Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Young cave system formed from melting glaciers during the last ice age 10-13,000 years ago. Bedrock is 1.2 billion years old marble, with a large cave ...
"Our world’s caves are places of wonder, mystery and majestic beauty. Show caves around the world are embracing their role in protecting and preserving caves and providing a place for people to learn about these special, natural, cultural and historical resources.
Show caves also play another important nature tourism role of sustainable economic development, providing jobs, and helping the economy of their regions.”
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Young cave system formed from melting glaciers during the last ice age 10-13,000 years ago. Bedrock is 1.2 billion years old marble, with a large cave entrance (51 x 10 meter) known as the Stone Bridge as you can walk over the river on top of the cave. Most of cave system is underwater, but several surface caves have been surveyed, including Noisy Cave with a waterfall.
Basic info
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 early explorers and later described in Morse’s Geography of 1790, the stone bridge has captivated visitors for over 200 years. These marble caves are different from the slow forming limestone caverns. They 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. So grab a walking stick, map, and camera and set out on a self-guided, above-ground, 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. You can also 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 “Adventure Tours” to explore additional caves for those willing to crawl and get a bit dirty. The property continues to be managed by descendents 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. After exploring the caves, relax in one of our large family swings or enjoy homemade fudge in our picnic/activity pavilions. If you want to learn more, see our Adirondack memories display or view a free PBS video describing the history and geology of the caves. Gold Rush, Crystal Quest &Gemstone Mining, Disc Golf, fish feeding, jewelry making, decorating walking sticks or uncovering ancient bones in our Dino Dig are fun activities for the kids. NEW! Over 10 miles of Snowshoe Trails are available to explore in the winter.
Contact
Address: 535 Stone Bridge Rd
Town / City: Pottersville
Country: USA State: New York
Email:stonebridgeandcaves@frontiernet.net
Phone: 518-494-2283
Fax: 518-494-7979
Web: www.stonebridgeandcaves.com
Latitude: 43.7475166321
Longitude: -73.8523330688
Info
Name: Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Name original: Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
ISCA member: NATURAL STONE BRIDGE AND CAVES PARK
Length: 0 m
Depth: 0 m
Elevation of entrance: 0 m
Number of visitors: 32000 / per year
Length of show path: 1207 m
Duration of visit: 60-180 min
