We look forward to welcoming you for a visit during select “open gate” hours, for a private tour, or for a special event this year.
If you would like to visit or attend an event—after you’ve read the information under “Be Advised,” below—click on the “Sign Up” button above to go to the calendar. Then, click on a date to view scheduled events. If there are no events listed on the date that you would like to visit, contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
Be Advised
As a natural site, the Quarry Gardens have no paved surfaces. Trails are covered in wood chips. There are places where cliffs drop directly into the quarry pools; there are no fences. Although our liability is limited by Virginia law, we want you to be safe. The site may not be suitable for children under six. Pets are not allowed.
- The main trail is just under a mile in length. There is a 60-foot difference in elevation, made somewhat easier to navigate by 100+ rock stairs. (This is not a place for flimsy shoes, strollers, pets, or loose children.)
- Visitors who are unable to walk the trail may ask to drive around the site to see highlights of the gardens.
- Allow at least two hours for your tour; the first half hour will include an orientation in the Visitor Center.
- We ask that you respect the gardens by leaving only footprints and taking only images.
Fees
The fee for a regularly scheduled guided tour is $10 per person or $5 per child age 16 or under.
If you are unable to find a tour at a time that suits your schedule, you may arrange a private tour.
If we must cancel an event for weather—normally we go unless heavy rain is forecast—your fee can be refunded in full or applied to the rescheduled event. If you are unable to attend a reserved tour and notify us at least 48 hours ahead, we can refund your ticket price via PayPal. Alternately, you can use your ticket to attend a tour at a different time.
Group Visits and Private Tours
Individuals or touring groups are invited to schedule visits. Contact us to set a date. Group visits (10-40 people) are given for $10/person. Private tours (1-9 people) are given for $25/person.
Special Events
Throughout the year, experts offer an array of on-site educational programs here. Usually, these take the form of a classroom presentation followed by a guided walk or hands-on session outdoors. Topics have included mycology, geology, birding, wildflowers, trees, salamanders, butterflies, caterpillars, dragonflies, moths, spiders—the list grows. Occasionally, we host artistic programs as well. If you would like to receive advance notice of events through email, please Contact Us.
Parking
There are spaces for 21 cars in the parking lot, with two handicapped spaces adjacent to the Visitor Center. There is also a bus parking space, and room for about 20 cars along the entry road.
Facilities
The Visitor Center has a classroom that may be configured to seat 40, or 24 at seminar tables, with a lectern and audiovisual system. There is a small lounge area, a restroom, and a water fountain.
Food
You may bring food. A picnic pavilion accommodating as many as 40 is located near the Visitor Center. We ask that you pack out anything you bring in.
Directions
The Quarry Gardens are at 1643 Salem Road in Schuyler VA. Schuyler is about 31 miles south of Charlottesville, 50 miles north of Lynchburg, 50 miles east of Staunton, 99 miles west of Richmond, and is best reached via Route 29 south of Charlottesville. From Rt. 29 (about 22 miles south of Charlottesville):
- Turn onto Rt. 6 E toward Scottsville and proceed about 6 miles
- Turn right on Rt. 800 (Schuyler Road) toward Schuyler (signs will also point to Walton’s Mountain Museum); proceed about 2 miles to T in center of Schuyler
- Turn left on Rt. 617 (Rockfish River Road), go short distance, passing two churches
- Turn right near bottom of hill onto Rt. 693 (Salem Road) and immediately cross river at Walkers Mill Dam. Proceed about 1/2 mile through settlements
- Turn right at gate (1643 Salem Road) to Quarry Gardens (marked by large rock). Enter through open sliding gate or use keypad to call for assistance
- For regular parking or drop off, proceed to the parking lot on the left
- For handicapped parking, pass the parking lot entrance and make the second left onto the road to the Visitor Center
- Park and follow the stone path at far end of the parking lot to the Visitor Center entrance
