Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County is an outdoor public shooting complex at 283 Fielding Road in Cherryville, North Carolina. It occupies a 185-acre campus and is operated for Cleveland County. The facility describes itself as one of the largest public outdoor shooting complexes in the Southeastern United States. Its ranges are covered for pistol and rifle shooting, and the complex stays open in rain, so there is always a rifle, pistol, shotgun or archery range available during open hours.
The complex has eight numbered ranges. Range 1 is a 250-yard precision rifle range with 10 lanes and fixed target stands at 100, 150, 200 and 250 yards. Range 2 is a 12-lane handgun range with targets to 20 yards. Range 3 is an 18-lane rifle and pistol range with targets to 50 yards. Range 4 is a steel target and multi-purpose range for pistol calibers only. Ranges 5 and 6 are 50 x 50 yard multi-purpose ranges, and the grounds also have 25 x 50 and 25 x 25 multi-purpose ranges. There are skeet, trap and 5-stand clay fields, an archery practice range (open year-round) and a seasonal 3D archery range. Trained Range Safety Officers are on every active range.
Training includes NSSF First Shots classes for beginners, a Handgun Fundamentals class, an eight-hour North Carolina Concealed Carry class, a three-hour Intro to AR-15/M-4 Rifles class, and Intro to Skeet Shooting on First Saturdays. Classroom sessions are held at the Foothills Training Center at 1642 Pinedale Rd, Cherryville, a short distance from the range. Classes are scheduled through the office, by phone or on the events calendar.
On site are a range office and store that sell safety gear, common-caliber ammunition, rifle and pistol cases, shooting supplies, Foothills apparel and gift cards (no online sales). The grounds also have outdoor pavilions with picnic tables and grills, a concession area that accommodates catering, public restrooms with handicapped access, and parking at each range. The complex hosts regular competitions, including Steel Challenge matches, GSSF matches, 3D archery events and the Bow Hunter Challenge. It also takes bookings for private events, group outings and corporate team-building.
The complex serves general-public shooters, beginners, competitive shooters, archers, and groups such as scouts, church groups and corporate outings. Discounted weekday admission is offered to veterans, first responders, seniors, disabled shooters, NC Wildlife and Cleveland County employees. All visitors, spectators and children must have a signed waiver on file, which can be completed online ahead of the visit.
At a glance
Range type: Outdoor, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Archery, Training / Classes
Distances: Range 1 precision rifle: 10 lanes, fixed targets at 100, 150, 200 and 250 yards. Range 2 handgun: 12 lanes, targets to 20 yards. Range 3 rifle and pistol: 18 lanes, targets to 50 yards. Range 4 steel target/multi-purpose: 50 x 50 yards (pistol calibers only). Ranges 5 and 6 multi-purpose: 50 x 50 yards. Range 8 archery practice: 20 x 50 yards.
Access: Open to the public
Good to know: Beginner friendly · Family friendly · Private lane / facility rental · Hosts competitions · Food service on site
Services, training & programs
Range 1: 250-yard precision rifle range, 10 lanes, targets at 100, 150, 200 and 250 yards (16-inch minimum barrel; rifles must first be qualified at the 50-yard range)
Range 2: 12-lane covered handgun range, targets to 20 yards
Range 3: 18-lane covered rifle and pistol range, targets to 50 yards
Range 4: steel target / multi-purpose range, pistol calibers only, $10 extra; shotgun function checks allowed
Ranges 5 and 6: 50 x 50 yard multi-purpose ranges, plus 25 x 50 and 25 x 25 multi-purpose ranges
Skeet, trap and 5-stand clay fields ($6.50 per round skeet/trap, $8.50 per round 5-stand)
Archery practice range (20 x 50 yards), open year-round
3D archery range ($15 per round; seasonal)
Stands, staple guns and targets available at each lane ($2 stand/lane fee includes 1 free target)
Trained Range Safety Officers on every active range
NSSF First Shots classes for beginners (pistol and rifle), $40 includes eye and ear protection
Handgun Fundamentals class covering safety, handling, marksmanship and maintenance
North Carolina Concealed Carry class (8 hours)
Intro to AR-15 / M-4 Rifles class (3 hours)
First Saturday Intro to Skeet Shooting / First Shots (shotgun), $40, limited to 5 shooters
Private events, group outings, corporate team-building, scouting and church groups with dedicated Range Safety Officers
Shotgun rentals for skeet/trap and 5-stand (current concealed-carry permit holders only, for group events)
Range store: ammunition, safety gear, cases, shooting supplies, Foothills apparel, gift cards
Outdoor pavilions with picnic tables and grills; concession area that accommodates catering
Online safety video and electronic waiver
Amenities
Gun Rental
Ammo Sales
Pro Shop
Targets
Restrooms
Parking
Hearing Protection
Eye Protection
Gift Cards
Wheelchair Accessible
Pricing at Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County
Range fees & day rates
General Public (18 & up) - all-day admission: $16 — Includes use of all ranges, subject to additional fees
17 & under - all-day admission: $8 — Includes use of all ranges, subject to additional fees
Discounted weekday admission: $8 — Tuesday through Friday for veterans, first responders (LEO, fire department, EMS), seniors (65+), disabled, NC Wildlife and Cleveland County employees
Skeet/Trap only admission: $4
Round of skeet/trap: $6.50
Round of 5-stand: $8.50
3D archery range: $15 — Per round
Steel target use: $10 — Pistol caliber firearms only
Stand/lane fee: $2 — Includes use of stands, staple guns and 1 free target
Additional targets: From $1.25
Training & classes
NSSF First Shots Classes: $40 — For beginning shooters; classroom and range time with certified instructors; fee includes eye and ear protection. Class size limited. Pistol and rifle sessions have been scheduled.
First Saturdays Intro to Skeet Shooting / First Shots (Shotgun): $40 — 8:30-9:30 AM on first Saturdays; includes one round of skeet and instruction; limited to 5 shooters; bring shotgun and 2 boxes of 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot, 1300 fps max
Handgun Fundamentals Class: See class calendar — For beginning shooters; covers basic safety, handling, marksmanship and maintenance. Bring unloaded firearm in a case, 50 rounds of ammo, eye and ear protection.
North Carolina Concealed Carry Class: See class calendar — Eight-hour class meeting NC concealed carry license requirements; bring handgun and 50 rounds
Intro to AR-15 / M-4 Rifles: See class calendar — Three-hour class covering history, safe handling, marksmanship, maintenance and basic optics; bring rifle in a case or bag with 50 rounds
Intro to Skeet Shooting, Scoring and Etiquette: See class calendar — One-hour class for beginning skeet shooters; bring shotgun and a box of shells
Packages & experiences
Private event / group outing / corporate function: Contact for pricing — Range rental with dedicated Range Safety Officers. Anniversary, bachelor/bachelorette, birthday, church, corporate/small business and scouting events. Groups of 10-15 need no special arrangements. Staff contact you with pricing and availability after you submit the event form.
Bow Hunter Challenge (August 15-16, 2026): $15 - $20 — 20 shots; $20 for Expert Hunter, Pins, Recurve and Fun Class; $15 for Young Adult (13-17) and Youth (12 & under) divisions
Steel Challenge Match (May 2026 event): $20 — $20 first firearm/division, $5 for each additional firearm/division; minimum 100 rounds of ammo
Range fees increased effective January 1, 2026; rates shown are from the current fee page. Winter hours (Nov 1 - Mar 1): Tue-Sat 9:30 AM to last shot 4:30 PM, Sun 1:30 PM to last shot 4:30 PM; Range 1 opens at noon Tue-Fri; clay fields open all day. The front gate closes one hour before the last shot. Gift cards available in any amount (no online sales). Class registration and payment are by phone.
Prices are published by the range and can change — confirm before you visit.
Plan your visit
What to bring: Photo ID, your firearms unloaded in a bag, case or box, ammunition, and eye and ear protection (available for purchase in the range store). For classes, bring the items listed for that class (e.g., 50 rounds for handgun, concealed carry and AR-15 classes).
Ammo policy: Restricted: no .50 BMG, .338 Lapua, binary triggers, bump stocks, or larger calibers. Steel Target Range is pistol-caliber only (no 5.7 and no magnum rounds). Rifles require a 16-inch minimum barrel and must be qualified at the 50-yard range before use on Range 1. No drawing from a holster on the pistol ranges. Common-caliber ammunition is sold in the range store.
Age policy: No minimum age is published. Admission is $8 for ages 17 and under. All visitors, spectators and children must have a waiver on file; groups must have all participants, including minors, watch the safety video and submit waivers before arrival.
Rental requirements: No firearms are available for rent except shotguns for skeet/trap and 5-stand, available only to current concealed-carry permit holders (listed under group events).
First-timer tips: Watch the online safety video and submit the electronic waiver before arriving. Check in at the range office first with a photo ID to receive a personal range ID and orientation. Never shoot on an unattended range; Range Safety Officers are on every active range. Review the Range Rules and the Do's and Don'ts page before visiting.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 6:30pm
Friday: 9:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 6:30pm
Sunday: 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours?
Google lists Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Sunday 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM; closed Monday. Winter hours (Nov 1 - Mar 1) are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 AM and Sunday 1:30 PM, with last shot at 4:30 PM. The front gate closes an hour before the last shot.
Where is it located?
283 Fielding Road, Cherryville, NC 28021. The mailing address is PO Box 1210, Shelby, NC 28151. Phone: (704) 447-8230.
How much does it cost to shoot?
All-day admission is $16 for ages 18 and up and $8 for ages 17 and under, and includes use of all ranges. Extra fees apply for steel targets ($10), skeet/trap rounds ($6.50), 5-stand rounds ($8.50) and the stand/lane fee ($2, which includes 1 free target). Additional targets start at $1.25. Fees increased January 1, 2026.
Are there discounts?
Yes. Tuesday through Friday, veterans, first responders (LEO, fire, EMS), seniors (65+), disabled shooters, NC Wildlife and Cleveland County employees pay $8.
Do I need a membership?
No membership is advertised; the complex is open to the public on a daily admission basis.
Do I need to sign a waiver before my first visit?
Yes. All visitors, spectators and children must have a waiver on file. The range strongly encourages watching the online safety video and completing the electronic waiver before arriving, then presenting a photo ID in the office to receive a personal range ID.
Can I rent a gun?
No handguns or rifles are available for rent. Shotgun rentals for skeet/trap and 5-stand are available only to current concealed-carry permit holders.
What ammunition or firearms are not allowed?
No .50 BMG, .338 Lapua, binary triggers, bump stocks or larger calibers. The steel range allows pistol calibers only (no 5.7 or magnum rounds). Rifles need a 16-inch minimum barrel and must be qualified at 50 yards before using Range 1.
Do I need to bring eye and ear protection?
Yes, bring your own. They can be purchased in the range store if needed. The $40 NSSF First Shots class fee includes eye and ear protection.
Can I draw from a holster?
No. Drawing from a holster is not permitted on the pistol ranges.
Does the range close for rain?
No. The complex does not close for rain, and a rifle, pistol, shotgun or archery range is available whenever it is open.
What classes are offered?
NSSF First Shots (pistol and rifle, $40), Handgun Fundamentals, NC Concealed Carry (8 hours), Intro to AR-15/M-4 Rifles (3 hours), and Intro to Skeet Shooting. Call (704) 447-8230 during business hours to register.
Where are classroom sessions held?
At the Foothills Training Center, 1642 Pinedale Rd, Cherryville, NC 28021, a short distance from the range.
Can I book a group or corporate event?
Yes. Private events, group outings and corporate functions with dedicated Range Safety Officers can be requested through the online event form. Groups of 10-15 can be accommodated without special arrangements, and all participants must submit waivers beforehand.
Is there archery?
Yes. An archery practice range is open year-round and a 3D archery range ($15 per round) operates seasonally; 3D archery is closed for the season at the time of the latest site update.
Is there a store?
Yes. The range store sells safety gear, common-caliber ammunition, cases, shooting supplies, Foothills apparel and gift cards in any amount. There are no online sales.
Other gun ranges near Cherryville
Shooters Express— Belmont, North Carolina · 25 mi away · Indoor, Pistol, Rifle