Sand Cave - Cumberland Gap NHP, KY
Posted by: 
vhasler
N 36° 40.167 W 083° 27.485
17S E 280326 N 4061019
Large overhang cave created by wind erosion of sandstone.
Waymark Code: WMCDQH
Location: Kentucky, United States
Date Posted: 08/26/2011
Views: 9
Sand Cave has been formed by wind, not water, erosion of the overhanging sandstone. The cave contains football field-size beach of deep sand opening to a lush woodland entrance. It is a great place to have lunch (pack trash out!) in the coolness. The large cavern also echos, thus larger groups can be noisy. If solo, then just the calm dripping of a small waterfall by the entrance will be heard.
Per the NPS.gov website (link below), "The Sand Cave, a natural scenic area in Kentucky, is a half-domed chamber, 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand."
Reached by a 3.9 mile steep (1700' elevation gain) hike up and over Cumberland Mountain ridge from Thomas Walker Civic Park in Ewing, VA. Intersect with the Ridge Trail in Cumberland Gap NHP and then a spur trail into Kentucky for the cave. (Return to vehicles via White Rocks overlook for a 8.2 mile loop needing at least four and half hours to enjoy.)