Crusty's Quarry, 
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Crusty's is outside of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, less than three miles from the Prime Outlet Mall in Grove City, nestled right below Interstate 79. The eight-acre spring-fed lake was formed more than 50 years ago. Its origin is unknown but some locals believe the site was mined for sand and gravel needed to build I-79. Scott's Scuba Service purchased Crusty's in October 2000 for use as a training site and to promote diving. A blanket of green vegetation extends below 20 feet (6 m), providing structure and refuge for the abundance of naturally occurring aquatic life. Underwater attractions include several boats, a 60-passenger bus, two automobiles, a treasure chest, a replicated pirate cannon, and two training platforms 20 feet (6 m) below the surface. New attractions are added every year. Several entry and exit methods are available for divers. There is a floating dock with stairs on one end and a boat ladder on the other. Divers can giant-stride into the lake and then easily climb back onto the dock. A gradual sloped shore entry is also available. Registration with Scott's Scuba is required before diving.

Depths to: 45 feet (14 m)

Visibility: 10-30 feet (3-9 m) depending on the time of year

Water temperature: Ranges from 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) in the winter to 76 F (25 C)
in the summer.

Aquatic life: bluegill, sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, turtles, catfish

Fees: $3 per day per diver

On-site amenities: Air fills, rental equipment, equipment service, dive store, changing rooms, bathroom, and a picnic pavilion.

More info: Call Scott's Scuba Service at (724) 295-3500 or visit www.scottsscuba.com

Open: Saturdays and Sundays from May to November, and varying weekdays.

Getting there: Maps to Crusty's are provided to divers when they register at Scott's Scuba at 414 Hilmar Road in Volant, Pennsylvania. To reach the dive center from Pittsburgh, drive north on Pennsylvania Route 28 to Exit 16 (Pennsylvania Route 908). Turn right at the stop sign. At the next stop is a blinking red light. Turn left. Drive downhill. Follow the directional sign to Freeport. Continue past the baseball field on the left to the first intersection. Turn left onto High Street, and proceed to the traffic signal. Scott's Scuba Service is just pass the signal on the left.