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 and surrounded by is namesake town. 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. The movies Thunder Road, Dirty Dancing, A Breed Apart, The Last of the Mohicans, and Firestarter chose the town of Lake Lure as the location for filming.

Lake Luke's businesses, restaurants, and inns are open and welcoming visitors. The lake is reopening Memorial Day 2026 after two years of restoration. It's a great time to return or visit for the first time! Other activities in the area include hiking, golfing, and picnicking. Prime locations for outdoor fun include the Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails, Lake Lure Green Space, Pool Creek Picnic Park, Youngs Mountain, and Rumbling Bald Golf Courses. Rumbling Bald Access at Chimney Rock State Park offers hiking and climbing. 

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 in 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.

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.

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: In Lake Lure, take 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 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.

Directions
Because Hurricane Helene repairs and debris removal are still underway, visitors must use the routes listed below when going to Lake Lure. We also recommend you check with the Rutherford County Visitors Center just before traveling for the most up-to-date information.

• From Asheville - From the Asheville Metro area, take I-40 E to exit 73 Old Fort. Follow Bat Cave Rd, Cedar Creek Rd, and Bills Creek Rd to US-74 ALT.
• From Hendersonville and Asheville - take I-26 E to Columbus. Use exit 163 and take NC-9 N. In Lake Lure, take a left onto US-64 W/US-74 ALT W.
• From Hickory – take I-40 W to exit 81. Turn left onto Sugar Hill Rd. Follow Sugar Hill Rd / Montford Cove Rd and turn right onto Bills Creek Rd, then right onto US-74 ALT.
• From Rutherfordton - Take US-64 W/US-74 ALT W from Rutherfordton to Lake Lure.
• From South Carolina - Take I-85 N and use exit 70 to merge onto I-26 W toward Asheville. Use exit 66 toward NC-108 E. Take 108 E to Mill Spring, and turn left onto NC-9 N. In Lake Lure, turn left onto US-64 W/US-74 ALT W.

Contact the Rutherford County tourism office to plan your visit. 

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