Skytop Quarry

Syracuse has a few hidden gems and this is definitely one of them. Beyond Syracuse University’s South Campus is another world of wooded trails, decaying graffitied buildings and a massive abandoned rock quarry.
The pit itself is deep and not always easy to enter, so keep an eye out for paths that lead to the bottom.
The area is pretty barren, but you may find the occasional wrecked/​torched car, «art installation» (i.e., doll heads lined up on a log), or remnants of a fire pit and/​or party. The emptiness and decay tends to spook visitors, so never travel alone!
I used to come here a lot to go mountain biking with friends. The area has single track gravel paths for beginners and an impressive combination of man-​made and natural stunts, hills, drops, bridges, and climbs for more advanced riders.
I’m almost positive that the entire quarry is off limits, so watch out for cops or you might get busted for trespassing. But don’t let that deter you from going! The Skytop Quarry is eerily wonderful.