Summer: Hike self-guided tour & explore LARGEST cave entrance in East, waterfalls, gorge, caves. Guided adventure tours, gemstone mining, disc golf, climbing walls, dino dig, simulated mines, & extensive rock shop. Winter: snowshoe trails and tours.
The massive stone bridge arch - the largest marble cave entrance in the east - dominates this spectacular display of Adirondack geology. Originally named Ponte de Dios (Bridge of God) by explorers and later described in Morse's Geography of 1790, the stone bridge has captivated visitors for over 200 years. Unlike the slow forming limestone caverns, these marble caves were rapidly formed during the last ice age by an unusual East-West trending fault which exposed a layer of ancient marble to raging acidic floodwaters from melting glaciers. Take a walking stick, map, and camera and set out on a self-guided, above-ground tour over a natural stone step nature trail and experience up-close the many unique rock features in the marble gorge, such as potholes, grottos, and mill site waterfalls. Descend into lighted surface caves with raging waterfalls or tranquil dark pools.
Cavers are currently completing a survey of the cave systems and the owners have developed an guided adventure tour to explore additional caves for those willing to crawl and get a bit dirty & then get rinsed off with the final cave float. The property continues to be managed by relatives of Jacob Van Benthuysen who received the site in the 1700's for Revolutionary War service.
Every year, new hands-on activities are added to enhance the park and educational experience. After exploring the caves, relax in one of our large family swings or enjoy homemade fudge in our wooded picnic areas. To learn more, see our Adirondack memories display or view a free PBS video describing the history and geology of the caves.
An extensive Rock Shop offers many fine crystals, gems, fossils and bookends. In addition, 8 diamond saws and 3 rock poppers are available to open Mexican geodes, each one a treasure with agate designs or crystals.
Other activities and fun for the kids include: Gemstone Mining, Caveman Challenge Bouldering Wall, 18 hole Stone Bridge Disc Golf Course, fish feeding, jewelry making, decorating walking sticks or uncovering ancient bones in our Dino Dig. Food service includes a snack bar with sandwiches and drinks at the caves facility and > 40 flavors of soft ice-cream at our Rt 9 Stone Bridge Ice Cream Stand.
Grills and pavilions are also available. The facilities are a great site for birthday parties or corporate events (inquire for special pricing or after hours availability).
WINTER FUN: Over 14+ miles of Snowshoe Trails with views of the stone bridge cave entrance, large glacial erratic boulders, ledges and waterfalls and are available Fri/Sat/Sun from mid Dec - March (weather dependent).