Located in central North Carolina, near Charlotte and Lake Norman, Carrigan Farms is a 250 acre fruit and vegetable farm. From mid-April through October the farm grows a variety of crops. U-pick strawberries, an apple orchard and hayrides to the pumpkin patch are some of the favorites. In addition to growing local produce, Carrigan Farms is home to a stunning and unique outdoor wedding, prom and event venue. The quarry at Carrigan Farms was a real working granite quarry in the 1960's whose stone was used in the construction of I-77. When a natural spring was discovered, it filled the quarry. The deep, crystal clear and refreshing water in the quarry is the farm's irrigation source and a top recreation destination in the region. All summer long, families and adventure seekers visit the quarry to take a refreshing dip, jump off the granite rocks, or zip into the water on the rope swing. The farm-to-table restaurant serves the fresh picked items with an ever-changing seasonal menu.
Why is jumping off the rock included in the swim test? For us older, heavier people, the impact from even a 10-12-foot jump is hard on the body. With decades of experience in the water, I handle myself fine, but have learned to avoid high jumps.
This place is beautiful, went there on a road trip from DC, and it was so much fun, great staff, though I didn’t pass the swim test, but hey, there’s always a next time! I have a question though, I get that your supposed to reach the end, but does it matter how long you take?
We require everyone who goes into the quarry to wear a lifejacket unless they pass this swim test. Everyone who wants to swim without a lifejacket and are 12 and over have to take the swim test!
You can dive, we recommend jumping off a few times first to get used to the height! And yes, anyone under 12 has to wear a life jacket. For more information on our swim test and safety, you can visit our website here: www.carriganfarms.com/the-quarry/swim-parties/swim-test - you can also check out the dates we're open to the public on our open swim page!
