earlybirdonthetrail
Let’s take a short hike to the amazing Dover Stone Church cave & waterfall in Dutchess County, NY!
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
There are 3 designated lots to park in, this one included. Swipe up for info on each. ⬇️
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Here are the 3 allowed parking lots: Dover Elementary School: 9 School St, Dover Plains (can only park when school is not session) Tabor Wing House: 3128 Route 22, Dover Plains Freshco 22 Deli & Restaurant: 3156 Route 22, Dover Plains
earlybirdonthetrail
At first you’ll wonder where this magical cave could be as you cross the street to find the trail entrance..
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
From the elementary school parking lot, cross Route 22 at the crosswalk, turn right and walk on the sidewalk for less than 1/10 of a mile before you see the historic blue sign (on the left) marking the entrance to Dover Stone Church trails.
earlybirdonthetrail
But very shortly you’ll see this sign where the trail begins, turn left here!
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
In several yards you’ll see this sign posted letting you know you’ve found the start of the trail.
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
Head down the steps through the row of trees.
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Heading down the stairs from the trailhead, you’ll walk a nice, flat 1/3 of a mile between a row of maple trees and then along Stone Church Brook, even crossing a little bridge!
earlybirdonthetrail
After just 0.4 miles you’ll cross the bridge over to Stone Church Brook.
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
Bear right at the fork and in just a tenth of a mile you’ll reach the cave!
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
You’ll love the first sight of this cave..
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
Large metamorphic rocks converge to form the entrance..
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
Which give the cave its name as its in the shape of a church’s cathedral window.
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.
earlybirdonthetrail
That’s not all there is to see on this hike! Walk back to the fork in the trail and take the blue to get to the lookout!
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY
After you’ve had your fill of the cave, head back down the way you came and when you get back to the sign you can decide if you want to head up to the lookout pictured above. From the sign, the lookout is about 400 ft of elevation gain and .6 miles away so it does require a bit of effort!
earlybirdonthetrail
The view looks east and is just about 0.6 miles from that trail sign with 400 ft of elevation to get there!
Dover Plains, New York, United States
Visit Dover Stone Church, a nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dover Stone Church's highlight is a metamorphic rock cavern in the shape of a church’s cathedral window with a cascading waterfall through the cave’s interior. The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance. The entrance is located off Route 22 below the traffic light in Dover Plains. This location is part of the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail, which can be found by clicking More Details.