Ross Marble Quarry
Discover the historical Ross Marble Quarry, a Knoxville gem with unique rock formations, the intriguing Keyhole trail, and the beautiful Rose Marble.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Ross Marble Quarry
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the historical Ross Marble Quarry, a Knoxville gem with unique rock formations, the intriguing Keyhole trail, and the beautiful Rose Marble.
"A fun little trail and it's where you can see/get pictures of the unique quarry features."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails are rocky and can be overgrown. Good walking shoes are a must to avoid ankle injuries.
🗺️ Navigate Wisely
Don't follow dead-end Google Maps directions. Park near the railroad tracks and use Imery's Road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Keyhole
Ijams Quarry
A man-made hole from the 1920s, once used for equipment access. A truly unique historical marvel.
Unique Rock Formations
Ross Marble Quarry
Discover fascinating geological features and stunning photo opportunities that showcase the quarry's natural beauty.
Rose Marble
Ross Impero Marble
Admire the sought-after 'Rose Marble' with its soft rose background and delicate gold lines, perfect for warm designs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to the Quarry
Trail Conditions & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails are rocky and can be overgrown. Good walking shoes are a must to avoid ankle injuries.
🗺️ Navigate Wisely
Don't follow dead-end Google Maps directions. Park near the railroad tracks and use Imery's Road.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get humid, especially in summer, due to the nearby water. Bring plenty of water.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
Are there any active marble quarries near Knoxville?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails are rocky and can be overgrown. Good walking shoes are a must to avoid ankle injuries.
🗺️ Navigate Wisely
Don't follow dead-end Google Maps directions. Park near the railroad tracks and use Imery's Road.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get humid, especially in summer, due to the nearby water. Bring plenty of water.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The quarry offers unique photo ops with its rock formations and the Keyhole.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ross Marble Quarry for its unique geological formations and historical significance, particularly the Keyhole trail. The shaded, wooded paths offer a pleasant hiking experience, and it's noted as a dog-friendly location. Some reviewers mention that trails can be overgrown and rocky, requiring sturdy footwear.
"First - don’t follow the google directions down McClure Road as it dead ends into private property. Park near the railroad tracks and follow Imery’s. Nice restrooms at the parking lot. Short hike of a mike round trip. As many others have said, very cool rock formations and photo ops that are unique. Only thing is the trail is a bit overgrown. Wear good walking shoes as there is some ankle breaking rocks along the trail. Dog friendly and shaded."
N and C Farrell
"This is a fun little trail and it's where you can see/get pictures of the unique quarry features. Getting here is on a wooded trail with lots of shade, but it will get humid in the summer with all the water nearby. This is for sure a must see in the park."
Thirteendays
"This place is so piecefull, we've been looking for this quarry for a couple yrs. Finally found it and wow, what a place. There are some Lime Kilns close by."
Debra Hendee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Avoid following Google Maps directions down McClure Road, as it leads to private property. The best approach is to park near the railroad tracks and follow Imery's Road. There are nice restrooms available at the parking lot.
Yes, Ross Marble Quarry is part of the larger Ijams Quarry area in Knoxville, TN, which also includes Mead's Quarry Lake.
The trails are generally wooded and shaded, offering a pleasant walk. Parking near the railroad tracks and heading towards Imery's Road provides good access to the main trails.
Information regarding parking fees is not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, but restrooms are available at the designated parking area.
While GPS can be a starting point, be cautious of specific directions. It's recommended to use Imery's Road for access and be aware that some routes may dead-end.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required to visit Ross Marble Quarry. It appears to be an accessible natural area.
Specific operating hours for Ross Marble Quarry are not provided, but it's generally accessible as part of Ijams Quarry, which is a public park.
While generally safe, visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to rocky and overgrown trails. Be cautious of slippery moss when climbing rocks. There have been mentions of diving deaths, often attributed to intoxicated individuals.
Yes, you are free to roam around the quarry, but exercise caution as trails can be unclear in some areas and rocks can be slippery.
No age restrictions are mentioned for visiting Ross Marble Quarry. It's a family-friendly location.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the unique rock formations, the historical 'Keyhole' trail, and the beautiful 'Rose Marble' stone. It's a serene and calm natural environment.
The trails are described as wooded and shaded, with some sections being a bit overgrown and rocky. A short hike of about a mile round trip is typical.
Absolutely! The quarry offers unique photo opportunities with its geological features and the historical Keyhole.
While it's a quarry lake, diving is advised against due to past incidents, often linked to alcohol. Swimming conditions are not specified.
Yes, there are nice restrooms located at the parking lot near the railroad tracks.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Keyhole' trail offers a unique perspective with its natural rock bridge and man-made hole. The quarry's rock formations themselves are also highly photogenic.
Late afternoon often provides the best lighting with the 'golden hour,' enhancing the colors of the rock formations and the surrounding nature.
Yes, the 'Rose Marble' (Ross Impero Marble) is a visually striking stone with its rose background and gold lines, making it a great subject for close-up or detail shots.
Information on drone usage is not provided. It's advisable to check local park regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the quarry and rock formations. A macro lens can be useful for details on the marble.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Visiting in the late afternoon can yield beautiful 'golden hour' lighting, enhancing the textures and colors of the quarry. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Ross Marble Quarry
Beyond its industrial history, the quarry is known for its unique geological features. The Rose Marble, or Ross Impero Marble, is particularly noteworthy for its aesthetic appeal, characterized by a soft rose background with delicate gold lines.
This distinctive stone has been highly sought after for its warm and luxurious qualities in design projects. The quarry's natural formations offer a glimpse into the earth's processes, making it a site of both historical and geological interest.While the quarrying operations have ceased, the area has been preserved and transformed into a recreational space. Visitors can explore the trails, appreciate the natural beauty, and learn about the site's industrial heritage. The presence of old lime kilns nearby further adds to the historical context of the area, hinting at other related industries that once thrived here.
Exploring the Trails and Terrain
For those looking to explore beyond the main paths, the quarry allows for free roaming, but this comes with increased caution. The rocks can become slippery, particularly when covered in moss, making climbing or traversing them a riskier endeavor.
The Keyhole trail is a specific highlight, featuring a natural rock bridge and the historical man-made opening.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit