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Catherine Lane

Free Places To Swim In Cleveland County, North Carolina

Author Catherine Lane

The heat is showing no signs of stopping, the kids are still out of school and you might be pulling your hair out right about now. I was born and raised in Shelby, North Carolina and we lived at the Elks Club Pool.  I am not even sure that is still around! Here are some free places to swim in Cleveland County, North Carolina to beat the heat.

Honestly, I would much rather find a beautiful natural place to swim rather than a chlorinated swimming pool.  Cleveland County is rich in just the spots.  Thanks so much to the Shelby Star for providing a list of some free places to swim in Cleveland County to beat the heat.

I had friends that were born and raised at Moss Lake.  I did a little water skiing there back in nineteen hundred and never you mind;)  It sure is beautiful there.  Public swimming is prohibited but you can paddleboard, kayak or canoe there for free.  Sounds like a great afternoon to me!

Broad River Greenway up near Gardner Webb University is absolutely gorgeous.  I take my horse up there to ride the trails sometimes. It if full of beautiful and adventurous hiking and riding.  Bring your bathing suit and enjoy the beaches and of course the cool water of the Broad River.  Check it out at 126 Broad River Drive.

This is a spot I have never been to but want to try. The First Broad River/Carl Spangler Trails.  There is a canoe landing there at 940 West Grover Street.  Check out Double Shoals at 199 Old Mill Road.  Behind the cotton mill there is a canoe landing and swimming. Lawndale Beach is the future home of the Lawndale Greeway and is located at 618 East Main Street. Take the kids and cool off there.

Here are a few free places to swim in Cleveland County, North Carolina to beat the heat.  For more details, be sure and get all the information from our source the Shelby Star, right here.

What A Day of Swimming at Carrigan Farms in North Carolina Looks Like

This past weekend my significant other, our friend, and I decided to visit Carrigan Farms and experience their swimming quarry. After you read my full review, you are going to want to visit this Summer for some must-needed fun.

About the Quarry

Carrigan Farms Swimming Quarry is only thirty minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina in Mooresville, North Carolina. During the construction of Interstate 77 in the late 1960s, a granite quarry was discovered by accident. (Thank God for that!) Now, this is a natural spring 25 feet deep where you can enjoy swimming, jumping off points, rope swings, food, and beach volleyball.

  • Making Your Reservation

    First, you need to make a reservation online. This will secure your spot at the quarry. The reservation is $5 online and then $25 once you arrive on weekends. We visited on a Sunday at this price. On different days you will pay different amounts. Just be sure to check. If you go on any day with a reservation prior, you will receive a $5 food voucher. The quarry only takes cash or check. You can make a reservation here. Please note pets are not permitted at the Quarry.

    One thing to note is if you are a walk-in customer,  you will not receive a $5 dining voucher. Also, walk-ins are only available if space from reservations is not full.

  • Parking and Packing

    You will find an attendant directing you to the quarry’s parking lot when you arrive. You then walk down a path to a check-in point. This is where you finish your additional payment. Also, make sure you sign your swimming waiver before arrival. You can bring towels, sunscreen, small tubes, small floats, camping chairs, swimming toys, and blankets. You can not bring outside food or drink.

  • Swimming and Swim Tests

    Because of the depth of the quarry, children must wear a lifejacket while swimming. Anyone ages 12 and up can take a swim test to swim without a lifejacket. After setting up chairs and blowing up tubes, we did the swim test. I am happy to say we all passed!

    Swim Test Passed

  • Jump Offs

    Many places in the quarry offer jumping-off points into the emerald green water. A fun rope swing is also available. It is definitely an adrenaline rush. Before you take the plunge, you must pass a quick strength test. You also have to be at least 54-inches tall. You must be able to do a pull-up. All of us did it. We had so much fun and surprisingly it goes pretty fast!

  • The Food

    After swimming for two hours straight, I was pretty hungry. As part of the time shift, we received lunch between 10 am and 3 pm. Cash is the only method of payment at Quarry Kitchen, which offers snacks and beverages. For only $12, we got pizza, fries, a burger, and a 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. You can check out the menu below.

  • Fishing

    Open swim customers, who bring their own fishing gear, are also permitted to enjoy catch-and-release fishing. This is at their two farm ponds. It is open during the times of open swim. The ponds have bass, bream, and crappie. Fishing is not permitted in The Quarry, or at non-open swim times. All fishing is catch-and-release, meaning that the fish cannot be taken home and must be returned to the pond. Next time we plan of utilizing this!

Catherine Lane is the morning show co-host and midday host on Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for the past 24 years and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music Major Market Personality of the Year award. Catherine has been on air in both radio and television in the Queen City for 38 years. As a content creator for Country 1037, Catherine writes blogs on local events and restaurants. She also writes about great travel spots and out of the way places in the Carolinas. Anything outdoors, travel, food, animals or the many country artists from the Carolinas.

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