Revision 3/05/2016 8:26 AM
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Millbrook Quarry (aka Lake Millbrook)
 Lat/Long: 38.8234,-77.704, Haymarket, VA 20143
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Max Depth: 81-90ft/25-27m
Average Viz: 11-15ft/3-5m
Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Clay/Muck
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Spring: Under 50°F/10°C
Summer: 66-70°F/19-21°C
Fall: 56-60°F/13-16°C
Winter: Under 50°F/10°C
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Millbrook Quarry is located about 5 miles off of I-66 in Haymarket, Virginia. It is about ten minutes from Manassas, and about an hour from Winchester. It is operated by the Coral Edge Adventures (CEA) dive shop in Catharpin, VA. CEA recently obtained the lease for the quarry, and the owners are working hard to improve the facility and grounds.
The quarry is open for business from April to November, with "Chilly Willy" dive opportunities offered on two weekends per month during the off-season. It is only open to divers and their guests.
Lake Millbrook currently has three entrance areas or "beaches". The near surface platform at Beach 1 was recently removed, and crushed rock has been laid out from the beach entrance and graduated/sloped down into the water for several feet.
There are multiple training platforms situated at 30 feet. These platforms are suspended by four large surface buoys. There are also numerous submerged attractions. For example, you’ll find an airplane at 70 feet, a Winnebago at 80 feet, and several sunken boats and cars. The granite walls provide spectacular drop offs and visually stunning rock formations.
Lake Millbrook is only open on weekends for now, but mid-week dive opportunities are being considered. Access times are from 8am until 6pm Saturdays, and 8am until 5pm on Sundays. Night diving opportunities are available on selected Saturday nights. Check the online calendar for specific dates and times.
Entry passes/waivers can be obtained and filled out online. Make sure to print those out and take them with you to present them, and your C-card, at the entrance. Camping is available on pre-determined nights for $5.00 after Memorial Day, and ends on Labor Day.
Coral Edge Adventures is located 12 miles from Millbrook. There are a few Porta-Johns onsite, but other amenities (including a changing shed) are being set up.
During the summer months, the first 20 or 30 feet warm up to about 65 °F. There are distinct thermoclines, creating bottom temperatures in the low to mid-forties year-round.
Several years ago, the state of Virginia killed off the invasive zebra mussel population. Since then, the visibility has deteriorated, so that it ranges between 5 to 10 feet within the first 30 feet or so. The deeper you go, the better the viz.