Self Guided Cave Trail

Summer Self-Guided Cave Trail

Walk the self-guided and above-ground nature trail to witness this spectacular display of ancient Adirondack geology. Our rustic stone-step and gravel trail features the massive Stone Bridge, Trout Brook, the old Sawmill Site Waterfalls, Artists' Gorge, incredible potholes and of course several surface caves and grottos.

Rates

Adult: Ages 13+ - $21.50
Children: Ages 5 -12 - $11.98
Infants: Ages 4 and under - Free

About

The ¾ mile trail has over 500 stairs of irregular rock, root and timber. There are a limited number of guests allowed to start each hour to maintain a peaceful experience. Most groups take about 45-60 minutes, but stay as long as you like. Go at your own pace and rest as you need at any of the picturesque benches along the way. If someone in your party isn’t up for the hike, a Mountain Lake PBS produced video, "Under the Adirondacks," plays on a loop, free of charge near the gift shop.

We keep the trail as natural as possible, however you will encounter some bridges, boardwalks, concrete and steel to limit erosion and maintain safety. Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes for the best experience! Remember, you’re not always underground, so dress for the weather!

Additional hiking trails are included with admission, with hikes to the top of Catamount or Green Hill for the physically fit (must start these hikes before 1pm).

The trail is not wheelchair accessible, although the shops and PBS video are wheel chair accessible

Trail not advisable for anyone with a health problem that prohibits climbing up/down uneven steps

Summer Hours

Peak Season: May 17 - Sep 2
9am-6pm (last ticket 4pm)

Off-Peak Season: Sep 3 - Oct 20
10am-5pm (last ticket 3pm)

What to Wear

• Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes
• Dress for the weather! You are mostly above ground and outside (jackets and rain ponchos for sale)
• Spray bug repellent on your clothes. Usually it is NOT buggy, but ticks are a problem throughout NYS (repellent for sale in gift shop)

What to Bring

• Camera (put your phone on airplane mode while its searching for service)
• A light backpack if needed
• Water bottle (food and drink available at the snack bar)
• Baby Backpack, trail is not stroller accessible
• Pack a Picnic, 2 pavilions and a playground with tables are available (lunch fare for sale at the snack bar)

Sorry, Not Allowed

• No Pets - insurance regulations prevent dogs from using trails
• No Strollers – this is an unpaved trail requiring rubber soles shoes or in winter: snowshoes or other foot traction
• No Hunting or Fishing – River water or ice (winter) is very dangerous, do not attempt to cross the river
• No harvesting of plants, rocks, or natural resources
• No drones