Swimming in The Quarry at Carrigan Farms – One of NC’s Best Hidden Gems
Did you know there is a beautiful quarry near Charlotte, NC where you can swim during the summer months? I’m going to share all the details you need to know about swimming in the Quarry at Carrigan Farms! It’s one of my favorite hidden gems here in North Carolina, and is such a beautiful way to spend a summer day.
Where is Carrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms is located in Mooresville, NC which is about 30-40 minutes north of Charlotte, NC. Traffic can sometimes make the drive closer to 50 minutes, so be mindful of this when you are driving!
Once you arrive, you’ll drive down a dirt road and park in a grassy/dirt lot.
Swimming in the Quarry at Carrigan Farms
You can swim, float, jump, and relax in the beautiful quarry here at Carrigan Farms. The cost to enjoy the Quarry varies between $15-$25 depending on the day of the week. You can purchase tickets in advance for the specific day you’re visiting. Your ticket will include a $5 meal voucher at the onsite concession stand!
Lifeguards, life vests, and noodles are provided by Carrigan Farms. You must wear a life vest at all times in the water, unless you take the swim test (more details on that below).
Getting into the Quarry: There is an area where you can walk into the water or you can opt to jump in off the cliffs at designated locations. Near each of the jumping areas, there is a ladder to climb in order to get out of the water if needed.
There is also a huge swing that you can use to jump into the water. In order to use this swing, you must be able to show that you can do a pull up (so you can hold yourself up on the swing).
Swim Test Details
The Swim Test is only required if you want to swim without a life vest. You must be 12 years old in order to take the swim test. You can only take the swim test once a day so if you do not pass the first time, you are unable to try again later.
The swim test will require you to jump off the edge of the quarry (about 8-12 feet) into the water below. Then you’ll need to swim out to one of the lifeguards on a floating buoy in the middle of the quarry. Next, you’ll be asked to wade in water for 1 minute, before swimming about 30 meters back to shore. It may sound easy, and it may even look easy, but the swim can definitely make you feel out of breath quickly if you aren’t prepared!
The lifeguards will let you know if you passed the test once you climb out of the water. If you did, you’ll be given a wrist band to wear which will indicate that you can swim without a life vest.
What Is Available Onsite?
- Restaurant (essentially a concession stand) serving pizza, burgers, ice cream, etc
- Beer/Wine Bar
- Restroom Facilities
- Lifeguards
- Life Vests & Noodles
What To Bring
Here is a list of everything you’ll want to bring with you to the quarry!
- Swimsuit
- Swim Float (they do not have an air pump, so either bring your own or be prepared to blow it up)
- Towels
- CASH – they do not accept credit card
- Water proof phone case (optional)
- Water shoes (optional)
- Folding Chair (optional)
Note: they have life vests and noodles available for free onsite!
Note: you cannot bring in a cooler or any outside food and beverage.
My Thoughts On The Experience
I honestly loved visiting this Quarry – it’s a unique summertime activity that isn’t too far from Charlotte. During the summer, the forecast often calls for rain, but don’t let that discourage you from going because the rainstorms pass quickly! It actually rained twice while we were there, and you’re allowed to continue swimming as long as there is no thunder or lightening.
The $5 food voucher was awesome, and unexpected! We used it for personal sized pizza which was honestly super delicious. We also purchased a few beers/seltzers while there and swam in the quarry with them. Remember – everything here is cash only!
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