If you’ve taken the time to explore New York, then you know that some of our state’s shortest trails just so happen to be our sweetest. Leaving you full of energy to explore your final destination on the trail, you’ll often be surprised at how little effort it takes to get to some of our most breathtaking outdoor attractions. A small town gem that only became open to the public back in 2002, keep reading to find out why you must visit this aboveground cave in the Empire State.

Hidden down in the small town of Dover Plains, you can find an adventure that begins at a historical marker between two houses.
Dover Stone Church/Facebook
Greeting you with a runway of trees within a wide-open field, you'll walk down a set of stairs and begin your magical journey to Dover Stone Church.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
As you begin to make your way through the forest, you'll come across this sign that gives you the history of this small town natural wonder and pointing you in the direction of the trails.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Before you even start your hike, you'll cross this quaint bridge that goes over Stone Church Brook.
Dover Stone Church/Facebook
Once you see these trail markers, the adventure begins! Stay to the right and follow the brook if you want to go explore New York's aboveground cave.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Your quick adventure begins as the trail follows the brook, surrounding you with jaw-dropping greenery that will make you feel like you're in another world.
Dover Stone Church/Facebook
Before you know it, you'll see the opening of Dover Stone Church and hear the quiet roars of the cascading waterfalls along the brook.
Mielmonster/TripAdvisor
Named after the fact that it resembles the shape of a church, when the water is low enough you can walk right into Dover Stone Church.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
An adventure that's great for all ages, once you step inside the cave you'll be able to look back at the trail that now has a unique framing to it.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
As if this cave wasn't already magical enough, you'll quickly discover that there are gorgeous waterfalls inside here too!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Open every day from dawn till dusk, there's no better time than now to go and explore Dover Stone Church for yourself.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
While hiking to this aboveground cave is an adventure that's beautiful to experience no matter what time of year it is, the scenery here looks exceptionally stunning when New York's gorgeous greens are showing off for the spring and summer. Just off of NY-22, visitors can drive between the two houses where the historical marker is to see if there's space at the tiny parking lot or find plenty of parking spaces at Dover Stone Elementary right across the street when school's not in session. To learn more about Dover Stone Church, click here.

How to get here:
3128 NY-22,
Dover Plains, NY 12522

Did you realize this unique cave was hiding in plain sight? Share your pictures with us in the comments if you’ve ever been to Dover Stone Church! For more amazing cave explorations, read about The Cave Boat Tour You Can Only Take In New York Will Bring Out The Adventurer In You!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore New York