One of the many things that I have fallen in love with since moving to Virginia last year from Colorado is not only how welcoming and friendly everyone has been, but also how incredibly proud residents are of the region.
Probably the best example of this, at least for me, has been when someone finds out that I’m a photographer. Within seconds of learning this information, I am almost always met with, “Then you have to go to … fill in the blank ... and photograph there as it’s one of the most beautiful or interesting areas around Fredericksburg!”.
As I was still getting acclimated to my new surroundings, I would often ask a couple of reference questions about the place before filing the basic information away for future use.
As time went on and more people shared their favorite places with me, I realized a few places kept popping up over and over. I decided that exploring and sharing these “must-see” spots could be an opportunity to engage with this community.
I’ve decided to share my introductions to these hidden gems around the greater Fredericksburg area with the Fredericksburg Free Press. It gives us all a reason to get out and explore and maybe find a new hidden gem.
I began this journey at a spot I’d heard about through numerous people. And I’ve seen a few different social media posts about it.
It’s time for me to meet the Fredericksburg/Rappahannock Quarry.
Now I must mention that although this place is accessible via a few trails from a couple of different directions and an old quarry road that leads there as well, some of this is private property. Please do not trespass, do not swim or enter the water, or be prepared to face the consequences.
That said, let’s get on to my experience.
Walking the path to the quarry as a new day was breaking around me set off a few rambling thoughts. Some were wildly imaginative, as it was still somewhat dark out and I was making my way alone through a winding forested trail, but other questions were more grounded and focused on the task at hand. Such as, when was this quarry in operation, why did it close, but more importantly, what draws people here now and why was it so often mentioned as a must-see place?
While I’m still chasing down answers on those first two questions, the answers to the latter became abundantly clear as I made my way through a final tunnel of trees. As the overhead canopy began to give way, I was suddenly met with an opening to a tranquil landscape that could only be created by something as legendary as the quarry itself.
Not only was it stunningly beautiful to just walk up on, but it was also instantly meditative. The juxtaposition of the hum of cars passing over the nearby Rappahannock Falls Bridge, mixed with the sound of croaking frogs greeting my arrival, made for the perfect background noise to immediately cancel out all of the normal brain chatter that’s roaming around in my head. I could just breathe in the calm, reflective serenity of the scene.
After taking a few moments and some photos, I began to see why so many people feel a connection to this place. Not only is it a piece of picturesque solitude tucked away in the middle of town, but, much like the visible signs that expose the layers of geology and time around the area, the hints of interactions between man and nature are apparent as well. It feels like a secluded shelter.
With trails for walking or biking encircling the lake, combined with the overall beauty of the area, its attraction is now very much understood and appreciated. Whether for exercise, creative exploration, or just admiring the view, the quarry is a must-see for all in the area. I look forward to many more hikes around the trails with my wife and our dog.
A huge thank you to everyone who gave me this recommendation and I can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes me!
Where should we send Jeff next? Email us: [email protected].
