Castalia Quarry MetroPark

The history of the Castalia Quarry Reserve really begins millions of years ago when a shallow saltwater sea occupied and formed this area in Castalia, Ohio. The site, shown in photos below,  was first quarried for limestone in 1870 and that continued for almost a hundred years until the operation was closed in 1965. Twenty-two years later, in 1987, the Wagner Quarries Company donated 110 acres of quarried land to the Erie Metroparks who then purchased an additional 42 acres on the north side of highway 101 which then made the reserve 152 acres, which is one of the largest parks currently managed by Erie Metroparks. The 110 acres of the original Castalia Quarry Reserve is on the south side of Route 101 and consists of the Fossil Trail, the Dolomite Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail which features the "Observation Platform" which is located ¾ of mile from the parking lot. This popular trail is mostly an uphill, uneven trail grade and not senior friendly.

Pond at Castalia Quarry Reserve

Panoramic View from "Observation Platform" at Castalia Quarry Reserve

Levee Loop Trail Review: Castalia Quarry Reserve features two trails on the north side of  State Highway 101 plus the parks stone parking area. The main trail is the Levee Loop Trail which is 1.7 miles and can be entered by either the east or west side of the parking lot. This is a very scenic trail that is made up of compacted earth or meadow grass which means the trail can be muddy or wet in the early mornings or after storms in the area. The other trail is named the Fringed Gentian Loop which is a short .37 mile trail that is in front of the other trail. Both trails are loop style so you will end up back at the parking lot although the Levee Loop will come out opposite of the side of the lot you entered. Either trail is more senior friendly than those on the other side of the road.  For those of you who are photographers, this is a great place to shoot photos of butterfly's which abound in the late summer/early fall. These trails are not handicapped accessable.