Trailhead to Skylight Cave - Ewing, VA
Trailhead to Skylight Cave Dog-Friendly Area – Ewing, Virginia
If you’re seeking a scenic dog-friendly hike near Ewing, Virginia, the Trailhead to Skylight Cave offers an adventurous experience for you and your furry friend. This pet-friendly trail features a steady uphill climb leading to the unique Skylight Cave – a spot well worth the trek for explorers and active dogs alike. The roundtrip is approximately one mile with a steep final ascent, making it a challenge best suited for able-bodied visitors and dogs accustomed to hiking.
The trail begins at a picnic area equipped with charcoal grills, providing a great spot for a pre- or post-hike snack. While there are no signs marking the cave, the rewarding views and the discovery of the skylight feature within the cave await those who venture deeper inside. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring water, especially after rain, as the trail can become muddy and slippery. This is the perfect outing for anyone looking for a natural, dog-friendly adventure in the Ewing area.
FAQ for Trailhead to Skylight Cave
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main attraction is a hiking trail that leads from the picnic area up to Skylight Cave.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there is a picnic area with charcoal grills at the start of the trail.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Portions of the trail can become muddy and slippery following rainfall, so prepare accordingly.
Reviews
Trail was harder than we expected. We definitely didn’t have the right footwear and almost slid off at one point. Was after an overnight rain though, so parts of the trail were still muddy. My husband was the only one who made it up to the top. I almost slid off the mountain/hill, and I couldn’t get traction after that to keep going up. So I stopped with our daughter and waited for him to come back down. I would definitely do it again though! Make sure you have good shoes and bring water if it’s a particularly hot day. They also have a picnic area just as you start the trail with some charcoal grills.
Trail starts at the picnic area and is a steady uphill hike.
Although we enjoyed the trail and cave, I have to say that the internet had our expectations a little high. To be honest, we weren’t even sure the cave we stopped at first was our destination, as we didn’t even see the “skylight”. We met other hikers further along who said that it had indeed been Skylight Cave, so we headed back down and took a 2nd look. There was no sign at the turnoff, nor at the entrance, which would have helped. Once we went deeper into the cave, we did see the skylight, and it was pretty cool. The cave itself is also worth the trek. Lots of up, but good exercise.
Awesome trail that takes you to the cave. Last 0.3 mile will be a steeper climb. Well worth the hike!
About a one mile round trip hike from the parking lot but getting there is all up hill and the last 500 feet or so are not very older folks or those with mobility or balance issues. It’s not a spot where you want to lose your balance because it’s a long fall down. If you feel you’re up to it, by all means go for it!