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FAQ

Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Carrigan Farms. For activity-specific questions, scroll down to the section for swimming, apple picking, pumpkin picking, or the haunted trail.

General: applies to all activities at Carrigan Farms

When is the best time to visit?

It depends on what activity you’re looking for. The season begins with pick-your-own strawberries in April and May, followed by swimming at the quarry and flower picking in the summer, followed by apple picking in September and pumpkin picking and Scarrigan Farms haunted trail in October. In general, weekends are quite busy and often sell out; however, weekdays are very relaxed and less busy.

Do I need a reservation?

For most activities at the farm, advanced reservations are recommended, especially if you want to visit on a weekend. Reservation links for specific activities can be found on the individual activity pages. 

Do I need to fill out a waiver?

Yes. Most activities require a waiver. When a reservation is made, a waiver link is included in the reservation confirmation. Parents or guardians must complete waivers for minors. Please have all waivers done before you arrive because filling them out at check-in slows everyone down.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Most activities at the farm are cash only and the farm does not have an ATM and does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments (Venmo, Apple Pay, etc.)

What should I wear?

It depends on the activity. For any of our pick-your-own activities and the haunted trail, closed-toe shoes are recommended. For apple and pumpkin picking, some guests find the straw on the hayride scratchy on bare legs, so pants are preferable to shorts. Check the weather and dress accordingly for outdoor activities on a real, working farm.

Is there a hotel nearby?

Mooresville has many great hotels. Some local hotels offer a preferred rate for Carrigan Farms customers. Click here to see participating hotels.

What are the no-no’s?

Please do not bring your dog or pet to the farm. Also, no outside food or beverage are permitted because food is available for purchase on-site. Please refrain from smoking while at the farm. And finally, drone filming and / or flying a drone is prohibited.

Will my photo be taken?

Perhaps. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to have your photo taken for marketing and social media use.

Is parking free?

Yes, parking is free at all activities. However, there are multiple entrances so be sure you know the correct entrance ahead of time for the activity you are attending.

Wedding Specific FAQs

Where do I enter if I am invited to a wedding?

Invited guests to a wedding should enter at the Carrigan Farms West Entrance. The farm is over 300 acres and there are many entrances.  Weddings are held at the quarry. In order to get there, enter at the Carrigan Farms West Entrance.  The physical address for this is 1213 Oakridge Farm Highway, Mooresville NC, 28115.  This is a paved road. If you turn in at a gravel road, you are in the wrong location. Proceed down the road to the parking area, then walk to the quarry.

What should I wear as a wedding guest?

Consult your invitation and it depends on the wedding, but most weddings at the quarry tend to be business casual / resort casual affairs. It is certainly best to check with the happy couple for the level of formality of dress and also to check the weather. The quarry is an outdoor venue so plan accordingly. Also, flat shoes tend to work better than high heels because the ceremonies are typically hosted on the white sand beach and there is some degree of walking required to arrive at the venue.

Swimming specific FAQs

Where do I enter for swimming?

Guests for swimming should enter at the Carrigan Farms West Entrance. The physical address for this is 1213 Oakridge Farm Highway, Mooresville NC, 28115.  This is a paved road. If you turn in at a gravel road, you are in the wrong location. Proceed down the road to the parking area, then walk to the quarry.

Do I have to wear a life jacket?

Yes. All guests must wear a life jacket unless they have passed the Carrigan Farms swim test. Life jackets are provided free in sizes from child through XXL.

Are there lifeguards?

Yes, lifeguards are on duty during open swim hours. Please note that all swimming is at your own risk.

How do reservations work for swimming?

A non-refundable deposit of $5 per person is required to reserve. The remaining admission balance is due in cash on arrival. All guests need a reservation and must pay admission, even those who are not swimming.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, t-shirt, shorts, shoes, water shoes, sunscreen, and cash. You may also bring a chair, pool noodles, or a small float (one-person size only).

Can I use the rope swing?

You must be at least 54 inches tall and able to demonstrate one pull-up. This is non-negotiable for safety reasons.

Is there a dress code?

Please dress appropriately for a family environment. Proper swim attire is required. Please refrain from wearing thong bathing suits or clothing with profane language.

Is there food at the quarry?

Yes. The restaurant at the quarry serves charcoal-grilled hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, scratch-made pizza, veggie burgers, fresh salads, fruit cups, ice cream, snow cones, and beer and wine. 

Can I bring a birthday cake?

No. Outside food is not allowed. The restaurant has plenty of treats available.

Can I bring a speaker?

No. Outside music is not allowed. Background music is provided.

Can I fish?

Yes. Catch-and-release fishing is available in the farm’s two ponds for open swim customers. Bring your own gear. No fishing in the quarry.

Strawberry Picking Specific FAQs

When is strawberry season?

Strawberry picking is available from mid-April through late May. Check the strawberry picking page for current season dates and availability.

Where do I enter for strawberry picking?

Enter at the Carrigan Farms Strawberry Patch, 1145 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115.

What kind of strawberries do you grow?

We grow Camarosa, Chandler, Ruby June and Sweet Sensation strawberries on raised beds.

Do I need to bring a basket?

No, we provide the baskets.

Apple Picking Specific FAQs

When is apple picking season?

Apple picking is available from early September through October. Check the apple picking page for current season dates and availability.

Where do I enter for apple picking?

Enter at the Carrigan Farms Market Entrance, 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115.

What kind of apples do you grow?

We grow Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, EverCrisp and Gold Rush apples on dwarf rootstock, so the trees are short and you can reach the apples without a ladder.

How do reservations work for apple picking?

A non-refundable deposit of $5 per person is required to reserve. The remaining admission balance is due in cash on arrival. All guests need a reservation and must pay admission.

What if I’m running late to my reservation?

You must arrive 15 minutes before your reserved time to board the hayride. If you’re late, you’ll miss your reservation. Weekends usually sell out, so a later hayride is unlikely. Please don’t be late.

Is food available?

On weekends, there are apple cider donuts and apple cider slushies. 

Is the hayride wheelchair accessible?

No, the hayride is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I visit the quarry during apple picking?

Not typically. The quarry is not typically open during apple picking. 

Pumpkin Picking Specific FAQs

When is pumpkin season?

Pumpkin picking typically runs from late September through October 31. The best selection is early in the season. Check the pumpkin picking page for current dates.

Where do I enter for pumpkin picking?

Enter at the Carrigan Farms Market Entrance, 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115.

Do you grow the pumpkins here?

Yes! We plant them in mid-July and grow them all summer. You’ll pick your pumpkin right off the vine. We grow over twenty acres of pumpkins at the farm. 

What kind of pumpkins do you grow?

We grow multiple varieties. The main orange variety is Gladiator, large jack-o-lantern pumpkin great for carving. We also grow Griffin, Lemonade, Popcorn, Spicy Mocha and many more.

How do reservations work for pumpkin picking?

A non-refundable deposit of $5 per person is required to reserve. The remaining admission balance is due in cash on arrival. All guests need a reservation and must pay admission.

What if I’m running late?

You must arrive 15 minutes before your reserved time to board the hayride. If you’re late, you’ll miss your reservation. Weekends usually sell out, so a later hayride is unlikely. Please don’t be late.

Is food available?

On weekends, there are apple cider donuts and apple cider slushies. 

Is the hayride wheelchair accessible?

No, the hayride is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I visit the quarry during pumpkin picking?

No, not typically. The quarry is not open during pumpkin picking. 

Scarrigan Farms Haunted Trail FAQ’s

Scarrigan Farms is our haunted trail experience, held on select nights in October and November. For the full schedule and to book, visit scarriganfarms.com.

Where do I enter for the haunted trail?

Enter at the Carrigan Farms West Entrance, 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115.

How do tickets and pricing work?

A $5 deposit per person is due when you book online. The rest of admission is due at the door in cash. Price varies by date. Check the booking page for the full calendar. Each guest receives a $5 off coupon to use at the quarry restaurant on the night of their visit.

What is the haunted trail like?

It’s an outdoor walking trail over one mile long through wooded and open areas. Professional actors, elaborate sets, and special effects are positioned along the way to scare you. The trail covers natural, uneven terrain with hills, tight spaces, and dark areas. This experience is intense and is not for the faint of heart.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Guests must be at least 12 years old. There are no children’s tickets or discounts.

Will the actors touch me?

Actors will not intentionally touch you, but they may get very close and invade your personal space. Their goal is to scare you; that’s what you’re here for.

Is the haunted trail suitable for guests with medical conditions?

We do not recommend the trail for guests with heart conditions, epilepsy, pregnancy, impaired mobility, or other medical concerns. The walk is rigorous and over a mile of uneven terrain with hills, tight spaces, climbing, and crawling. If you have a specific concern, please contact us before purchasing.

Is the trail wheelchair accessible?

No. The trail involves uneven terrain, tight spaces, climbing, and crawling. The quarry bonfire area can be navigated by wheelchair with some assistance.

Can I bring a bag?

No. We have a no-bag policy for the haunted trail.

Can I attend if I’ve been drinking?

No. We reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any guest who appears impaired.

What if I can’t finish the trail?

No refunds, but we will escort you out safely.

What if I lose something on the trail?

Email support@carriganfarms.com with a description of the item and where you think you lost it. Our maintenance team will look the next morning. We cannot stop the trail to search for lost items.

Is there food at the haunted trail?

Yes. The quarry restaurant serves apple cider donuts, fresh pizza, french fries, S’mores kits, hot dog kits, apple cider slushies, hot cider, hot chocolate, bottled water, soft drinks, draft beer, and wine.