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Dover Stone Church has been closed to public foot traffic.
A statement from the property owners who had previously allowed access reads:
The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court has unequivocally determined that the public has no right to visit Dover Stone Church by way of the driveway between the two properties owned by the Whalen family. You may read the court opinion here.
The Town of Dover has not provided proof of insurance coverage relative to the intense pedestrian traffic associated with Stone Church visitation, nor has the Town maintained the driveway. Without a legally enforceable agreement that protects the interests of the Whalen family, the current situation is intolerable. Accordingly, public access is indefinitely forbidden under penalty of trespass.
Dover Plains, NY
Source: https://jtm4424.github.io/Dover-Stone-church/
Legal Exposure
Bear in mind that the classic access route was via a short private drive, right next to someone’s home; this is a sensitive issue with legal exposure for the property owner. I hear that negotiations are underway to resolve the issue.
Alternate Route to Dover Stone Church
A local hiking guide points out that the main trail can also be accessed via the fire department just south of the currently closed access. A trail behind the fire house connects with the trail to the cave, circumventing the private property in question. Parking at the school across the street is an option.
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