Looking for a breathtaking swimming hole to try this summer? The Quarry at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, NC, in the Lake Norman area, might be just the place. So grab your swimsuits and learn everything you need to plan a fun, family day of swimming at Carrigan Farms in 2026, only 30 minutes north of Charlotte!
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is an epic adventure waiting to happen! You can
- Leap off a 25-foot cliff into emerald green water: With multiple jump-off points, rope swings, and warm spring water, the thrills here are unlike any ordinary swimming hole.
- Swim, swing, spike, and repeat: Beyond the jumps, there’s a rope swing (if you can pass the pull-up test!), a walk-in swimming area, and a white sand beach volleyball court.
- Towering rocky cliffs, crystal-clear water, blue skies: The quarry is as beautiful as it is adventurous, the kind of place that makes you stop and take it all in before you jump.
If you have an adventurous spirit and are not afraid to jump into a 25-foot deep natural spring quarry, then this is the place for you. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is not only a beautiful sight to behold, but also a full day of water activities, including several rock jump-off points, rope swings, swimming areas, and a sand beach volleyball area. It’s hard to believe that this natural playground was the result of an accidental discovery.
The Carrigan Farms quarry opens for the 2026 season on Saturday May 16th, 2026.
See Carrigan Farms
Check out this cool reel from Carrigan Farms.
About the Quarry at Carrigan Farms
The quarry is located inside a five-generation run family farm called Carrigan Farms. The farm itself has been a working farm since the 1750s, which started off as a cotton/tobacco farm and has since transitioned to a fruit and vegetable farm. There are massive cornfields that spread as far as the eye can see surrounding the farm.
The quarry itself was accidentally discovered during the mining of granite during the late 1960s for Interstate 77. Can you imagine the wonderful surprise to find this emerald green natural spring that welled up for a perfect swimming hole?
Swimming at the Quarry
Once you arrive at the quarry, you’ll be directed to a parking lot by an attendant. Once we unloaded the car, we walked down a path to a check-in point.
Swim test or life vest
We were asked to sign the waivers and then were given the option to take a swim test. Since we had the kids with us, we decided for everyone to just wear the life vests to save time. All guests are required to wear a life vest unless they choose to take a swim test and pass, which is available for ages 12+. Lifeguards are on duty during open swim, so you’ll feel safe knowing someone is always watching.
Scenic views
The quarry was breathtaking. Rocky cliffs towered over emerald green water as blue skies shone through the trees. You could see where the wedding pavilion area was located and beside it was a white sand beach with volleyball.
The big jump
There were several grassy areas to post up your belongings while getting ready for the big jump! The kids were surprisingly eager to jump off the high point, and it made me feel better that they were not only wearing life vests but also that several lifeguards lined the perimeters. Jumping off the rock was invigorating, and surprisingly, the water was much warmer than most of the swimming holes we had swum in the past. At 79 degrees, it was more than refreshing.
Rope swing
We noticed the rope swing also, and mom and dad had to give that a try. They do require a pull-up test, and you have to be 54 inches tall. There was also a walk-in area to swim, so if heights are not your thing, you can wade in peacefully at your own leisure.
You could easily spend a half-day at the quarry between swimming, jumping, swinging, and volleyball.
Know Before You Go to Carrigan Farms
You can only swim in the quarry during Open Swim times and dates or previously arranged on a field trip, party, or another event. Check the Open Swim times on the Carrigan Farms website before you go so you aren’t surprised.
Open Swim happens all summer through mid-September, depending on the weather, but again, check the schedule.
Policies for Swimming at Carrigan Farms:
- Guests must make an advance reservation online and pay a $5 deposit per person. The balance is due upon arrival. Only cash is accepted, and there is not an ATM on site.
- All guests are required to wear a life jacket unless they pass a swim test, which is available for those ages 12+.
- The largest allowable size of any single-family unit/group is ten people; this will be reassessed as the summer continues.
- Be sure to bring along extra clothes, sunscreen, and we recommend water shoes for comfort.
- Though there are two fishing ponds on the premises for catch-and-release fishing, you cannot fish in the quarry or at non-open swim times.
- The Quarry Kitchen is a take-out window, offering snacks and refreshments and is cash-only. Outside food and drink are not permitted. Pets are not permitted.
- The boardwalk is wide, and the entry at the shallow end is now a concrete ramp.
- You must reserve your time slot online. Reservations can be canceled with a refund up to 24 hours prior to the reservation time. After that, a refund is forfeited.
Safety precautions
Every swimmer is required to sign a waiver and all guests are required to wear a life vest. If you do not wish to wear a life vest, you can take a swim test on-site, which are available for people ages 12+. Life vests are provided for people weighing 30 pounds or more or you can bring your own.
Eating at the Quarry Kitchen
Since you are not allowed to bring food into the quarry, you may want to purchase food from the Quarry Kitchen. They offer grilled chicken sandwiches, scratch-made pizza, fresh salads, fruit cups, ice cream, grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, snow cones, beer and wine, and other farm-fresh items that change daily.
Admission to Carrigan Farms
Most notably, the farm does not take credit cards so make sure you bring cash or check. Carrigan Farms advises that kids under 4 years old do not swim in the quarry.
Admission Cost (2026) Admission varies depending on day of the week and time you choose to swim. Admission ranges anywhere from $20 up to $35 per person, depending upon weekday, weekend, or holiday time slots. You can choose your time slot via the online reservation portal. Bring cash!
What to Bring to Carrigan Farms
As far as packing for the quarry, you will obviously need swim attire as well as sunblock, water, towels, and don’t forget the camera. You will also notice a variety of other events and activities including weddings, corporate events, and fall activities listed on the website, as well as the fascinating history of the farm.
No alcohol, glass, pets, paddleboards, large rafts, or grilling is allowed at the quarry. Outside food & drink are not permitted. Open Swim is specifically an alcohol-free event.
Where to Stay near Carrigan Farms
Use the map to find great places to stay near Carrigan Farms.
The map contains Stay22 Affiliate links and Kidding Around earns when you book through these links.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Quarry at Carrigan Farms open?
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Open Swim runs all summer through mid-September, depending on the weather. Check the Carrigan Farms website for the current schedule and available time slots before you go.
How much does it cost to swim at Carrigan Farms?
Admission ranges from $20 to $35 per person, depending on whether you visit on a weekday, weekend, or holiday. A $5 deposit per person is required when booking online, with the balance due in cash upon arrival. Reservations must be made in advance through the online portal — and note that Carrigan Farms is cash only, with no ATM on site.
Can kids swim without a life jacket at Carrigan Farms?
All guests are required to wear a life jacket unless they pass an on-site swim test, which is available for ages 12 and older. Life vests are provided for guests weighing 30 pounds or more, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Carrigan Farms also advises that children under 4 years old do not swim in the quarry.
Is cash required at Carrigan Farms?
Yes — Carrigan Farms does not accept credit cards, and there is no ATM on site. The remaining admission balance is due in cash upon arrival, and the Quarry Kitchen food window is cash only as well. Plan ahead and bring enough for admission and any snacks or refreshments you’d like to purchase.
Directions
Getting there from the Greenville area is about two hours up 385 to Highway 77. The drive-up goes pretty quickly. You can use this Google map to help you locate the directions you need from wherever you may depart from.
Are you ready to have a good time at The Quarry at Carrigan Farms?
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville NC
This article was originally written by Nikki Hulton and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
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