If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous swimming experience, Carrigan Farms Swimming Quarry should be on your bucket list. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, this former rock quarry has been transformed into a stunning swimming destination. This past weekend my significant other and I decided to visit Carrigan Farms and experience their swimming quarry for the second summer in a row. After you read my full review, you are going to want to visit this Summer for some must-needed fun.
About the Quarry
Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, just thirty minutes from Charlotte, Carrigan Farms Swimming Quarry is a hidden gem. Originally discovered by chance during the construction of Interstate 77 in the late 1960s, this natural spring has become a popular spot for swimming, with depths of up to 25 feet, jumping-off points, rope swings, and beach volleyball. The clear waters are surrounded by impressive cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop for swimmers. Not only that, but the water is also refreshingly cool, making it an ideal place to cool down in the heat of summer. Food is also available on-site.
Making a Reservation
To secure your spot at the quarry, the first step is to make an online reservation. On weekends, the reservation fee is $25 if you pay upon arrival, or $5 if you pay online. We visited on a Sunday and paid the $5 online reservation fee. However, the price may differ on other days, so it’s best to double-check before reserving. The quarry only accepts cash or checks, and walk-ins are allowed but may not receive a $5 food voucher. Space is also limited for walk-ins, so it’s highly recommended to book online in advance. You can make your reservation here.
Parking and Packing
A quarry attendant will point you in the direction of the parking lot when you arrive. You then walk down a path to the check-in area. This is where you complete your additional payment. Make sure you sign the swimming waiver before you arrive. Camping chairs, swimming toys, towels, sunscreen, small tubes, small floats, and blankets are all recommended. Outside food and drink are not permitted. We brought three floats, a water football, towels, and camping chairs.
Swimming
Children must wear a life jacket while swimming in the quarry due to its depth. Anyone ages 12 and up can take a swim test to learn to swim without a life jacket. Having set up chairs and blown-up tubes, we did the swim test. I am happy to say we all passed! The emerald green water of the quarry can be jumped into from numerous points in the quarry. There is also a rope swing. This is an adrenaline rush. The rope swing requires you to pass a quick strength test. You must be able to perform a pull-up and be at least 54 inches tall. All of us did it. We had so much fun and surprisingly it went pretty fast!
@lexpaigeandtheodore I love The Quarry at Carrigan Farms ☀️ A #NorthCarolina must-see for the #Summer #thingstodonc #clt #charlottenc #carriganfarms @Carrigan Farms
The Food
After swimming for two hours straight, I was pretty hungry. Lunch started around noon in the kitchen. Cash is the only method of payment at Quarry Kitchen. You can get fruit cups, pizza, chicken sandwiches, and more. For lunch, we got pizza, fries, a hotdog, and of course a cup of their sweet tea. We also used two food coupons. There is also a selection of beer, seltzers, and wine at The Quarry. All of them were reasonably priced, and the food was great. It is prohibited to bring food or drink from outside.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had such a great day attending the open swim at Carrigan Farms Quarry. I wish it was a little longer (since the open swim was only from 10 am until 3 pm) but that is my only request. I highly recommend checking this place out. You can see more on reservations and open swim dates here.
With Love,
Lex Paige
