Natural Stone Bridge & Caves: The Perfect Family Day Trip
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves is just 40 minutes away from my house in Queensbury, and had been on my family's bucket list for awhile. We finally set aside a day to go during my birthday weekend in late August.
It was busy, but not overwhelmingly crowded, and we had no trouble finding a parking spot. At check-in, they hand you a detailed, helpful map to guide you through the grounds. We did the self-guided cave tour with our 6- (almost 7) and 9-year-olds, and then added on the Gem Mining - worth the extra fee for what you get!
Here's a breakdown of the whole visit, and what you should know before you go.
What We Tried & Experienced
The self-guided cave tour has 20 distinct stops along the way, each with informative signage, so it's easy to go at your own pace. The full route is about three-quarters of a mile, so it's not a long trek, but you are moving up and down stairs, small hills, and rocky terrain the whole way. The starting/ending area has restrooms, food, and a few additional activities.
Our kids are past the stroller stage, but it's easy to see why they're not allowed on the trail with the varied terrain and ups and downs. We passed plenty of families with younger kids being carried in backpack carriers, or they were just taking things slow. There are spots along the route where you can move aside to let others pass, so if you're concerned about your 2-year-old going at a snail's pace with people behind you, no worries.
Once we made our way back to the main headquarters, the kids headed straight for the Dino Dig and Gem Mining. The Gem Mining is a huge highlight: you purchase a bag of dirt packed with hidden rocks and gems - and they give you plenty. You'll want to sift it in a few rounds so you don't overload your wooden screen. Just empty a bit into the box, dip it into the water sluice, and shake away the dirt to uncover finds like quartz, amethyst, and tiny arrowheads.
Besides the Dino Dig and Gem Mining, Natural Stone Bridge & Caves provides access to hiking trails, included with your admission fee, that are part of the Chester Challenge. We did not do that this time, but would love to next time. One of the trails, to Catamount Mountain, is a little under 2 miles and could be doable for the kids. They also offer Geode Popping for an additional fee, that we'll have to tackle next time, and they have a disc golf course currently under renovations.
After we completed the tour, Gem Mining, and Dino Dig, we checked out their unique gift shop. My husband bought a couple of shirts, I purchased a magnet and ornament, and we got a few heart-shaped rocks for the kids.
To recap, we made our way through:
- 3/4-Mile Self-Guided Cave Tour With 20 Stops
- Climbing Wall (towards the beginning)
- Gem Mining (additional fee)
- Dino Dig
- Gift Shop
After we left, on the way home, we stopped at Stone Bridge Ice Cream, which is owned by the same folks and is just 2.5 miles down the road. This is a quaint ice cream spot with bench areas, a swing set, and some room to walk around - and they have a ton of soft serve flavors.
Know Before You Go
- Buy tickets online ahead of time. You're given an hour-long arrival window, and once you're there, you can stay as long as you'd like during their operating hours.
- Wear sneakers or hiking boots and bring an extra layer. You're able to go inside the cave at three points, and temperatures can vary.
- Strollers aren't allowed, and the cave trail isn't accessible. Backpacks are good.
- You're welcome to bring your own food, and they also sell some pre-packaged items and snacks on site.
- The cave trail is short, but rocky and steep in some spots. Younger kids may need help, and toddlers may need a carrier backpack. It could be tough for some older adults.
- We did not run into bugs coming in August, but ticks are always a possibility in wooded parts of the Adirondacks, so it's worth checking yourself afterward.
- The gem mining is 100% worth the extra cost if you're bringing kids. You get a large bag of sand with hidden gems and rocks to sift through, and you will be taking home some treasures.
- Don't skip Stone Bridge Ice Cream on your way home.
The Verdict
Great Location: This is an ideal day trip destination, being under an hour from Lake George, Glens Falls, Queensbury, and even Saratoga Springs. They're just over an hour away from Lake Placid, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Saranac Lake, and just a bit farther if you're staying in Tupper Lake or Old Forge. If you're in the Adirondack region, it's within driving distance!
Ideal for the Whole Family: Natural Stone Bridge & Caves is not only in a convenient, yet off-the-beaten-path spot, but it's an ideal attraction for a wide age range. It could potentially be a tough outing for older individuals with mobility issues, but with carrier backpacks allowed, it's great for infants, toddlers, kids, teens, and many adults.
The Perfect Length of Time: Visiting this attraction felt like a worthwhile drive and we spent a couple of hours here. It did not take the whole day. It did not feel strenuous. It did not feel like we had to prepare for it like you would a full-day hike, or if you were preparing to spend the whole day at a theme park. This is great for a half-day adventure.
Additional Perks: I personally love when attractions offer the flexibility to bring your own food or buy some there, in conjunction with a self-guided tour option. (I also enjoy Fort Ticonderoga for these reasons). It makes me feel like they're not just trying to make a money grab; they want me to hang out and explore at my own pace. Parking was easy. I can't rave about the Gem Mining enough, and love that they offer additional small activities like that.
Also to note: This spot is a big destination for snowshoeing in the winter!
During our visit my 6-year-old said at different points, "I wish I lived here," and "I love nature."
Find out more and plan your own visit >>
