Overall Recommendation: This trail is highly recommended for advanced hikers seeking a challenging day trip. To avoid crowds, especially horseback riders, plan your hike on a weekday.
Outstanding Features: Prepare to be amazed by the unique sandstone eroded Sand Cave and the breathtaking vista from the towering White Rocks. This trail is located within a National Historic Park, adding historical significance to your natural exploration.
Difficulty: Difficult. This trail is strenuous due to its length, elevation changes, and some scrambling sections. It is best suited for experienced hikers in good physical condition.
Driving Directions: From the Tri-Cities area, merge onto I-26 towards Kingsport and continue onto US-23 N/US-58 W towards Gate City/Weber City. Stay on US-58 W, passing through Duffield, Sticklyville, and Jonesville. In downtown Jonesville, turn left to remain on US-58 W. Continue for approximately 25 miles to Ewing. At the traffic light in Ewing, turn right onto VA-724. Proceed for about a mile to Thomas Walker Civic Park. For day hikes, parking is available in the grass lot next to the restrooms. If you intend to camp overnight, park in the designated lot before the gate. Day hiking is free and doesn’t require permits. Overnight camping, however, necessitates a permit obtainable from the main park visitor’s center.
Trail Guide: Begin your hike from the grass parking area by walking towards the covered pavilion. Go around the back of the pavilion to find a handicapped parking space. The trailhead is situated beside this parking spot, accessible through the gate.
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Ewing Trail Ascent (0 – 2.9 miles): Start on the trail and continue for 0.5 miles until you reach a junction with a wider path – the Ewing Trail (also a horse trail). Register at the trail register box and turn left onto the Ewing Trail. Follow this trail for 2.4 miles. You’ll pass a signed junction for the White Rocks Trail (this will be your return route to complete the loop). Continue straight on the Ewing Trail.
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Ridge Trail to Sand Cave (2.9 – 3.7 miles): In about another half mile, you’ll reach the ridge top. Keep going straight and begin your descent, crossing into Kentucky. At the 3.6-mile mark, you will arrive at the clearly signed intersection with the Ridge Trail. Turn right towards Sand Cave. Descend for approximately 0.1 mile to reach the Sand Cave Spur Trail. You’ll see horse hitching posts here.
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Sand Cave Exploration (3.7 – 4 miles): Take the Sand Cave Spur Trail for a couple of tenths of a mile, descending to Sand Cave. Be cautious of steep steps in this section. Explore the impressive Sand Cave. After enjoying Sand Cave, retrace your steps back up the spur trail to the Ridge Trail.
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Ridge Trail to White Rocks (4 – 4.9 miles): Turn left onto the Ridge Trail. Hike for 0.7 miles to the upper junction of the White Rocks Trail (you’ll see a sign for White Rocks Campsite and the White Rocks Trail junction). Continue straight to reach White Rocks. After another 0.2 miles, you’ll arrive at the base of White Rocks. A sign indicating “200 feet to White Rocks” is somewhat misleading as the final approach is longer and requires a steep climb up a crevice on the backside of White Rocks to reach the summit and the panoramic views.
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White Rocks Vista and Return Loop (4.9 – 9 miles): Once you’ve experienced the stunning vista from White Rocks and admired the unique white rock formations, carefully descend and retrace your steps on the Ridge Trail back to the White Rocks Trail and White Rocks Campsite junction. Turn left onto the White Rocks Trail. In about half a mile, you’ll rejoin the Ewing Trail. Turn left onto the Ewing Trail and follow it downhill, back to the trailhead and parking area.
Essential Gear & Hiking Tips: Standard day-hiking gear is suitable for this trail. Due to its popularity with both hikers and horseback riders, the trail can get crowded. For a more peaceful experience, it is highly recommended to hike on a weekday.
Hike Stats:
- Distance: Approximately 9.0 miles round-trip.
- Duration: Allow 5-8 hours to complete the hike.
- Type: Loop trail with an initial out-and-back section to Sand Cave and White Rocks.
- Vista Rating (Scale of 1-5): 4.0 – Expect stunning panoramic views, especially from White Rocks.
- Waterfall Feature: A small waterfall is present at the Sand Cave entrance, though it may be very small or dry depending on rainfall.
Water Crossings: Expect a few very minor stream crossings. Under normal conditions, you should be able to cross without getting your feet wet. However, these streams can dry up completely depending on the weather.
Scrambling/Climbing: The final ascent to White Rocks involves moderate scrambling as you navigate a crevice to reach the top.
Potential Hazards: Be aware of steep slopes along certain sections of the trail. There is a shortcut to Sand Cave that bypasses the waterfall entrance, but it involves crossing a narrow ledge and is not recommended due to safety concerns. White Rocks itself presents a sheer vertical cliff. Exercise extreme caution and avoid getting too close to the edge unless properly equipped for rock climbing and with appropriate safety measures.
Trail Maps & GPS: Park Trail Map
Further Information: For more details about the park and surrounding area, consult official park resources and visitor information centers.
