The Marvelous 8.3-Mile Trail in Kentucky Leads Adventurers to a Little-Known Sand Cave

Caves are ubiquitous in Kentucky. From the longest underground cavern system in the world to a town literally built around a cave, you can enjoy a subterranean adventure pretty much anywhere in the Bluegrass State. This cave hike in Kentucky adds an extra layer of adventure as you round a bend to discover a mysterious crevice to explore. Our favorite Kentucky sand cave is a little-known wonder that's hiding at the end of an 8.3-mile hike in Ewing. Come along with us on the Ewing Trail as we venture to a marvelous sand cave - in Kentucky and Virginia! If you’re ready for this adventure, grab your hiking gear and water bottle, and let’s go!

This is a sand cave; a beautiful, wonderful sand cave that's one of the most accessible caves in Kentucky... sort of. The trail to the caves is open all year long, so this hike is great no matter the season.

The cave is located in Cumberland Gap which spans 24,000 acres across Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Cumberland Gap is one of the largest national parks in the eastern United States. It goes without saying that the hiking in Cumberland Gap is phenomenal, with lush forests, jaw-dropping overlooks, and rock formations galore.

The Sand Cave in this beautiful park, however, is easily our favorite find. For this adventure, you'll hike the 8.3-mile Ewing Trail, the trailhead for which is actually located in Virginia. Because of its mileage and terrain, this hike is rated as moderate, so it might not be the best for beginners or kids. Don't be deterred by the length, however -- there are lots of highlights along the trail that will make the miles fly by.

White Rocks is one of them. It's admittedly a bit of a climb to reach, but the perfect panoramas from this overlook will leave you completely speechless and in total awe.

Meanwhile, what awaits at the end of the trail is totally worth each and every step. Welcome to Sand Cave, a place of otherworldly wonder and beauty.

(And yes -- while technically located in Virginia, we're claiming this stunning sand cave as part of the Bluegrass, because it's all connected!). When you reach this massive cave, be sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery. It's stunning! The red and copper sandstone walls are unreal, like something you'd expect to find on another planet, maybe Mars?

Kentucky is full of places that will surprise you. In a state that's best known for its rolling blue hills and glittering lakes, it's amazing to think that such wonders are hiding right beneath our feet. We're used to it, though... we know how special the Bluegrass is!

Did you know about this little-known sand cave hike in Kentucky (and Virginia)? What a marvelous find! Have you hiked the Ewing Trail before? Share some of your favorite cave hikes in Kentucky with us on our nomination page. Check out even more of the best hikes in KY along the beautiful Red River Gorge. Be sure to grab some trail info and maps from AllTrails+.