Virginia never ceases to amaze us with its beautiful vistas, rolling valleys, and downright unusual natural formations. Even so, most folks have never heard of the massive sand cave located in Ewing, Virginia. If you didn’t have any context, you might assume these photographs were taken somewhere out west. In reality, seeing the cave is as easy as making the trip to the Virginia entrance of Cumberland Gap National Park. These photographs will show you just how much of a natural gem this sand cave hike in Virginia is.

DM/flickr
Visitors can access the sand cave hike in Virginia by means of Thomas Walker Civic Park. After roughly 3.9 miles, hikers will reach the opening of the magnificent sand cave. Continuing along to White Rocks (5.2 miles from the start) leads to a breathtaking viewpoint of 3 states: Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The area is horse-friendly, and the trail is well maintained with an ample parking lot. If you plan to visit both sites, the trip will add up to nearly 9 miles, so be sure to bring plenty of supplies and allow the entire day for your adventures.
Justin Ayers/YouTube
Scott Teodorski/NPS
Walking into the entrance of the cave will reveal a breathtaking ceiling of color. The eroded rock creates a spectacle of greens, golds, and reds as it towers above. Technically speaking, this is no cave, but rather a giant rock formation formed by gradual erosion caused by wind, rain, and ice. The cave stretches over 1.5 acres of sand, which has a fine and powder-like texture. It's also naturally cool inside, which makes for the perfect resting place after the hike.
Scott Teodorski/NPS

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DM/flickr
Entering from the low end of the cave, explorers will notice a waterfall and crystal-clear stream. As you continue on to the tallest part of the sand cave, you'll be taken through beautiful rhododendron (during spring and summer) and hemlocks lining the stream.
DM/flickr
These striking photographs still don't quite do justice to the unique coloring of the rock. Some speculate that the sand contains up to 21 different colors. Before Cumberland Gap was officially under protection of the National Park Service, visitors would collect layers of colorful sand as a souvenir.
Scott Teodorski/NPS
Nearby, the sandstone cliffs known as White Rocks tower above the park. These rocks appear lighter due to the white quartzite pebbles they hold. During the days of early American exploration, the silver glow from the cliffs served as a guide post for tired travelers.
Scott Teodorski/NPS
If you have time for it, the view from White Rocks is not to be missed. The vista overlooks the Powell River Valley and with good clarity, you can see past Clinch Mountain and all the way to the Smokies of Tennessee. It's the more difficult of the two hikes, with an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet. However, plenty of switchbacks cut back on the intensity.

What are your thoughts on this out-of-this-world sand cave hike in Virginia? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Looking for more natural gems in Virginia? You won’t want to miss this Little Known Oasis Hiding In Virginia.

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sand cave hike in Virginia

Beth C. | October 21, 2020

Does Virginia have any natural wonders?

The state of Virginia is positively brimming with natural wonders, from the coast to the mountains. If you're curious to explore some of the best natural wonders in Virginia, you'll have plenty to choose from. You might start by visiting any of the following destinations: Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Luray Caverns in Luray, Natural Tunnel in Duffield, Crabtree Falls in Montebello, Breaks Interstate Park in Breaks, Great Falls at the Great Falls National Park in McLean, Burke's Garden in Tazewell County, and the Channels near Abingdon, Virginia. For more information about these famous natural wonders in Virginia, you can read our previous article: Here Are The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Virginia.

What's the most popular national park in Virginia?

When most people think of Virginia's famous national parks, Shenandoah National Park comes to mind. Technically, there are a handful of other national parks in the Old Dominion, but Shenandoah is undoubtedly the most famous. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this expansive park features endless miles of hiking trails, camping spots, and scenic picnic areas. In fact, you can take Skyline Drive through the heart of the park and pull off at designated scenic overlooks to admire the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

What hidden gems should I see in Virginia?

Virginia has so many hidden gems -- from little-known roadside attractions to breathtaking natural wonders -- that it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly where to begin. Fortunately, we've done plenty of research and have discovered some of the most impressive hidden gems for you to see. This list includes the following destinations: the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Luray, Bunny Man Bridge in Fairfax Station (it's haunted!), Crozet Tunnel in Afton, Kiptopeke's Concrete Fleet in Cape Charles, Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Barboursville Ruins in Barbourville, Mount Rogers in Mouth of Wilson, and the Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg. Happy exploring!

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