Watson Trace - Beneath Your Feet

Many archeological discoveries have been made in Watsons Trace.

© Art Palmer

Quick Facts

Location:

Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Significance:

The 1998 discovery of ancient artifacts in the cave.

Designation:

World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Researchers working 161 feet beneath your feet in the late 1990’s felt a breeze coming from between some rocks – a hint that a void lay beyond. Moving rocks, they crawled into a passage shown on no map. Their lights found burnt touches, untouched since the last visitors left them – over 2000 years earlier. The researchers left until they could bring an archaeologist with them to record the find. In time, they would name the new passage “Watson Trace” after archaeologist Patty Jo Watson and geologist Red Watson, whose research here led to much of what we know today about Mammoth Cave’s ancient explorers. This section of the cave is not open to the public. 

NPS Mobile App Users: Click here to watch a video of a ranger at Watson Trace. 

Duration:

59 seconds

Join Ranger Ashley as she shows you Watson Trace, 161 feet beneath the surface.