I love seeking out abandoned places wherever I go. Since I was a kid, I've been strangely drawn to run-down buildings, historic forts no longer in use, and abandoned neighborhoods that look like an Apocalypse swept through, causing everyone to leave. For years, I have photographed deserted and uninhabited places, especially ones that involve a hike to get to. One such abandoned place in Ohio you can hike to is Deep Lock Quarry. Now part of a Metro Park, this preserved piece of history is truly fascinating.

Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park in Peninsula, Ohio, is home to a 19th-century quarry from which Berea sandstone was excavated. This particular sandstone is easy to cut and shape for construction projects including the locks of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Lock 28 is the deepest of the locks at 17 feet and is what the park is named after.

A 1.3-mile trail will lead you through woodlands and past remnants of a quarry that was first used in the 1800s. Even one of the founders of Akron’s American Cereal Works, which later became Quaker Oats, procured sandstone from here in order to create millstones for the company. The quarry was last used in the 1930s to gather sandstone to construct buildings within the parks district before it was abandoned for good.

Follow the out-and-back Deep Lock Quarry Trail through the park that will lead from the top to the bottom of the quarry to get the full scope of its size. It's always incredible to explore an abandoned place with so much history.

While you take a look around, you'll notice that the quarry is being reclaimed by nature with a thick forest growing around it. Wildlife is abundant here, and if you're into birdwatching, bring your binoculars — there are several species that call this park home. In fact, it's deemed an Important Bird Area.

With its mix of an abandoned quarry and nature, this is a fascinating park for both nature and history lovers to explore. Have you visited Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park yet? If you're interested in both abandoned and historic places in Ohio, this park is worth exploring. You can check out more photos plus other pertinent park information on the Summit Metro Parks website.

If you'd like to see the this abandoned place in Ohio for yourself, take a hike along the Deep Lock Quarry Trail. Follow the route on AllTrails, and don't forget to download the AllTrails+ app!