The Houdaille Quarry, often called the “Grand Canyon of Union
County”, and normally closed to the public, will be open on Sunday,
May 4th at 1:30 PM for walking tours sponsored by the Springfield
Environmental Commission.
The Quarry is an ecologically unique wild area in Springfield,
located between Rt.78 and Mount View Rd., with trails to a deep basin and
to a beautiful pond where wild turkeys, foxes, coyotes and colorful
migrating birds have been spotted. It is an important part of the greenway
linking Briant Park, Hidden Valley Park, and Watchung Reservation.
Basalt, a hard black volcanic rock, was once quarried here, and
crushed to make gravel for road construction. Later, during the construction
of Route 78, the building debris (rocks, dirt and gravel) was used to fill in
sections of the area. Now the quarry is the site of the largest leaf
composting facility in the Union County and services 10 municipalities.
The Springfield Environmental Commission will lead moderately
strenuous two mile round trips down to the pond with the possibility of some
shorter walks to scenic viewpoints. Sturdy shoes, long pants, and long
sleeved shirts are recommended. Binoculars and cameras are suggested.
Responsible adults must accompany children.
Going from Springfield to Summit along Shunpike Rd., make a left
after the Baltusrol Golf course on to Mount View Rd. The Quarry entrance
is on the right about one mile up Mount View Road – look for the signs.
Enter the gate and park in the designated parking area.