NSS Convention 2026

In the 1950s, cavers discovered aboriginal footprints deep within Salts Cave and Floyd Collins Crystal Cave, in areas where the two caves are connected. The origins of these prints were unclear: it was unknown whether they were made by the same group of individuals and from which direction the first aboriginal explorers entered these passages. Possible routes included a long-distance trip from the natural entrance of Salts Cave, a daring descent through the nearby Unknown Cave pits, or from a collapsed entrance in the Smith Avenue area of Crystal Cave.

In the 1960s, Patty Jo Watson made preliminary measurements of these prints. Her findings suggested the presence of at least four individuals in the Lower Salts passage (total of 16 footprints) and at least two individuals in the Unknown Cave passage (12 or more footprints). However, detailed recordings of the prints were not made at that time, apart from foot length measurements.

Initiated in 2025, the current footprint project aims to create a permanent record of each set of prints using photogrammetry and 3D scanning techniques. By capturing digital images and 3D scans, we can better define foot morphology, identify new prints that previously were not discernable by visual observation, and refine estimates of the minimum number of individuals present in both cave areas.

Upon completion of the project, the new dataset will enable researchers to revisit questions about the routes and number of aboriginal explorers who entered the remote sections of the Mammoth Cave system more than three thousand years ago. This presentation outlines the project's objectives and describes our recording techniques, providing examples from the preliminary data.