GALLERY: Photographer explores a hidden gem in Fredericksburg

One of the various issues that I’ve fallen in love with since transferring to Virginia final 12 months from Colorado shouldn’t be solely how welcoming and pleasant everybody has been, but additionally how extremely proud residents are of the area.

Probably one of the best instance of this, not less than for me, has been when somebody finds out that I’m a photographer. Within seconds of studying this info, I’m nearly at all times met with, “Then you have to go to … fill in the blank ... and photograph there as it’s one of the most beautiful or interesting areas around Fredericksburg!”.

As I used to be nonetheless getting acclimated to my new environment, I’d usually ask a few reference questions concerning the place earlier than submitting the fundamental info away for future use.

As time went on and extra individuals shared their favourite locations with me, I spotted just a few locations saved popping up again and again. I made a decision that exploring and sharing these “must-see” spots could possibly be a possibility to interact with this group.

I’ve determined to share my introductions to those hidden gems across the larger Fredericksburg space with the Fredericksburg Free Press. It offers us all a cause to get out and discover and perhaps discover a new hidden gem.

I started this journey at a spot I’d heard about by quite a few individuals. And I’ve seen just a few completely different social media posts about it.

It’s time for me to fulfill the Fredericksburg/Rappahannock Quarry.

Now I have to point out that though this place is accessible through just a few trails from a few completely different instructions and an outdated quarry street that leads there as nicely, a few of that is non-public property. Please don’t trespass, don’t swim or enter the water, or be ready to face the results.

That mentioned, let’s get on to my expertise.

Walking the trail to the quarry as a brand new day was breaking round me set off just a few rambling ideas. Some have been wildly imaginative, because it was nonetheless considerably darkish out and I used to be making my approach alone by a winding forested path, however different questions have been extra grounded and targeted on the duty at hand. Such as, when was this quarry in operation, why did it shut, however extra importantly, what attracts individuals right here now and why was it so usually talked about as a must-see place?

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

Rappahannock Quarry Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kearney.

While I’m nonetheless chasing down solutions on these first two questions, the solutions to the latter grew to become abundantly clear as I made my approach by a closing tunnel of timber. As the overhead cover started to provide approach, I used to be ran into with a gap to a tranquil panorama that might solely be created by one thing as legendary because the quarry itself.

Not solely was it stunningly stunning to simply stroll up on, but it surely was additionally immediately meditative. The juxtaposition of the hum of automobiles passing over the close by Rappahannock Falls Bridge, combined with the sound of croaking frogs greeting my arrival, made for the proper background noise to right away cancel out all the regular mind chatter that’s roaming round in my head. I might simply breathe within the calm, reflective serenity of the scene.

After taking just a few moments and a few images, I started to see why so many individuals really feel a connection to this place. Not solely is it a bit of picturesque solitude tucked away in the course of city, however, very like the seen indicators that expose the layers of geology and time across the space, the hints of interactions between man and nature are obvious as nicely. It appears like a secluded shelter.

With trails for walking or biking encircling the lake, mixed with the general great thing about the world, its attraction is now very a lot understood and appreciated. Whether for train, artistic exploration, or simply admiring the view, the quarry is a must-see for all within the space. I look ahead to many extra hikes across the trails with my spouse and our canine.

An enormous thanks to everybody who gave me this advice and I can’t wait to see the place the subsequent journey takes me!

Where ought to we ship Jeff subsequent? Email us: [email protected].