Backpack to White Rocks in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park encompasses more than 20,000 acres of mountainous terrain spread out across Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The park offers miles of trails and many historic curiosities, including the actual saddle where pioneers first found their way over the Cumberland Mountains on their way to Western frontiers. 

The Ridge Trail offers multiple backpacking sites, and there are multiple ways to access it. The backcountry site at White Rocks, however, is best reached via the Ewing Trail. To find the trailhead for the Ewing Trail, park your car at the Civic Park in the small town of Ewing, VA. 

The 2.5 miles of the Ewing Trail will lead you up seemingly-endless switchbacks as you gain almost 2000ft in elevation. Along the way you'll come across stunning vistas of the valley below and glimpse the white rocks you're bound for looming high above your head. Make no mistake: this hike is difficult and requires a lot of strength and water. 

When you reach the junction for the White Rocks trail, you can continue right for less than a(nother uphill) mile to the campsite and outcropping, or you can veer left for a worthwhile detour to Sand Cave. If you do opt for Sand Cave, you will meet up with the aforementioned Ridge Trail and take that to the site, without having to backtrack.

The sites themselves are spread out and buried in some seriously luscious forest. A 5-minute walk from the site, you will reach the outcropping known as White Rocks where the mountains stretch out into farmland before you. Enjoy the view and a good night's rest--you earned it. 

(While you're in the area, head over the Pineville to experience the incomparable Chained Rock.)