Dibbles Quarry – Elka Park, New York - Atlas Obscura

Dibbles Quarry

Elka Park, New York

An abandoned 19th century quarry in the middle of the woods, remade by unnamed wanderers into a massive series of rock thrones. 

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It is a setting out of a fantasy.

A “throne room” in the middle of the woods, overlooking a vast valley vista. King and Queen thrones tower over 5 others that sit nearby. A raised firepit offers warmth as court is held.

Dibble’s Quarry was in operation until sometime around the late 1800s, and it is said that some of the bluestone quarried there was used for sidewalks in New York City. Long abandoned, this lonesome mountain of rock shards in the middle of nowhere has fantastically transformed in recent years. 

No one knows how it came to be – whether built by one person or many persons, over a summer, over many years – but thanks to these anonymous artists, the mysterious rooms, thrones, benches, fire pits, and even a sort of spiral staircase feel as if they could have been part of the landscape for centuries. And for all we know, perhaps they have. 

Know Before You Go

Take 212 West to Centerville. Right on Rt. 35. Left on Rt. 33, which becomes Rt. 16. Left on Dale Road. Right on Roaring Kill Road. Trailhead on left.

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October 21, 2013

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