Not many people realize North Carolina is home to the world’s largest open-faced rock quarry. Or that before Mt. Airy became famous as the inspiration for the iconic town of Mayberry from TV’s “The Andy Griffith Show,” the local rock quarry had long since already put the tiny North Carolina town on the world map. So next time you visit this little Mayberry town make sure you go on the Mt. Airy Granite Quarry tour. This recording-breaking piece of land is a geological wonder and a must-see in the area. Why you ask? I will tell you why, because of explosions! That’s right you can watch several explosions throughout the day day at the safe distance overlook. I guess you can say a trip to this quarry is going to be a real blast…
The snow white granite from the Mt. Airy Granite Quarry is now owned by a company named Polycor in Mt. Airy and has been used in numerous famous buildings over the last 150 years.
The U.S. Gold Depository adjacent to Fort Knox is a prime example. It may be gold on the inside, but the outside is snow white and constructed of granite from right here at the world's largest open-faced quarry. The granite found in this quarry has been used in all sorts of construction projects and found in prominent buildings all across the United States. With the smooth white natural look, it's tough to say no to such a beautiful stone.
The quarry is so big, that astronauts have reported seeing it from outer space.
It measures more than a mile long and is at least a half-mile wide. The corporation that owns the quarry predicts there is enough granite here to supply the world for thousands of years. We are lucky to have such a wonderful geological gem right in our own backyard!
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Do you want to know another secret only the locals know about?
There is a hidden observation deck on the edge of the quarry where, anytime the quarry is open (weekdays and weekends), you can go observe the mining. The blasts are especially fun to see! That's right you can witness the explosive fun from the safe observation deck.
From here, you'll have a front row seat to watch all of the action, including several blasts per day! While waiting for the next big explosion, you can view the various precision cuts that make those perfectly straight stones used in building projects all over the country.
Since this is a fully operational quarry, and the mine must follow the rules of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the general public is not permitted inside the mine for safety reasons.
But the observation deck is perfectly poised to give you a first-hand experience and plenty of action as the big equipment maneuvers the large cut stone and crusher rocks around the quarry. From your perch on the observation deck located on a bluff overlooking the quarry, you'll be able to see much of the mine and the many explosions that take place each day. If you have ever been curious about where some of the best granite in the country comes from this self-guided tour is perfect for you. Then again you might just have an affinity for explosions (Which we totally understand) than this place is also perfect for you to witness epic blow-ups.
Once you see this gorgeous granite quarry you still have plenty to see and do in this little North Carolina town. Relive the golden age of American small-town living and rent out Laura's Mayberry Home for the night and stay awhile longer.
This quiet little neighborhood home will put you right in the middle of the Andy Giffith Show. It is like stepping back in time and seeing a town that has stuck to its roots. There is plenty of fun to be had right in town from seeing all the sights and places from the show. The house itself has enough room for up to four guests with a king-sized bed in one bedroom and a queen-sized bed in the other. Spend the night then wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready for a down exploring Mt. Airy. To book a night or for more information please follow the link to Laura's Mayberry Home.
It’s free to visit the observation deck and take the Mt. Airy Granite Quarry tour! It’s accessible by car (with parking at the deck) and is open any day that the quarry is in operation (even on weekends!) during daylight hours. To learn more about the North Carolina Granite Corporation please visit the Polycor website for everything you need to know. Did you know about this awesome self-tour or that North Carolina is home to the largest open-faced quarry in the world? Join the discussion in the comments!
The above quarry isn’t the only “world’s largest” on the record books in North Carolina. We’re also home to one of the world’s largest zoos.to learn more about amazing animal amusement check out the North Carolina Zoo.
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