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 add san extra layer of adventure as you round a bend to discover a mysterious crevice to explore. One of our favorite caves is a little-known wonder that’s hiding at the end of an 8.3-mile hike. Come along with us on the Ewing Cave Trail as we venture to a marvelous sand cave – in Kentucky and Virginia!

This is a sand cave; a beautiful, wonderful sand cave that's one of the most accessible caves in Kentucky... sort of.
Carrie Lensch/AllTrails
It's 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.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park/Facebook
It goes without saying that the hiking in Cumberland Gap is phenomenal, with lush forests, jaw-dropping overlooks, and rock formations galore.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park/Facebook
The Sand Cave in this beautiful park, however, is easily our favorite find.
Matt Miles/AllTrails

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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. Don't be deterred by the length, however -- there are lots of highlights along the trail that will make the miles fly by.
Gail Zimmerman / AllTrails
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.
Carrie Lensch/AllTrails
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.
Matt Miles/AllTrails
(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?
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park/Facebook
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 in the comments section. 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+.

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Kentucky Hiking Trails

Chris Muras | January 31, 2024

What are some of the best hiking trails in KY?
Kentucky is blessed with beautiful forests, stunning views, and adventurous hiking trails. Here are a few of the best hiking trails in KY that we think you'll come back to again and again:

  • Sinkhole Trail, Mammoth Cave National Park: If you are staying at the Mammoth Cave Hotel, hop outside to start one of the more unique hiking trails around. It is a nice-sized 2.4-mile hike that takes you through a beautiful forested landscape, over a wooden boardwalk, and past some interesting caves. You'll also pass by the River Styx, an underground river that flows through Mammoth Cave into the Green River.
  • Auxier Ridge Trail, Stanton, KY: If you are looking for a scenic loop trail, there are not many that can top this gorgeous hike. At a bit under five miles you'll be able to spend a good amount of time admiring nature. As you start out on the trail you'll enjoy a dense forest accompanied by the sound of birds dancing from limb to limb. As you near the summit of Auxier Ridge, the trees part so you can enjoy interesting rock formations that frame incredible views of the Red River Gorge.
  • Double Arch Trail, Daniel Boone National Forest: Another Red River Gorge gem is the Double Arch Trail that leads to, you guessed it, some pretty fascinating arches. Along the way, you'll trek over stone steps cut into the hillside, and wooden steps that curve around moss-covered rocks, and become inspired by the views looking across the gorge to Auxier Ridge. The Double Arches tower above you as you peek through the treetops to Courthouse Rock and Haystack Rock.

If your bliss involves endless hiking trails, check out our guide to many of the best hiking trails in Kentucky.

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Sand Cave, Kentucky 42127, USA