Lake Lure, NC

One of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the country, Lake Lure is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Located about 27 miles from Asheville, Lake Lure sits in the Hickory Nut Gorge, surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Look up to see the famous Chimney Rock. From the top of Chimney Rock, there are spectacular views of the lake and gorge. It has been a filming location for scenes from the movies Thunder Road, Dirty Dancing, A Breed Apart, The Last of the Mohicans, and Firestarter.  

Take a relaxing walk on the boardwalk any time of the year (free) and cross the Flowering Bridge. Enjoy a picnic by the lake. Nearby is shopping and restaurants in the village of Chimney Rock. The lake is owned by the town of Lake Lure, with private homes surrounding most of the lake. Access is provided via a town marina, beach, and park.

Things To Do at Lake Lure

The Beach: While the wide sandy beach and lake are owned by the town, a private company maintains the beach and its amenities that include a waterslide into the lake and a water park perfect for a hot summer day. There are also restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and picnic tables. It's open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Early and late season, it's weekend only - and 7 days a week mid-June through mid-August. Admission is around $10/adults, $9/seniors, $8/age 4-12 - includes water park. No pets allowed. Beach house are 10 AM-5 PM. The beach is along US Highway 64 / 74A. The street address is 2930 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure. 

Rumbling Bald Trail: Now part of the Chimney Rock State Park, this is a popular spot for rock climbing, bouldering and hiking. Hike the 1.5-mile loop by the boulders and cliffs. Read more.

Town Center Walkway: From the Flowering Bridge, walk the Town Center Walkway along the lake for spectacular mountains views, extending 3/4 of a mile by Morse Park, the Marina, and the beach.

Morse Park & Greenway: Enjoy spectacular vistas of the Hickory Nut Gorge with a picnic or stroll at this 23-acre community lakeside park. Get lots of great information at the Rutherford County Visitors Center there.

Lake Lure Tours (2930 Memorial Hwy) offers guided boat tours and boat rentals. In April-October, relax on one of their covered tour boats while your skipper guides you past local attractions and landmarks such as the locations used in filming the popular film Dirty Dancing. Tour tickets are sold at the Marina.

Mountain Biking (and hiking): Buffalo Creek Park is the gateway to 1,500 acres of conserved land that protects the northern headwaters of Lake Lure. When fully developed, it will offer over 10 miles of intermediate to advanced mountain biking trails and picnic facilities along Buffalo Creek. The current mountain trail snakes upward in a 3.5-mile loop that climbs approximately 500 feet through forest terrain and boulder fields. An additional one mile trail is open for two miles out and back. Directions: From Asheville, drive the curvy road around Lake Lure on U.S. Highway 64/74A about a mile past the dam to Bill's Creek Road. Turn left and go about 2 miles and turn left on Buffalo Creek Road. Follow this road for 2.2 miles, past the golf courses and condos. Turn right at the sign for Rumbling Bald Resort, cross the small bridge and continue for 1.6 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. Weed Patch Mountain Trail extends for 8.5 miles to Eagle Rock. 

Lake Lure Golf Club: This nine-hole public course offers a challenging golf game amidst the beautiful scenery of Hickory Nut Gorge. The course is open year round and has a clubhouse, driving range and two putting greens.

Lake Lure Adventure Company: Dedicated to providing a safe, fun, exciting, and adventurous experience on Lake Lure with watersport trips, wakeboard, wakesurf, waterski, kneeboard, tube, fishing and more. Boat rentals also available.

The Right Track Toy Train Museum is an interactive toy train museum with 100% of the proceeds going to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. It is fun for children as well as adults. Open Wednesday-Sunday during the summer and Friday-Sunday afternoons the rest of the year. 2414 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure.

Directions
Lake Lure is located 27 miles from downtown Asheville. Follow I-240 East to Exit #9, Highway 74A East to Bat Cave and continue on Highway 74A (and Highway 64) to Lake Lure.

Nearby
See more cool North Carolina mountain small towns including nearby Chimney Rock Village, Rutherfordton and Forest City in Rutherford County.