Hone Quarry Recreation Area

Description

Elevation: 1933 ft.

This recreation area sits on Hone Quarry Run, which runs down through the Hone Quarry Reservoir and back behind the picnic area. The presence of water combined with lush white pine and hemlock forest supports a variety of wildlife. The addition of large open fields around the reservoir further diversifies the habitats to be explored. Visitors should search for water birds such as great blue and green herons and belted kingfisher on the reservoir. The wildlife on the lake should be exceptionally plentiful during migration and in winter when the lake can support a variety of waterfowl. The edges of the lake are worth searching for sunning eastern painted turtles while the banks should be checked for a variety of damselflies as well as red-spotted purple and spicebush swallowtail. The fields surrounding the lake are perfect habitat for indigo bunting, American goldfinch, and chipping sparrow, which seem to appear on almost every suitable perch. Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be seen flitting amongst the flowers. Around the recreation area the pines and hemlocks support pileated woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, white-breasted nuthatch and red-eyed vireo.

Notes:

• The road to Hone Quarry Recreation Area is paved but very rough. Although not required, a 4WD/AWD vehicle is recommended.
• High clearance vehicles are necessary past the gravel parking area at the top of the reservoir berm.

Directions

Location: Hone Quarry Rd., Dayton, VA

Coordinates: 38.462289, -79.134881

From Harrisonburg, VA, take U.S. 42 South for approximately 3 miles to the intersection with State Route (S.R.) 257 at Dayton. Turn right off U.S. 42 onto S.R. 257 (west) and proceed until you reach a stop sign. Turn left still on S.R. 257 to Briery Branch. In Briery Branch, turn right still on S.R. 257 and follow to the intersection of S.R. 257 and Forest Development Road (FDR) 62. Turn right onto FDR 62 and follow 1.7 miles to the Hone Quarry Campground.