Lake Erie Islands Stone Quarry Circuit

The abandoned limestone quarries on South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) offer a unique off-road experience accessible only by ferry from the mainland. These century-old quarries, which supplied stone for Cleveland’s breakwaters, feature flooded pits, limestone ledges, and narrow quarry roads that wind between 40-foot walls of Devonian-era rock. The main circuit connects Perry’s Cave quarry to the South Shore quarry via the old tramway grade, passing through dense island forests where cars are outnumbered by golf carts.

Moderate difficulty requiring careful line choice over limestone shelves and around deep water pits. Ferry restrictions limit vehicle size, making this perfect for compact 4x4s and side-by-sides. Summer months offer the best ferry schedule, but spring and fall provide solitude on the island. No camping on the quarry sites, but nearby state park campgrounds are available. This geological playground combines Great Lakes island culture with legitimate rock-crawling challenges.