A grueling 4.65 mile hike straight up a rocky path and down the backside of the white rocks mountain chains will bring you to the Sand Cave at the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Don't forget that you have to do the 4.65 miles back. This hike we probably the most strenuous hike I have done to date, not to mention it was in the high 90's.

This limestone sand cave was created by the wind that blows through it and over time it has created sand as fine as that you find on a beach. It is very unique to the area, actually it's the only thing like it and did I mention it is enormous. The forest edge comes up right to the entrance. Hiking up to the back of the cave looking out to the forest is pretty difficult, the sand can come up past your ankles. I recommend doing this part barefoot, don't worry it feels great. You keep sand out of your shoes and that will make the hike back way more enjoyable. You can wash your feet off at the creek below encase your wondering.

Worn down and exhausted I made my way up the back of the cave looking for how I wanted to frame my subject, the light was pretty intense and I wanted to capture the blue in the sky while being able to capture some detail in the cave and it wasn't easy, but I got what I came for. After grabbing my shots that I had pictured in my head the whole hike up I set back for a few minutes to enjoy what I came to see and then it was down to the bottom of the cave and time to pack up my gear and head back down.

Nikon D7000
Nikkor 18-55mm Lens
CPL Filter
Manfrotto Befree Tripod (Very light weight and perfect for this trip)
Shutter release
F10
ISO 100
18 mm
4/10 Sec

Read more at http://www.shutterbug.com/content/sand-cave-cgnhp#0C2Icdw2BKKup816.99