Near Ewing Trail - Sand Cave and White Rock
View from inside the Sand Cave.
Near Ewing Trail - Sand Cave and White Rock
View from White Rocks of southwestern Virginia.
Near Ewing Trail - Sand Cave and White Rock
Sand cave
Near Ewing Trail - Sand Cave and White Rock
Sand cave

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Hike Route

Ewing Trail - Sand Cave and White Rock

4.6 (10 Ratings)
A gem of a hike with a waterfall and beautiful overlooks!
8
mi
Distance
2,766
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
CaveFall ColorsSpringViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8mi
Distance
2,766ft
Elevation Gain
2,766ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
3,454ft
High Point
1,665ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The trail starts at Civic Park in Ewing, VA, crosses into Cumberland Gap National Historic park, and begins as three miles of doubletrack that climbs about 2,000 feet through a series of switchbacks. There are several great vistas along the way, and you'll have several views of White Rocks up above the trail. Continue past the hikers only trail at 2.5 miles;you'll come down this way to wrap up the lollipop after White Rocks. At approximately 4 miles, you'll come to a trail junction with a trail to the Hensley Settlement to the left and the trail to White Rocks/Sand Cave to the right. Take this right, and then bear left down the trail to Sand Cave. In the winter, this may be icy. When there's been ample precipitation, the waterfall next to the cave is pretty. If it's been dry, it may only be a trickle. Take a few minutes to explore the vastness of this cave. After exploring the cave, hike back up to the trail and bear left at the junction. At about 5.5 miles, you'll pass a horse barricade with a sign pointing to the Ewing Trail. Continue past this to visit White Rocks. Scramble up to the top of White Rocks and enjoy the view of the valley below. Hike back to the aforementioned trail to a fun descent back to the Ewing Trail. Be careful on this connector trail as many of the rock steps are a little loose. At the Ewing Trail, take a left and enjoy the pleasant descent back to the trailhead.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ben King