Natural Stone Bridge and Caves


Useful Information

Location: I-87, exit 26, follow Stone Bridge Road west to the end, about 3 km.
Open: JUN to Labor Day daily 9-19.
Labor Day to Columbus Day 10-18.
Adventure Tour: JUL to AUG after appointment.
[2008]
Fee: Adults USD 12.50, Children (5-12) USD 7.50, Children (0-4) free.
Adventure Tour: Adults (13+) USD 60, Deposit USD 60.
[2008]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave Marble
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours: D=
Adventure Tour: D=2 h.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography: Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, The Only Cave Attraction in The Adirondacks - Fascinating History, Geology and Legends, Geology by Dr. Brian B. Turner, Compiled by Edward B. Beckler
Address: Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park, 535 Stone Bridge Road, Pottersville, NY 12860, Tel. +1-518-494-2283. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1790 described in Morse's Geography.

Description

Natural Stone Bridge is a Park with well marked trails along Trout Brook. Trout Brook cascades through unusual rock formations before plunging beneath historic Ponte de Dios (Bridge of God). This huge natural Bridge was discovered first by Spanish explorers, hence the Spanish name. 150 m downstream it emerges into Artists' Gorge through several caves, including Echo Cave, Garnet Cave, and Cave of the Lost Pool. But the most impressive one is Noisy Cave, where the roaring river disappears beneath the feet of the visitors.

Jacob Van Benthuysen, who received this site for Revolutionary War service in the 18th century, erected a sawmill on the river. Tourists can still visit the site of this early mill. The park is still owned by his descendants.

The trails is about 1.2 kilometers long, sturdy boots and probably a torch for the darker spots are recommended. The self guided walk takes about an hour, as it includes various sight. Visitors receive a map with number coded information for the most interesting spots. Numerous benches along the path allow short rests, but nevertheless the trail is not suitable for people with a health problem, especially if it prohibits climbing up and down uneven steps. The path is not possible for strollers or wheelchairs.

The natural bridge and the caves arte the result of the last Ice Age. Melting water from the glacier which covered the Adirondacks, which drained below the ice, found a weak spot in this layer of marble. The east west running layer is surrounded by crystalline metamorphic rocks, which are much harder and not soluble. Marble is soluble, but also it is much softer, and so the enormous amounts of water produced by the glacier eroded the valley and the caves very rapidly, at least concerning geologic processes.