In And Around The Adirondack Park
Greg Beckler's Page
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- Welcome, what interest you most about the Adirondack Park?
- Preserving and encouraging folks to visit my back yard and view the largest cave entrance in the East - and the largest marble cave entrance in the USA.
- Do you plan to visit us, or just browsing?
- Yes
- Do you have a web site that you'd like posted? It has be within the Park!
- http://www.stonebridgeandcaves.com
- Do you have a tall tale to share? We'd love to post.
- NATURAL STONE BRIDGE AND CAVES PARK
Just 23 miles North of Lake George Village
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 Spanish explorers and later described in Morse’s Geography of 1790, the stone bridge has captivated visitors for over 200 years. Unlike the slow forming limestone caverns, these marble caves 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. Take 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. 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 an “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 wooded picnic areas. To learn more, see our Adirondack memories display or view a free PBS video describing the history and geology of the caves. An extensive Rock Shop offers many fine crystals, gems, fossils and bookends. In addition, 8 diamond saws and 3 rock poppers are available to open Mexican geodes, each one a treasure with agate designs or crystals. Other activities and fun for the kids include: Gemstone Mining, Gold Rush Mine, Crystal Quest Mine, Caveman Challenge Bouldering Wall, Stone Bridge Frisbee Golf Course, fish feeding, jewelry making, decorating walking sticks or uncovering ancient bones in our Dino Dig. Food service includes a snack bar with sandwiches and drinks at the caves facility and full breakfast, lunch and > 40 flavors of soft ice-cream at our Rt 9 Stone Bridge Café. Grills and pavilions are also available. The facilities are a great site for birthday parties or corporate events (inquire for special pricing or after hours availability). Cabins are also available for rent.
Open 9AM – 7PM Daily, 10-5 after Labor Day. Tickets are good for the entire season. The caves are easily accessed, only 2.5 miles off of I-87 Exit 26 at the end of Stone Bridge Rd.
For information call 518-494-2283 or visit www.stonebridgeandcaves.com
- Do you have a favorite snap of the Park to share?
- yes
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The caves are so very interesting, and they have a nice park area for the family. It is a must pick when visiting the Southern Adirondacks!