Oakes Quarry Park
Discover ancient fossils and dramatic cliffs in this former limestone quarry, offering a unique 'out west' feel in Ohio.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Oakes Quarry Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient fossils and dramatic cliffs in this former limestone quarry, offering a unique 'out west' feel in Ohio.
"A unique, wild landscape with ancient fossils and dramatic cliffs, perfect for hiking and photography."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky and uneven paths are common. Wear good hiking shoes for comfort and safety, especially when searching for fossils.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no amenities like water fountains or restrooms, so pack everything you need for your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Fossil Beds
Various trails
Uncover Silurian Age fossils, remnants of a prehistoric ocean, embedded in the quarry walls. A unique glimpse into Ohio's ancient past.
Dramatic Quarry Cliffs
Throughout the park
Towering limestone walls create a striking, almost otherworldly landscape, perfect for photography and exploration.
Pearl's Fen Wetland Boardwalk
Pearl's Fen area
A 700-foot boardwalk winds through a unique wetland, offering a different natural perspective and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fossil Hunting Fun
Explore the Quarry Landscape
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky and uneven paths are common. Wear good hiking shoes for comfort and safety, especially when searching for fossils.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no amenities like water fountains or restrooms, so pack everything you need for your visit.
🔍 Fossil Hunting Patience
Fossils can be elusive! Hike further into the park and keep a keen eye on the exposed rock faces.
📸 Capture the Views
The quarry's unique landscape offers dramatic backdrops for photos, from cliffs to wetlands.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky and uneven paths are common. Wear good hiking shoes for comfort and safety, especially when searching for fossils.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no amenities like water fountains or restrooms, so pack everything you need for your visit.
🔍 Fossil Hunting Patience
Fossils can be elusive! Hike further into the park and keep a keen eye on the exposed rock faces.
📸 Capture the Views
The quarry's unique landscape offers dramatic backdrops for photos, from cliffs to wetlands.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome and often enjoy exploring the trails and water areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Oakes Quarry Park for its unique, wild landscape and the exciting opportunity to discover ancient fossils. It's a great spot for casual hiking and photography, offering a distinct 'out west' feel. However, the lack of amenities like restrooms and the rocky terrain can be drawbacks for some.
"Great place for casual hiking. It is located in an old limestone quarry and has a wide open wilderness feel to it. No real restrooms, no amenities at all. Mostly flat rocky walkways with good views of the surrounding cliffs. Watch your children. I love this park."
Brad Whalen (Whalen)
"Pretty trails. Lots of wild life. But if you are looking for fossils this didn't seem to be the best place, but we didn't stay long. So maybe we missed the good spots"
Crystal M
"The hike in for fossils was about a mile or so in. Some larger stones on most of the paths. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. We spent a while looking for fossils but eventually found some cool ones. MUCH older than even dinosaur species! So cool to see this amazing example of Silurian Age Fossils."
Ana Barth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oakes Quarry Park is located in Fairborn, Ohio. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors mention it's a short drive from Dayton.
Public transport options to Oakes Quarry Park are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle for convenience.
The park features a network of trails. While some are wide and relatively flat, others can be rocky. A map isn't always readily available, so exploring and enjoying the natural paths is part of the experience.
Yes, Oakes Quarry Park is close to Dayton, Ohio, where you can visit the Wright Brothers Memorial and Aviation Museum.
The park is generally well-marked, but some visitors describe it as a 'hidden gem.' Using GPS is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Oakes Quarry Park is a public park and does not require an admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check local listings or the Ohio DNR website for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
There's no need to book or reserve anything, as it's a free public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Admission to Oakes Quarry Park is completely free. Enjoy the natural beauty without any cost.
Oakes Quarry Park does not have a formal visitor center or staffed information desk. Information is primarily gathered from online resources and community tips.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, from wide, relatively flat paths to more rugged, rocky walkways. Some trails lead to fossil hunting areas, while others explore the wetland.
Yes, it's known for its 440-million-year-old fossils. While some visitors find them easily, others suggest hiking further in and looking closely at exposed rock faces.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms or amenities like picnic tables at Oakes Quarry Park. Visitors are advised to come prepared.
Due to the rocky and uneven terrain on many trails, Oakes Quarry Park is generally not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Visitors have reported seeing various wildlife, including birds and other small creatures, especially around the wetland areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Oakes Quarry Park does not have any food or dining facilities within the park itself. It's a natural area focused on outdoor exploration.
While there are no designated picnic areas or tables, you are welcome to bring your own food for a picnic. However, remember to pack out all trash.
The nearest dining options are in the nearby city of Fairborn or the larger city of Dayton, which offer a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
There are no regular food trucks scheduled for Oakes Quarry Park. It's best to plan your meals before or after your visit.
It's highly recommended to pack plenty of water and snacks, as you'll be spending time outdoors with no facilities available.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic quarry cliffs, the unique wetland boardwalk, and the exposed fossil beds offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The 'out west' vibe is also a popular subject.
Drone usage is generally permitted in many parks, but it's always best to check local regulations or the Ohio DNR guidelines to ensure compliance.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the dramatic landscape. Early mornings can also offer soft, diffused light.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial shoots or large-scale productions might require permits.
Absolutely! Photographing the ancient fossils is a great way to document your discovery and share the park's unique geological history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trails can be rocky and uneven, making them less ideal for strollers, older children can enjoy the hiking and the thrill of discovery. The wetland boardwalk provides a different, more accessible experience. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on-site, and keep a close eye on children due to the quarry's terrain.
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1The park's open spaces and dramatic cliffs provide a visually engaging experience. While it's not a strenuous hike, the rocky paths require decent footwear. It's also a pet-friendly location, making it ideal for dog owners looking for a scenic place to walk their companions.
📸 Photographers & Creatives
+1Golden hour in the late afternoon or soft morning light can enhance the dramatic landscape. Whether you're capturing nature, seeking a unique portrait setting, or experimenting with drone photography, the park provides an inspiring canvas. Remember to be mindful of the natural environment while you create.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing Ancient History: Fossil Hunting at Oakes Quarry
Many visitors find success by looking for imprints of ancient corals, brachiopods, and other marine organisms. The sheer age of these fossils, predating dinosaurs, makes any find a remarkable connection to Earth's deep past. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural environment while you explore. Bringing a small brush can help reveal details on discovered fossils.
It's important to manage expectations; not every visitor will find a significant fossil. However, the thrill of the hunt and the unique geological landscape make the search itself a rewarding experience. The park's open, rugged terrain provides ample opportunity to explore and discover these ancient relics.
The Unique Landscape: From Quarry to Park
+1Beyond the quarry walls, the park also features Pearl's Fen, a wetland area accessed by a 700-foot boardwalk. This offers a different ecological perspective, showcasing the diverse natural habitats that have reclaimed the land. The juxtaposition of the rugged quarry and the serene wetland provides varied scenery for visitors to enjoy.
While the park is celebrated for its natural beauty and unique geological features, it's worth noting that it lacks amenities like restrooms. This means visitors should be well-prepared for their outing, bringing all necessary supplies. The 'wasteland vibe,' as some describe it, adds to the park's unique character, making it a memorable destination for those seeking something different.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit