Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

Walk across one of the most beautiful highway bridges that you'll ever find! The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge opened in October 2013, transforming a former highway bridge into a gorgeous garden. Volunteers plant and maintain the impressive array of plants and flowers along the 155-foot bridge, as well as adjoining land on both ends. See whimsical planters, sculpture and plenty of butterflies.

In 2015, it was enlarged to become North Carolinas largest "Sensory Garden for the Blind and Visually Impaired"! The three-arch span bridge was built in 1925 across the Rocky Broad River for US Highway 64, US 74A and NC 9 on the Chimney Rock side of Lake Lure. A new bridge opened in 2011, so locals saved the historic bridge and transformed it into a "Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful."

The bridge is part of the 3/4-mile Town Center Walkway that continues past Morse Park to the Lake Lure Beach with great views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock. It's one of most scenic walks in western North Carolina.

It's free to enjoy and there's a small parking area on the Chimney Rock side. You can also park at the nearby Lake Lure Welcome Center (2932 Memorial Highway) and walk to the bridge.

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

See more things to do: Lake Lure & Chimney Rock Village.