POTTERSVILLE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Stairway Through Stone: A Self-Guided ¾‑Mile Cave Trail in Pottersville
A self-guided ¾‑mile nature trail at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves featuring over 500 rustic steps, surface caves, waterfalls and scenic benches — perfect for a 45–60 minute outing.
Stairway Through Stone: A Self-Guided ¾‑Mile Cave Trail in Pottersville.
Threading the ancient bedrock of the Adirondacks, the Self Guided Cave Trail is a 3/4‑mile, above‑ground loop that delivers the region’s geology in concentrated form: a massive stone bridge, trout brook, sawmill‑site waterfalls, Artists’ Gorge, potholes and several surface caves and grottos set among rustic stone steps and benches.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Stone Bridge
A defining feature of the trail, the massive Stone Bridge frames the landscape and serves as a natural focal point for the hike — a concentration of Adirondack bedrock sculpting and waterwork visible from the main route.
Trout Brook and the Old Sawmill Waterfalls
Water-carved potholes, cascades at the old sawmill site and the channel of Trout Brook punctuate the trail with steady motion — a series of small falls and pools that dramatize the park’s erosional history.
Steps, Grottos and Rustic Benches
Expect more than 500 irregular rock, root and timber steps, occasional boardwalks and bridges, multiple surface caves and scenic benches that allow you to set your own pace and linger where the view or geology demands it.
What the day feels like
What the Trail Feels Like
Move at your own pace along a compact, above‑ground loop that alternates stair climbs, short descents and level viewpoints; most groups complete the winding route in roughly 45–60 minutes but can stay as long as they like, pausing at benches or beside waterfalls to take in the rock formations and small caves.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trail suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Most parties complete the 3/4‑mile trail in about 45–60 minutes; the outing is commonly advertised as roughly a 1–2 hour experience depending on how long you linger.
Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes, dress for the weather (you’re mostly above ground), apply bug repellent and bring a water bottle and camera; a light backpack and baby backpack are recommended if needed.
Meet at the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves entrance at 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860.
No pets or strollers on the trail; no hunting, fishing or drone use; the trail contains boardwalks and bridges to manage erosion but remains mostly unpaved and step‑filled.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the self‑guided trail take?
Most groups take about 45–60 minutes, though visitors may stay as long as they like.
Are there set start times or visitor limits?
Yes — a limited number of guests are allowed to start each hour to maintain a peaceful experience.
What are the admission rates by age?
Adult (ages 13+) $21.50; Children (ages 5–12) $11.98; Infants ages 4 and under are free.
Is the trail wheelchair or stroller accessible?
No — the trail is not wheelchair accessible and is not stroller accessible; however, the shops and the PBS video near the gift shop are wheelchair accessible.
What if someone in our party can’t do the hike?
There is a looping Mountain Lake PBS video, 'Under the Adirondacks,' available free of charge near the gift shop for those who opt not to hike.
Can we do longer hikes from the site?
Additional hiking trails are included with admission, with hikes to the top of Catamount or Green Hill available for the physically fit — these hikes must be started before 1 pm.