Where nobody has gone before
Since 1941 National Speleological Members have been at the forefront of cave exploration world-wide. Find out more and how you can join us!
Cave exploration starts here
As one of the last places on earth that remain unvisited by humans, caves present a unique opportunity to expand knowledge, drive scientific advancement, and go where nobody has ever been.
The NSS supports cave exploration through agreements with national and international governments, supporting NSS exploration projects, providing gear discounts, and giving out over $20,000 in exploration grants a year.
Educational Resources:
Member Exploration Updates
Tom Culverwell—Climber, Caver, Artist, NSS Member
Schoolhouse Cave was an early proving ground for the National Speleological Society. Its rugged challenges helped to develop and hone underground exploration techniques. A rock climber turned caver named Tom Culverwell created a series of drawings that illustrated the wonders Schoolhouse Cave.
Voices from the Void: An Oral History of Caving in Alaska
Learn about how Alaskan cavers overcame extreme terrain, weather, and isolation to discover, survey, and protect karst, shaping both Alaskan caving and broader conservation efforts. Told in the voices of the cavers themselves using first-hand accounts of cave exploration from the 1980s onward.
Črna Goras, Montenegro International Caving Expedition
In 2014, during the Karst Without Boundaries Conference, Katarina Kosič Ficco fell in love with Montenegrin Karst. With karst springs that deliver up to 50 m3/s, a dramatic karst landscape, the Adriatic Sea, and the largest lake in Europe, what's not to love?
Mapping the unknown
Cavers survey and document passage as they move throughout the cave in order to draft a final map once exploration is complete.
Drafting maps is a very difficult, time-consuming process that demands precision and determination. Visit the Cartographic salons page to view some of the award-winning maps presented at the annual NSS Convention.
Come Caving With Us!
Our 250 local chapters - known as Grottos - provide the perfect opportunity to start caving. Find your Grotto and start caving.
Looking for Training?
National Cave Rescue Commission
As a leader in cave resuce, the NCRC is a leader in training and tracking cave rescue resources throughout the United States. If you cave frequently, consider getting NCRC training and be prepared in case of an emergency.
Vertical Training Commission
Dedicated to a "Train the Trainer" Model, the VTC provides resources, curriculum, and training to those within the NSS that are involved in educating new vertical cavers on proper techniques for technical vertical caving.
