Imagine yourself boating across the lake, having a picnic in the park or hiking a scenic trail. The area offers a variety of activities including dining, shopping, beaches, boating, hiking, biking, and paddling. Here is a few of our favorite things to help you start planning your adventure to Lake Lure. Contact the business directly for current hours and pricing.
Explore the lake and discover why Lake Lure is one of the top destinations in Western North Carolina.
The Rocky Broad River winds its way through a series of rapids down through Hickory Nut Gorge, and the crystal clear water flows through the valley that feeds Lake Lure. The Town of Lake Lure encompasses 13.25 square miles including the lake with a large central body of deep water, three long bays, an island of seven acres and many small bays and inlets with a background of forest clad hills and mountains.
Come see why National Geographic named Lake Lure one of America’s most beautiful man-made lakes. The lake is the number one attraction and the reason so many families visit Lake Lure year after year. Visitors come to enjoy the 720 acres of lake, sparkling clean beach area, and the incredible Blue Ridge mountain range including Chimney Rock.
All just two or three minutes from the Red Bird Cabin!
ENTRY FEE – check official website for the current entry fee.
The beach at Lake Lure is a picturesque mountain oasis. The beach and water park consists of approximately 3-acres and is located in the Town Center. The beach and water park are owned by the Town of Lake Lure and managed by Lake Lure Tours. You can visit their website to learn more. Walking distance from Red Bird Cabin, but we would advise driving since there is plenty of parking.
Facilities include:
- 100 yards of clean, sandy beach and swimming area
- Ticket office, change area, bathrooms and snacks
- A water park with water slides and water games
- Large covered picnic shelter on the beach
boat
You can enjoy a wide variety of water activities, ranging from canoeing and fishing to pleasure boating and water skiing. Both motor and non-motorized boats enjoy the lake. Just remember, you need an annual boat permit before placing a private boat on the lake.
Washburn Marina
A variety of fee-based boating and recreational opportunities are available, including:
- A convenient boat launch
- An ample number of boat slips that include lighting, electrical outlets and security cameras
- Gas pumps
- Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals
- Lake tour boat excursions
- Ticket office, bathrooms and nearby dining opportunities
- Picnic tables and covered boat tour waiting area
- Shaded pergola area with beautiful landscaping
- Easy access to the Town Center Walkway and the quaint village of Chimney Rock
Guided Boat Tours
Discover the beauty and charm of Lake Lure on a covered boat tour. Listen to the legends of the lake and learn about the natural and cultural history of Hickory Nut Gorge. Lunch, Dinner and Sunset cruises available with advanced booking. Contact Lake Lure Tours at (828) 625-1373 or www.lakeluretours.com for more information
Boat Rentals
Enjoy the lake at your own pace. Lake Lure Tours rents (hourly or daily) both motorized and nonmotorized boat rentals including Pontoons, Paddleboards, Canoes, Kayaks, and Hydro Bikes.
Contact Lake Lure Tours at (828) 625-1373 or www.lakeluretours.com for more information.
Fishing
In Lake Lure and surrounding streams of the Hickory Nut Gorge, you will find Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, White Bass, Catfish, Bluegill and Sunperch. State licenses are required to fish in the lake and river. Don’t forget to buy trout stamps, which are also required for creek and river fishing.
Chimney Rock Village
This tiny mountain town (population around 109 people) offers an authentic trip back in time, making it one of the coolest small towns in the NC Mountains. With its “western town” look, most of the buildings date to the 20s and 30s when the town quickly became a favorite tourist spot after the opening of the mountaintop attraction. You won’t find chain stores, restaurants or hotels here. Many of the locally owned businesses have been around for decades.
Main Street is packed with a variety of shops, restaurants, ice cream stands, gem mining and old-time photo studio. While walking through the town, don’t forget to look up at the amazing views of the mountainsides of the Hickory Nut Gorge that tower on each side. Also, walk the boardwalk behind the main street shops along the Rocky Broad River that flows into neighboring Lake Lure.
Rutherfordton, NC –
https://www.visitncsmalltowns.com/towns/rutherfordton/
Founded in 1787, visit one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. Located just 16 miles east of Lake Lure, Rutherfordton in Rutherford County is a literal gold mine of interesting history. Beautiful historic antebellum homes line Main Street near downtown, along with shops, restaurants and one of the best children’s museums in the state. Visit the Bechtler House to learn about a private mint that produced $2+ million in gold coins in the early 1800s, the first dollar gold coin in the nation. Rutherfordton’s Small Town Christmas is the first weekend of December with parade and many events. Throughout the month, see the towering 75-foot Christmas tree in front of the Courthouse.
Forest City, NC – https://www.townofforestcity.com/
Forest City brings southern charm and historic preservation together with modern innovation. The historic downtown has a variety of boutiques, antique shops and local eateries. During the Christmas season, the Hometown Holidays celebration lights up Main Street with more than one million lights. Classics like soda fountains, vintage cars and summer baseball round out the small-town American experience. The Main Street Program is part of the National Main Street Center at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Tryon, NC – www.exploretryon.com
The quaint Village of Tryon is located on the first rise of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Tryon has a nice selection shops, art galleries and restaurants along Trade Street. Morris the Horse, a well loved landmark standing on the corner of Trade and Pacolet Streets, has proudly represented Tryon since 1928.
Saluda, NC – www.saluda.com
Saluda, a tiny town of 700 residents, boasts a picturesque Main Street packed with an impressive selection of longtime restaurants, shops and galleries surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s been a popular mountain tourist town since the late-1800s. Most of the buildings on Main Street are on the National Register of Historic places. Saluda is at the crest of the Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard-gauge track in the eastern United States. For rafting, kayaking and ziplines, book a trip with Green River Adventures in downtown Saluda (111 East Main) and they will provide shuttles.
Columbus, NC – www.columbusnc.com
In the historic downtown, see one of the oldest courthouses in North Carolina and grab lunch or dinner at a number of restaurants. The four-block downtown area has some great local restaurants and shops for browsing. Stop by the First Peak Visitor Center at 20 East Mills Street for plenty of local information.
Landrum, SC – www.visitlandrumsc.com
The City of Landrum, South Carolina, is home to a number of locally owned and operated shops and restaurants. Antiques make up a substantial portion of Landrum’s downtown commerce and the variety of antique merchandise is incredible. There are many other shops offering a variety of goods and services along with numerous restaurants offering fine dining for every taste and price range.
Lake Lure Parks
https://www.townoflakelure.com/parksites
Hickory Nut Gorge State Hiking Trail Map (PDF)
https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Hickory-Nut-Gorge-State-Trail-Map.pdf
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/
ENTRY FEE – check official website for the current entry fee.
Chimney Rock State Park is famously known as the film site of The Last of the Mohicans. Climb the 500 steps (or take the elevator) to the top of Chimney Rock for breathtaking 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Other hikes include: Hickory Nut Falls Trail (moderate) takes you to the base of the 404 foot waterfall – gorgeous; Four Seasons (moderate) is a beautiful wooded trail; Exclamation Point Trail (strenuous) takes you to the top of a rock face with breathtaking views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.
Pool Creek Picnic Park
https://www.townoflakelure.com/parksreclak/page/pool-creek-picnic-park
As the name implies, Lake Lure’s newest Park flanks an area known as Pool Creek, which feeds into Lake Lure near the public beach. Beginning adjacent to the Arcade Building on Memorial Highway, visitors can enjoy a picnic beside the stream. Across the street additional parking is available, as well as a boat launch for non-motorized boats. There are six grills and five picnic tables at Pool Creek Picnic Park. Visitors may also come to the park by boat, as there are four boat slips available. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
Morse Park & Wetlands, Lake Lure
https://www.townoflakelure.com/parksreclak/page/morse-park
What started in 2009 as a project to resolve storm water drainage issues in Morse Park has resulted in what is now a healthy and thriving wetland area for wildlife and visitors to enjoy. This park features beautiful vistas of the mountains of Hickory Nut Gorge. Open year-round, the park is popular with residents and visitors alike. Whether you are up for a casual stroll, a short speed walk or a low-impact jog, this park is ideal for all three. Well behaved dogs on a leash are also welcome.
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park
https://www.townoflakelure.com/parksreclak/page/dittmer-watts-nature-trail
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park encompasses ten interconnecting trails totaling 3.30 miles of natural surface trails of varying difficulty over rolling terrain. It was constructed in 2006 on a portion of the unused wooded property of the municipal golf course. Surrounded by nature, well maintained trails and 2 open fields to let the pups run. Also, one nice view overlooking the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course and up the Hickory Nut Gorge.
Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald – Climbing Access
https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/things-to-do/rock-climbing/
(Free. This is separate from the official Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park which has an admittance fee.)
The Rumbling Bald Trail is a loop trail that meanders through a beautiful hardwood forest along the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain, revealing huge boulder fields and the base of the cliff areas. The parking area for this trail is located off Boys Camp Road between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure only a few minutes from the Red Bird Cabin. Once at the trailhead follow the orange trail blazes through the bouldering areas, past the cliff base, and back to the parking area. Rumbling Bald Mountain is considered to offer world class bouldering and technical rock climbing with some of the best terrain in the Southeast. Watching people boulder and climb can be quite interesting. Views from the trails are best when foliage is down. Numerous side trails will take you to the granite rock face at the base of Rumbling Bald Mountain – a unique perspective. The trail also offers fantastic views of Lake Lure.
Buffalo Creek Park and Trails
https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/buffalo-creek-park/
Located on the rugged and remote slopes of Weed Patch Mountain near the head of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, Buffalo Creek Park features more than 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking, front country and back country trails so that visitors may explore its scenic, natural splendor. Explore the 1,527-acre (one of the largest town-owned parks in North Carolina) natural wonderland of forest, cliffs, streams, and plethora of diverse flora and fauna. While the park was designed and grant-funded as a mountain biking park, it is a real treat for various outdoor enthusiasts.
Florence Nature Preserve
https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/florence-nature-preserve/
Florence Nature Preserve offers a network of 5+ miles of hiking trails on 600 beautiful acres on the slopes of Little Pisgah Mountain. The preserve features pristine creeks and cascades, scenic rock outcrops, the ruins of an old homesite, and areas of old growth forest.
You can access the Florence Nature Preserve trails at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge trailhead on Gerton Highway (Rt. 74-A), near the village of Gerton. You will see a parking area, next to a kiosk and an old stone chimney. (Note: this also the parking area for the Wildcat Rock Trail, which starts on the other side of the street.) You can look to combine many of the trails
Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead and Little Bearwallow Falls Trail
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/recreation/page/upper-hickory-nut-gorge-trailhead
Beautiful wooded trails crossing and running along side of several creeks. Some trails pass by small waterfalls and old cabin ruins. Some nice views of Hickory Nut Gorge can be seen when foliage is off the trees.
Alternatively, hike the Little Bearwallow Trail to a 100-foot cliff and and see Little Bearwallow Falls. You’ll enjoy views of Hickory Nut Gorge, encounter several creek crossings and get the closeup view of Little Bearwallow Falls. This is a very enjoyable hike and the trails are very well done with regard how they are cleared and constructed with stone steps, bridges and trail markings.
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
Bearwallow Mountian Trail is an wooded trail that takes you to a huge pasture on the top of Bearwallow Mountain (4232 ft. – tallest within sight of Lake Lure). Walk around the top to see 360 degree views of the surrounding area including views of Mt. Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern U.S., to the north. Great pasture to let dogs run, run, run … if the cows are not grazing. Please note that this is privately owned and in the Summer months there are cows grazing in the pasture. Please keep dogs on a leash during this time. Bearwallow is a great place to go for a short day hike or you can combine it with other trails in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge, such as the Trombatore Trail or newly extended Wildcat Rock Trail.The trailhead is located on Bearwallow Mountain Road and shares a trailhead with the Trombatore Trail.
Trombatore Trail
Trombatore Trail is a 5-mile round trip woodland hike takes you through the Upper Brush Creek watershed, along the Eastern Continental Divide to the grassy summit of Blue Ridge Pastures at 3,780 elevations. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hickory Nut Gorge, including Bearwallow Mountain, Florence Nature Preserve, and Wildcat Rock. On a clear day, Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains are visible to the north.
Weed Patch Mountain Trail
The new Weed Patch Mountain Trail offers exciting backcountry adventures for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. The 8.6 mile trail traverses rugged mountain terrain through a remote wilderness area in the Town of Lake Lure’s Buffalo Creek Park.
Along the way, you’ll find yourself at rock outcrops with spectacular long range views, as well as pristine mountain streams and an old growth forest. The trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking and a spur trail creates the first access to Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park, a rock climbing destination. This trail connects to the Buffalo Creek Loop Trail.
Wildcat Rock Trail
https://conservingcarolina.org/wildcat-rock-trail/
The Wildcat Rock Trail features a series of outstanding landmarks as you climb toward the summit of Bearwallow Mountain. These include a stunning waterfall, breathtaking views from a rock outcrop, and a picturesque ridgeline meadow. After five miles of sometimes strenuous hiking, the Wildcat Rock Trail reaches the summit of Bearwallow Mountain, with its panoramic views. The new two-mile extension that connects to Bearwallow Mountain opened in November 2020.
Cedar Creek Stables
Cedar Creek Stables is a family owned and operated horseback riding facility in Lake Lure. They offer guided trail rides. Kids can even enjoy a 15-minute pony ride. You can make reservations by calling 828-625-2811 – 542 Cedar Creek Rd, Lake Lure
Tryon International Equestrian Center – 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC – https://tryon.coth.com/
This world-class equestrian competition campus, internationally known for hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018, continues to expand. Each year, they host 40 weeks of competition with Olympic-level riders and horses in the country, in additional to many events. Most competitions are free for the public to watch! If it’s your first visit, this site does a great job of breaking down the visitor experience: https://www.romanticasheville.com/tryon_equestrian.htm
FENCE – Foothills Equestrian Nature Center – 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC – http://www.fence.org/
The Equestrian Center comprises three lighted show rings with all-weather footing (including a covered arena), stabling for over 300 horses in eleven barns, and spectator seating. The nationally-famous Block House Steeplechase, sponsored by the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, is run each Spring over an eight-furlong course which encircles the equestrian area. Hunter/Jumper competitions, cross-country events, dressage and carriage driving are among the equestrian disciplines which make use of the Center. The FENCE Nature Center offers 384 acres of hardwood forest, meadow, and wetland for hikers, birdwatchers, gardeners, astronomers. The entire property is protected by a conservation easement, so it will always be available for future generations.
Tryon Horse Country – Mobile Audio Tour – https://app.ugotour.com/tour/oCRfJlUVdp/tryon-horse-country-equestrian-tour
The Town Of Tryon invites you on a journey through time to see the places and hear the stories about the incredible people who built and created “Tryon Horse Country”.
Other Adventures
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
http://lakelurefloweringbridge.org
Walk across one of the most unique and 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. The bridge is part of the 3/4-mile Town Center Walkway that continues past Morse Park to the Lake Lure Beach. The Flowering Bridge is a public pathway that welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For the best views, we recommend visiting during the early morning and afternoon. 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.
The Lake Lure Golf Club is a great nine-hole course offering a challenging golf game amidst the beautiful scenery of Hickory Nut Gorge at the southeastern end of town. The course is open year round and has a historic clubhouse, paved parking area, cart storage building, driving range and two putting greens.
The Right Track Toy Train Museum
https://www.facebook.com/The-Right-Track-Toy-Train-Museum-141291999274246/
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. It also happens to be walking distance from the Red Bird Cabin – 2414 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure.
Canopy Ridge Farm Zipline
http://www.canopyridgefarm.com
Canopy Ridge Farm is an outdoor adventure park catering to thrill seekers and first time zipliners alike, ages 4 and up. Take a zip line tour on the park’s 60 acres in the beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge. For those who enjoy staying closer to the ground, they also offer UTV tours. (828) 625-4500 – 7115 US 64/74A Lake Lure
Boon Life Adventures
https://www.boonlifeadventures.com/
Boon Life Adventures is officially open as of June 2021! There is something for everyone with the guided ATV trails, outdoor laser tag, indoor escape rooms and much more. With over 86 acres of park to explore this location is perfect for family events, corporate groups or anything in between.
Cherry Bounce Trail
The Cherry Bounce Trail is a mostly rural historic scenic driving tour that cruises through the central foothills, valleys and northeastern mountains of Rutherford County. Originally the Cherry Bounce Trail was used as a distribution route by moonshiners to deliver Amos Owens’ famous Cherry Bounce drink (made from Golden Valley cherries). Today it is a beautiful route that runs throughout Rutherford County and provides travelers with some of the most breathtaking views the county has to offer. There are several historical markers along the way as well as popular destinations such as Washburn’s General Store and the Bostic Lincoln Center.
See Cherry Bounce Scenic Driving Tour Map Here
Bennett Classics Antique Auto Museum
Bennett Classics Antique Auto Museum has been named “Best Museum in the Nation” by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). Brothers Buddy and Joe Bennett have collected 70+ vehicles representing decades of history. Their pristine collection of antique and modern cars ranges in age from a 1913 Model T to the newest late model classics, including many rare vehicles, motorcycles and even a fire truck. 241 Vance Street, Forest City
Don’t let the name fool you… While this is technically a museum packed full of classic games, they actually let you play them all! It is one of our favorite rainy day activities. Classic arcade and pinball games all on Freeplay. Admission: $6 an hour or $12 for an all day pass. $10 for kids 10 yrs and younger. Contact them on Facebook for details on private parties or other questions.145 E Main St, Forest City
