New York State has some truly amazing places to visit, and this quarry located near Syracuse is one of them. The Split Rock Quarry has a tragic history but is still fascinating and, in many ways, quite beautiful. Whether you visit in hopes of experiencing something a little supernatural or just want to enjoy the amazing sights of the quarry and the enormous stone crusher, this is a fantastic destination for the adventurer in all of us.
The Haunted Story of Split Rock Quarry
Split Rock Quarry was established in 1834 as a limestone quarry. It was eventually abandoned in 1912. In 1915, the quarry was recommissioned as a munitions factory and was responsible for producing approximately 1/4 of the TNT used by America in World War 1. On the night of July 2, 1918, a fire broke out and could not be brought under control. It eventually overtook the main factory building, reaching 1-3 tons of TNT, which blew up, killing over 50 men in the process.
Today the quarry has a reputation of being haunted by those who were killed in the explosion. Visitors who explore the quarry have reported hearing voices in the distance as well as the sounds of approaching footsteps with no one appearing. Some people have even claimed to hear the reviving of the stone crusher engine (even when there is no machine left.)
Painted Pathway
There isn’t a real parking lot here for visitors. You will need to park along the side of the road at the mouth of the trail. You will notice that the trail has been painted with lots of art and inspirational messages. (well, not all of them are inspirational, but what can you do.) The sidewalk paint is just a precursor to what you will see in the quarry.
I think this is the one thing that is disappointing about this destination. There is graffiti literally everywhere. (and there was quite a bit of garbage there when we visited too.) It is really disappointing to see nature defaced in that way. Personally, we enjoyed visiting this place so much, if I came into a few thousand dollars that I could spare, I would make cleaning this place up my singular priority.
The Stone Crusher and Underground Tunnel
Split Rock Quarry is fairly massive; the first thing you will want to visit (without getting lost) is the Stone Crusher and the Underground Tunnel in it. The Stone Crusher looks like a massive Aztec Temple. People enjoy trying to climb the stepped-out sides. Like everywhere in this quarry, be careful and watch your step.
Under the Stone Crusher, you will notice holes in the masonry on both sides. This is the underground tunnel. This can be super creepy to walk in, and I wouldn’t recommend trying this alone. This is definitely the kind of place I would avoid at night, but there were enough people around during the day when we visited to make it seem at least somewhat safer.
To Reach the Crusher/Tunnel: Walk up the main trail (the painted pathway) from the trailhead. When you get to the top, the trail will come to an intersection, you can either turn to the left or keep going straight. Proceed straight until you can see the Stone Crusher, which will appear on your left-hand side. You can’t miss it.
The Rock Quarry
The Rock Quarry is massive. The best part of it can be reached by turning left at the top of the painted pathway. This quarry is in layered sections, and there is a breathtaking view if you climb to the top. This is a pretty place if you can look beyond the graffiti.
Again, be careful and watch your step. Taking a tumble here could have disastrous results. We had fun walking around the quarry and through the woods that weave in and around the quarry. This is truly a unique destination, and some of the rock formations surrounded by trees reminded me of places that I have visited in the Southwestern United States.
Getting to Split Rock Quarry
Onondaga Blvd, Camillus – GPS Coordinates – 43.024539, -76.242194
Google Map Link
We found Split Rock Quarry fairly easily using Google Maps on our phone.
Please be sure to wear proper hiking boots or sneakers. This is not a flip-flop destination. It can feel pretty remote and isolated inside the quarry. This is not a destination to be hiked alone.
Please be respectful of residences near the quarry. Adventures in New York does not encourage trespassing. If you explore this destination, you do so at your own risk.
Have you been to the Split Rock Quarry? What did you think of it? Did we forget about anything? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.
I’m actually a Paranormal Investigator that has been up there many times… one of the other things that people experience is glowing orange and green from the chemicals from the quarry that spirits give off… also, make sure to wear pants due to a lot of ticks…. it also can be 80°-90° outside and inside the crusher it’s always 20° cooler
it is a beautiful. place I spent my child hood up there best book about it is called the night the rock blew up. I have a post card I was a split rock quarry with a message on it getting sent out to President Roosevelt that never made it because I have it LoL if u would like to see it get a hold of me .
I grew up with the quarry and worked for local emergency services for quite a while, and being overly interested in the paranormal, this place has always been a fun piece of local lore and a location of a lot of hubbub over the years.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I have to disagree about the graffiti along the pathway. It has had multiple layers over time wiped away by mother nature. I look forward to seeing the art that the quarry has when I visit. I appreciate the key locations people have put anti-suicide messages, more specifically, in the quarry itself.
Like I said, not everyone’s cup of tea, but some need “fate” to step in sometimes. So I’ll be glad for the paint. (:
Thank you so much for your article and specific directions on where to park. Went after fresh fallen snow, so we couldn’t see much on the ground, but it was beautiful with the white snow. Inside was fairly safe, watching our step (liter & rocks, uneven surfaces), and took a flashlight.