Rock Quarry Road is a short, low-key gravel forest road tucked into the western side of DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. More of a connector than a destination in itself, it threads between trail junctions east of the Corn Mill Shoals access area and ends at an old, small rock quarry — a landscape feature that rewards a short exploratory detour. The route is commonly used to stitch together longer loops that include Micajah, Twixt and Wilkie trails, and it appears on DuPont trail maps as a managed forest road of roughly one to one-and-a-half miles in length.
Getting there and parking
Most riders and hikers reach Rock Quarry Road from the Corn Mill Shoals access area on Cascade Lake Road (often referred to as Cascade Lakes Road on some maps). From Brevard, follow US‑276 toward Cedar Mountain and turn left on Cascade Lake Road; the Corn Mill Shoals lot is on the left about 1–2 miles down that road. The lot is a common staging point for loops that use Rock Quarry Road as a connector. Confirm current parking rules, trailhead hours, and any seasonal closures with DuPont State Recreational Forest before you go.
Route detail & riding character
Described on official maps as a forest road, Rock Quarry Road is primarily a packed gravel/earth track with gentle pitch and a few short, still climbs — suitable for beginner riders or families looking to extend a walk or ride without technical difficulty. Expect a steady, forested corridor rather than technical singletrack: well‑graded surface, room to pass, and intersections with named trails such as Micajah and Wilkie. Trail numbering and official maps show Rock Quarry Road used as a connector that makes pleasant, low‑stress loops possible. If you plan to ride the road as part of a longer mountain‑bike loop, be prepared to dismount and yield to hikers or horse traffic where trails converge.
Scenery and the quarry at the end
Near the road’s terminus is a small, old rock quarry and a rocky bald that several local guides and conservation groups mention as a scenic highlight. The quarry itself is a compact area of exposed stone and boulders — a quiet place to climb rocks, take photos, or pause for views — but it is not a developed overlook and is managed as part of the forest. Visitors should treat quarry surfaces and edges with care and avoid entering any areas that are posted as closed.
Connections and suggested loops
The real value of Rock Quarry Road is how easily it links nearby trails. Common loop ideas that local trail guides and visitor resources describe include: Corn Mill Shoals access → Twixt → Rock Quarry Road → Wilkie → return to Cascade Lake Road; or using Rock Quarry Road as the paved/gravel backbone to reach Micajah and then dropping downhill on Big Rock or Cedar Rock singletrack back to Corn Mill Shoals. These combinations let you build rides or hikes from a short out‑and‑back to a 3–5 mile loop depending on which singletrack you add. Check the latest DuPont trail map before plotting a loop to confirm route names and distances.
Safety, etiquette and seasonal notes
DuPont is a multi‑use forest: you will likely encounter hikers, other cyclists, and equestrians. Ride or walk predictably, announce your approach, and yield appropriately (horses and hikers generally have right of way). The quarry and rocky balds are natural features — edges, loose rock, and steep faces exist; treat them cautiously, keep children close, and avoid tempting cliff edges. Weather in the foothills can change quickly: wet granite slabs and saturated soils can be slippery. Finally, while DuPont maintains lots of accessible parking and signage, conditions such as temporary trail work or gated road sections can appear; confirm current trail status with DuPont’s visitor information before you head out.
Getting there
"From I-26 South, take exit 9 (Asheville Airpot). Go to the right towards the <br /> airport and Brevard. Go approximately 15 miles until NC 280 becomes US 276. <br /> Follow this into and through Brevard (staying on four lane hwy). Go <br /> approximately 9 miles past Brevard into Cedar Mtn, NC. Go left onto Cascade <br /> Lake Road. Go about 2 miles and you will see the parking area on the left.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Rock Quarry Road?
Official DuPont trail maps list Rock Quarry Road as a short forest road of about 1.0–1.3 miles; some third‑party trail descriptions and aggregated trail databases quote slightly different totals depending on start and end points, so check the map you’ll be using.
Is the quarry safe to explore?
The quarry is an unmanaged, natural feature. Many people visit it to scramble on boulders or enjoy the exposed stone, but surfaces can be unstable and there may be steep, unguarded edges. If you plan to explore, wear appropriate footwear, stay off unstable ledges, and heed any posted closures.
Can I mountain bike the entire route?
Yes — Rock Quarry Road is suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes, and it’s commonly included in mixed‑terrain loops. Expect nontechnical riding on compacted gravel and forest road surface; singletrack connections off the road are more technical depending on the trail.
Where should I park for the easiest access?
Park at the Corn Mill Shoals access area on Cascade Lake Road for the most direct access to the east end of Rock Quarry Road and nearby singletrack. Confirm parking fees, lot hours, and any event or maintenance closures before you go.
Are dogs allowed?
DuPont generally allows dogs on leash on most trails, but leash rules and sensitive area restrictions apply. Check the forest’s visitor rules for current leash and area guidelines before heading out.
A rider’s-eye exploration of Rock Quarry Road at DuPont State Recreational Forest: where easy gravel, a tucked-away rock quarry, and a web of singletrack meet. Practical route detail, access notes from Corn Mill Shoals, suggested loops, and safety reminders for a family-friendly outing.