If you are looking for a fun and adventurous day trip in the Hudson Valley, you might want to check out the bee hive kilns in Wassaic, NY and the Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains, NY. These are two unique and historic attractions that will make you appreciate the natural and cultural heritage of this region. Here is a brief guide on how to visit them and what to expect.
The bee hive kilns are located in the hamlet of Wassaic, about 90 miles north of New York City. They are the remnants of an iron works operation that was established in the 1820s by Reed, Gridley & Co. The kilns were used to produce charcoal from wood, which was then used to fuel a blast furnace for smelting iron ore. The kilns are conical structures made of local stone, measuring 30 feet in diameter and 16 feet in height. They have a corbelled dome with an opening at the top and a large arch at the entrance. They look like ancient tombs or temples, and have a mysterious and majestic aura.
To get to the kilns, you need to drive or take the Metro-North Harlem line train to Wassaic station. From there, you can walk or bike along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to the historic hamlet of Wassaic. When you reach the Wassaic Project, an artists’ cooperative, turn right onto Furnace Bank Road and continue to the end, where you will see Route 22. Cross the road and look for a historic marker on the left side of Deep Hollow Road. The kilns are on private property, so please be respectful and do not litter or damage anything.
The kilns are open to the public from dawn to dusk, and there is no admission fee. You can learn more about the history of the iron works and the people who worked there from the informational signs along the trail. The kilns are part of the Upper Housatonic Valley Iron Heritage Trail, which includes other sites related to the iron industry in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
After visiting the kilns, you can continue your adventure by driving or taking the train to Dover Plains, where you will find another hidden gem: the Dover Stone Church. This is not a real church, but a natural rock formation that resembles a Gothic cathedral window. It is formed by a fissure in the metamorphic rock through which a stream flows, creating a waterfall and a pool inside a cave. The cave is about 30 feet high and 15 feet wide, and has a stunning view of the surrounding forest.
To get to the Stone Church, you need to park either at Dover Elementary School or at one of the local businesses that allow visitors to use their parking spaces. You can find more information about parking options in the official visitor’s guide. From there, you need to walk along Route 22 until you see a yellow-and-blue historical marker for Dover Stone Church. Turn into the driveway that leads to the trailhead. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with signs and markers along the way. It is about half a mile long and takes about 15 minutes to reach the Stone Church.
The Stone Church is open from dawn to dusk, and there is no admission fee. You can enter the cave and admire the waterfall and the rock formations. You can also learn more about the history and legends of this place from the official visitor’s guide. The Stone Church has been a popular attraction since the 1830s, when thousands of visitors would come to see this natural wonder and stay at the nearby Stone Church Hotel. It is also said that during the American Revolution, Chief Metacomet (also known as King Philip) of the Wampanoag tribe hid in this cave from his enemies.
The Stone Church is part of the Dover Stone Church Preserve, which is a 174-acre public preserve that features more than four miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats and landscapes. You can explore other trails that lead to scenic overlooks, wetlands, meadows, and forests. You can also enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and fishing in this preserve.
The bee hive kilns in Wassaic and the Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains are two amazing destinations that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time or entered another world. They are both accessible by car or public transportation, and they are free to visit. They are also great places to enjoy nature, history, culture, and art in one day trip. If you are looking for something different and exciting to do in the Hudson Valley, you should definitely give them a try. You won’t regret it!