lot of endurance is required for the slow, steep climb, especially in the heat. I also highly recommend taking plenty of water and hiking poles. The only water you will encounter is near the Sand Cave itself. I tend to have knee pain during steep, downhill descents. This hike wrecked my knees on my first visit. I have since made the trek with poles and it made a world of difference.
I hope this post inspires you to get out and explore the VA/KY border and visit this unforgettable, unique place!
If you are new to hiking, check out my 13 Basic Necessities for a Day Hike.
