Summer 2020 LOCALadk Magazine 41
LOCALadk
The Essex Quarr y Nature Park is located on the southern
edge of Essex, about a half-mile from the Essex- Charlotte,
Vt., Ferr y landing. Although New York State Route 22 runs di-
rectly by the park, the Essex Quarr y Nature Park feels like it
is light-years from civilization and will provide quiet solitude
for visitors and Essex residents alike.
The quarr y itself is a short hike from Route 22, and fea-
tures a cr ystalline pool that, like a chameleon, absorbs the
colors of its surroundings, including the dark cedars, blue
skies and colorful shrubs. Limestone steps of quarried bed-
rock wall the pond, and blocks of cut rock the color of doves
are strewn about the site. A rusting GMC truck stands frozen
in time with a load of stone that never got delivered. Farther
back in the woods, a brook dances through trees and rocks
and then disappears into a stony crevasse, not to be seen
again until it spouts from a Lake Champlain cliff more than a
quarter mile distant.
To preser ve and protect the park for future generations,
C ATS is building an endowment through private donations
and public and private grants, including an array of naming
opportunities. More details on the project and how interest-
ed parties can get involved may be found on the C ATS web-
site or by calling the office at 518-962-2287.
Champlain Area Trails (C ATS) is a nonprofit organization
that creates and maintains hiking and cross-countr y ski trails
in the Champlain Valley, with the goal of linking communi-
ties, connecting people with nature, and promoting econom-
ic vitality. C ATS is also an accredited land trust working to
conser ve natural communities, farmland, clean water, and
scenic vistas. Information on future C ATS events and activi-
ties is available at champlainareatrails.com and by following
C ATS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please call 518-
962-2287 for more information.
