10 Things To Do in Lake Lure: 2026 Edition
Lake Lure, North Carolina, is nestled between Asheville, Hendersonville, and Rutherfordton, NC, in a beautiful little bowl in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our story began in 1902 with plans for a man-made lake surrounded by a resort town. Elizabeth Parkenson dubbed this spot Lake Lure. In 1925, the dam, spearheaded by the Morse family, was built across the Rocky Broad River. The dam still stands and is managed by the town of Lake Lure, and continues to produce power for Duke Energy even today. The Town of Lake Lure was incorporated in 1927 but the grand plans for it’s surrounding resort town came to a halt in 1929 as a result of the Great Depression. Eventually, in 1945, the lake property was acquired by the Town of Lake Lure, and at that time, the Lake was no longer privately owned. In the fall of 2024, the area suffered a tremendous blow when Hurricane Helene swept through, destroying homes, roads, businesses, and riverbeds. The lake is officially open again, 19 months after being full of debris washed down the elevation in the storm.
If you’re planning a trip this summer, this list is for you! Our area offers many things to do with your family, including swimming, fishing (license required), hiking, shopping, dining, golfing, and more.
Chimney Rock State Park - Lake Lure and Chimney Rock boast some of the most stunning hiking trails in North Carolina. Among these, the Chimney Rock Trail, situated inside Chimney Rock State Park, stands out as a favorite. more…
Shopping in Chimney Rock Village - Bubba O'Leary's General Store, Mountain Traders (Minnetonka footwear, gifts, salt lamps, fantasy items), Willow Creek (drinks, treats, hot sauces, jellies), The Hickory Nut (mountain home decor, antiques, Native Amercian artifacts, crafts, and quilts, currently being rebuilt), Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop (inside Chimney Rock State Park), John Bull Trading Company (home decor, jewelry, gifts), Chimney Sweeps (home decor, moccasins, apparel, souvenirs), the Village Scoop and more!
Riverwalk - The Riverwalk was unfortunately destroyed by Hurricane Helene. We hope it will be restored in the near future.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge - Lake Lure is truly the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, offering numerous picturesque spots to explore and leisurely strolls to bask in the breathtaking natural surroundings. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge presents an enchanting setting for a romantic walk, boasting a rich variety of over 2000 flowering plant species that burst into vibrant blooms throughout the garden. More Info
Morse Park and Gardens - The meadows cover a large grassy area located beside the Welcome Center at 2926 Memorial Hwy. With a large paved parking lot, portable restrooms, and plenty of level ground, the meadow is an ideal location for athletic events, reunions, festivals, boat shows, car shows, tournaments, outdoor concerts, and craft fairs. It also offers a basketball court, a children's play area with slides, swings, and climbing structures, covered picnic tables with grills, a friendly fully staffed visitor center for information on area attractions, a network of over a mile of walking/jogging paths with benches along the way, a large covered gazebo for events, two wooden wharfs, landscaped gardens, fishing areas along the Rocky Broad River side as it empties into Lake Lure, wooded wetland areas and a large pond for wildlife viewing and birding. Restrooms and approximately 225 parking spaces are also available and the park is pet-friendly (please keep dogs on a leash). The physical bridge was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024, but much of the original garden space remains and volunteers are working hard to restore it to its original splendor.
Lake Lure Beach and Water Park - Who knew you could find a beach by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains? Lake Lure Beach & Water Park offers lake activities like tubing, picnicking, and sunbathing. The water park has fun water games and slides. Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake. Lifeguards and staff are there to help with your needs. The Lake Lure Beach & Water Park typically operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Please contact the Lake Lure Beach at 828-625-0077 or Lake Lure Tours at 828-625-1373 for a complete listing of hours, closures and also their rules/regulations.
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail - The trail features a covered picnic area that is ADA compliant, complete with picnic tables and benches conveniently located throughout the 3.3-mile trail. Additionally, the trail is pet-friendly, although visitors are kindly reminded to keep their furry companions on a leash. For added convenience, there are nearby dining opportunities for visitors to enjoy after their outdoor adventures. Download the Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Map
Zip Lining - Swish through the treeline canopy of the Blue Ridge Foothills on an exhilarating zipline adventure. Nestled near the eastern shore of Lake Lure in the Hickory Nut Gorge, Canopy Ridge Farm offers thrill seekers the opportunity to soar through the lush green forest while taking in breathtaking views of the park below. The highlight of this experience is the Zip Zilla, a thrilling 1000-foot zipline that propels you through the trees at high speed, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an exciting activity in Lake Lure.
Family Portrait Session - You’ve traveled from here, there, and everywhere to enjoy this time together as a family (or are you here getting married?!), take advantage of this opportunity to capture the feeling of togetherness. A family photo session provides you with a tangible memento to enjoy for generations. More info
