Settlement Quarry Preserve
A pink granite quarry that supplied stone for the Williamsburg Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, and the Robert Kennedy memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. Now an IHT trail system with panoramic views of Merchant Row and Isle au Haut from the top of the old quarry head.
The Settlement Quarry's pink granite was formed at least 300 million years ago, exposed at the surface after millennia of erosion, and quarried aggressively in the early 20th century. The first major granite shipment went to the Williamsburg Bridge in 1902. After that: the George Washington and Triborough Bridges, Grand Central Terminal, Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, and others. The quarry's last major shipment — the last stone it ever cut — went to Washington D.C. for the Robert Kennedy memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. After a brief reopening in the 1960s, the quarry closed permanently around 1980.
Island Heritage Trust acquired the quarry in 1996. The 1.8-mile trail system covers the site with informational signage on geology and history. The main route up is either the 0.5-mile Glacial Erratic trail (winding, more challenging) or the 0.3-mile Old Quarry Road (gently sloped, the most accessible route on the island). Both reach the viewing platform and overlook at the quarry head, where the view extends to Merchant Row and Isle au Haut.
The geology is worth attention: the asymmetric shape of the quarry hill — gentle north slope, steep south face — is a textbook glaciated landscape. The pink color comes from microcline feldspar; quartz and biotite mica make up most of the rest. The Deer Isle granite from Crotch Island is still actively quarried for countertop veneers; the Settlement site can't supply suitable stone because of bedrock fractures.
Directions: south on Route 15, past Airport Road on the left, right onto Oceanville Road; the entrance is on the right in less than a mile.
What Visitors Say
"This place is so cool. Some of the locals said they put on plays and concerts here. It's an easy walk lots to see has a great look out"
"Looking for easy to moderate trails with some level trails in the mix. Perfect walk with our 2 dogs on variety of terrain, woods, open areas with several great views from granite boulders with plenty of places to sit and chill. Enjoyed reading the history of the quarry. Well marked trails."
"Very easy hike. Nice place to walk the dogs and get some views of the islands and the old granite quarry! Granite from this quarry was used for the statue of liberty and empire state building...fun fact!"
Local Tips
- Old Quarry Road (the 0.3-mile access road) is the most accessible route to the views — suitable for those who want the payoff without the technical trail.
- There are drop-offs at the quarry head — watch your footing, especially with kids.
- The Grout Pile and Overlook trail give views into the quarry from below, which shows the scale of the operation.
- Popular trail — arrive early or on a weekday to avoid parking conflicts.
Connected To
- Crystal Cove Preserve — just down Oceanville Road, clamming access and quiet coastal forest; good pairing
- Lily Pond Park — freshwater swimming nearby; logical combine for a half-day
- Deer Isle Thorofare (Mark Island) Lighthouse — the same granite that built New York bridges is what Stonington's working harbor is made of