New York State is home to a variety of awe-inspiring natural wonders. There are incredibly breathtaking places that are so beautiful they almost seem surreal, like Dover Stone Church Cave and Falls. This remarkable geological wonder is something I had only ever imagined seeing in a movie; it was truly mind-blowing to see something like this in real life.
Important: You cannot park at the trailhead of Dover Stone Church Preserve. You must park at one of the designated parking areas and walk to the trailhead. (I will provide parking locations in the direction portion of the article.)
Hiking to Dover Stone Church
-Dogs are permitted
-This is an extremely short hike, less than half a mile. (There are three other trails at this preserve, which are longer in duration.)
Once you have parked, walk to the Dover Stone Church Trailhead, which is at the top of a private driveway. This is private property, so please be respectful when you visit. The first section of the trail travels through an alley of trees. This is a picturesque spot, which I would love to visit in the fall when the leaves are changing.
The trail then begins to follow the creek through the woods. Once you cross the bridge, you will notice the temperature drop several degrees as you enter the ravine. We visited on a day when it was close to 90 degrees, and the drop in temperature was honestly very welcome. I imagine on a chilly day, this could be uncomfortable, so dress accordingly.
From this point forward is the trail goes from amazing to absolutely incredible. As you hike up the creek toward the cave, you notice rocks that have been laid out as a path, although they look quite natural. Keep your eye on the creek; it gets unbelievably beautiful here, as the green moss-covered boulder create waterfalls throughout the creek.
You turn a corner, and the cave is in the distance. There is a bridge that crosses the creek, where you can take some great pictures of Dover Stone Cave. Proceed with extreme caution from this point forward; the rocks in the creek are uneven and quite slippery. Please be advised, as the sign says near the entrance of the cave, that you enter the cave at your own risk.
The Cave
This enchanting cave offers a surreal experience as a subtle stream of sunlight gently penetrates its ceiling, casting a soft glow that illuminates the cavern. During our visit on a blissfully sunny day, the natural illumination facilitated clear visibility and safe navigation over the rocky terrain. However, on overcast days or as dusk approaches, it is advisable to equip oneself with a headlamp or flashlight for enhanced visibility and safety.
The moist rocks in the cave are perpetually covered with a thin layer of water, making them exceptionally slippery. Exercise utmost caution while walking in the cave to prevent any accidents. During periods of heavy rainfall, the rocks can become almost entirely submerged due to the rising water level in the creek. Under these circumstances, it is strongly recommended not to venture into the cave for safety reasons.
Waterfall
Just when you think this cave couldn’t get any more amazing, it does. Inside this cave of wonders, there is a 30-foot waterfall. The water flows into a pool at the base of the falls and then out the entrance of the cave, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting scene.
We visited when the creek’s water level was low, which, on the flip side, meant that the waterfall wasn’t flowing at its best. I could still see the lower portion of the falls, but I couldn’t get a good view of the upper portion. It was still amazing; I mean, how often do you get to see a waterfall inside a cave?
History of the Dover Stone Church
There is a legend surrounding Dover Stone Church that Pequot Chief Sassacus and his band of warriors hid out from the British Army in this cave in the 1600s.
The Cave was sketched by Asher Durand, an artist in the Hudson River School, in 1847. Soon after, the Cave became a popular destination when Benson J. Lossing drew attention to it as “a singular and interesting curiosity.”
In 1925, Franklin Roosevelt requested the protection of the area due to its popularity as a tourist destination for travelers journeying from New York City.
In 2004, the property was purchased in a collaborative effort with local donors and the Dutchess Land Conservancy.
Getting to Dover Stone Church
Google will lead you to the trailhead but parking is not allowed there. There are several designated parking areas around the town, walking distance from the entrance to the preserve.
Designated Parking Areas
Dover Elementary School – 9 School Street. (When School is not in session: after 3 pm, weekends, and holidays.
The Tabor Wing House – 3128 NY Route 22
Four Brothers Restaurant – 3189 NY Route 22
Fresh Co. 22 Restaurant & Deli – 3156 NY Route 22
Dover Stone Church Trailhead Address: 3128 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY
Google Map Link
