SPLIT ROCK QUARRY RIDE

The weather has been in the high 60's and low 70's in Central NY for a few days and therefore it gave plenty of opportunities to do some real off road mountain biking. It was also nice to have a riding buddy, this time it was my brother.

Split Rock quarry is an interesting place to biking because of its history, location, and terrain. The quarry itself closed down in 1918 because of an explosion it the main TNT building. The explosion was so big that some people thought that it was an earthquake. The place was leveled, 50 people died, 

and it really never reopened after that. 

Its located in Camillus, NY in an area that is surrounded by housing developments. The Kasson Rd. entrance to the quarry is guarded by a disgruntled man that own's that piece of property. There have been legal wars on whether or not he can post off that property. So the word is out not use that entrance to the biking trails. Another bad entrance we learned while riding is at the end of Smoral Rd. There is a business at the end of the street and no good parking. Word has it that the owner has been calling the tow trucks to get ride of cars. The other entrance is on Wright Rd (dead end rd) off Split Rock Rd. The best place to park is at the King Memorial Park and bike up the road to the entrance. 

When on the trail, after a little trial and error, its best to stay to the right instead of going left, which leads to someone's business off Smoral Rd. Biking to the right at the next 2 intersections will bring you to a nice rocky/cliff like area with plenty of trails to do that weave in and out of wooded areas. Beyond the rocky cliff area if you keep left, will bring you into a wooded area that has plenty of ATV trails with plenty of nice "adrenaline rush" areas. Eventually the area opens up to a very flat ride. There is a reason why the place is called Split Rock. The open and flat areas aren't that interesting and probably best for motorized vehicles. At the end of the flats there will be more woods but they belong to that wonderful guy off Kasson Rd. So bike there at your own discretion. 

Overall, its good riding and that trip we did like 8 miles in about one hour.