Blanche Prison

This site is ideal if you enjoy quarry diving. The visibility at this medium sized spring-fed quarry ranges from 15 feet in the summer to around 40 to 50 feet in the winter. In the summer there are thermoclines at about 20 to 40 feet. The temperature varies at different depths - 80 degrees on the surface, 70 degrees at 20 to 40 feet, and 44 degrees at maximum depth (which is around 90 feet). One can observe an old 707 cockpit, a school bus, a cabin cruiser, a few boats, and more at this quarry. This place is great to dive if you are a few hours away from the coast. Several divers dive the quarry each weekend. During the summer the visibility can be lowered as there are many OW classes held at the quarry. If diving during the week the quarry is usually empty. There is an outhouse, a picnic area, a changing area, close parking and two docks at this site. In order to be allowed to dive at the quarry you have to be a member of the local dive club and the Piedmont Dive Rescue Association (www.ncpdra.org & www.danvilleaquanauts.com) . The Association offers three inshore dive sites to its members. The joining cost is about $55 (as well as dues to an associated club which can range from $5 upwards). With the membership you get 365 days a year access to 3 great rock quarries.