NSS Convention 2026

James Cave is located in Edmonson County, Kentucky a few miles south of Mammoth Cave. The cave is an anomaly in the region due to its location and complexity. Formed in Bald Knob at the southern edge of the Dripping Springs Escarpment, the cave's passage density is significantly higher than in other caves in the region. There are 10.5 miles of surveyed passage under approximately 30 acres, developed on five levels and both horizontally and vertically complex. Exploration by organized cavers began in the early 1950s, was very intense in the 1960s and 1970s, and continues at present. During the 70 years since exploration began, cavers have had to adapt to the concerns and requirements of five different property owners, while cave surveying and mapping techniques have evolved exponentially. This presentation will focus on a description of James Cave and the years from 1955 to 1985.