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Half-a-mile each way.
Dover Stone Church is a remarkable cave-like formation near Dover Plains, New York. This short, easy, highly memorable hike is an absolute delight.
I loved all the different parts of this trail: the beautifully-maintained entrance, the footbridges, the stream-side trail and the incredible cave itself. This location has a strong spiritual quality.
Once inside the hollow and the cave itself, the acoustics produce an otherworldly echo, amplifying the sounds of flowing water.
Dover Stone Church is an unforgettable sanctuary.
Note: You cannot park at this trailhead. Pay attention to the parking notes for this location below.
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Dover Stone Church Hike
The Dover Stone Church hike includes…
- No parking at this trailhead!
- Designated parking lots here, here, here, and here
- A short, easy, relatively flat hike — less than half a mile!
- Wooden footbridges
- Semi-paved trail alongside mountain stream
- Dover Stone Church cave
- Rugged cave and waterfall
- Access to steeper / quieter trails in the area
Allow 60-90 minutes to complete the Dover Stone Church hike. A full breakdown is provided in the hiking notes below, with 17 awe-inspiring photos, including photos from inside Dover Stone Church cave.
Dover Stone Church Cave
The opening to the cave is distinctively church-like, which is how it got its name. It resembles a Gothic archway, inviting visitors to explore its interior. The cave’s interior is a combination of rocky outcrops and smooth surfaces, shaped by water over millennia. A small stream runs through Dover Stone Church cave, contributing to its unique atmosphere. It’s not particularly deep but the cave’s interior can feel like a separate world, with deep echoes and cool air.
Dover Stone Church Hike Notes & Photos
I loved all the different parts of this trail. It has a strong spiritual quality. Once inside the hollow and the cave itself, the acoustics produce an otherworldly echo, amplifying the sounds of flowing water. Dover Stone Church is an unforgettable sanctuary.
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This is a truly unique location! But you might enjoy this list of short hikes, or this list of family-friendly hikes.
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Trailhead Info for this Hike
Do not park here! You must park elsewhere (see list) and walk to this trailhead.
Google Maps Location: 41.739630, -73.581336
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
I had cell service near the town, but lost signal near the cave itself. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
