Located in Rutherford County, nestled deep in the heart of the Western North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains you’ll discover what National Geographic magazine calls one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world. Lake Lure North Carolina is a popular vacation destination for many and a place that a few are lucky enough to call their home away from home. With over 720 acres of crystal blue water and a pristine beach area, Lake Lure is surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge and gorgeous places such as Chimney Rock.
Lake Lure North Carolina has a very unique and special temperate climate as it lies in the Isothermal belt. The climate and unspoiled landscapes also abound with exotic plant species. The unique climate of the area makes it possible for ornamental flower species such as pansies, peonies and zinnias to naturally decorate the landscapes. Grasses such as fescue, zoysia, and Bermuda are also usually found in Lake Lure North Carolina. The plant life found here is just one of the many reasons it’s one of the most beautiful areas in the Blue Ridge.
The town of Lake Lure North Carolina is just as charming a place as the scenery. With over 1,000 permanent residents, Lake Lure North Carolina is a small town, but receives many visitors who enjoy the lake for a vacation getaway. The town of Lake Lure North Carolina is located just east of Asheville and is in the heart of the Hickory Nut Gorge. When you live in Lake Lure North Carolina you’ll delight in the serenity that the views and lifestyle provide. Enjoy being a short drive away from Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock Park, and various beautiful locations across Rutherford County.
The town was incorporated in 1927, following completion of a dam on the Broad River in 1926 which created the 720-acre lake around which the town is situated. Dr. Lucius Morse is credited with creating the first plans for the town.
In 1902, Morse and his brothers purchased 400 acres around Chimney Rock (within present-day Chimney Rock Park) for $5,000. They later acquired enough acreage in the area to bring the total to 8000 acres. They then funded the construction of the dam (through a mortgage) which produced the lake after which the town is named.
The plans for development came to a halt in 1929 with the advent of the Great Depression. A mortgage-holder, Stroud & Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, foreclosed on the lake and the dam. Stroud owned them and the power the dam generated until 1965, when state-authorized revenue bonds were issued to permit the town to buy the assets from Stroud.
Living or owning a home on Lake Lure North Carolina will allow you and your loved ones to be on the water and close to amenities and fun activities like swimming, golf, hiking, rock climbing and hiking. Water activities like canoeing, fishing, boating and water skiing are also popular here.
Lake Lure is a wonderful place to live or enjoy a fun-filled Blue Ridge Mountain vacation. Because of the endless beauty, popular mountain attractions to keep you entertained, and the exceptional Lake Lure Real Estate, many people choose to own second homes here as retreats during the hot summer months. Let us help you find your own Lake Lure NC home to retreat to for your vacation.
When you live or own a Lake Lure NC vacation home here you will know exactly why it is known as the best kept secret in the state, and the “jewel of the south”. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf are all popular here.
Lake Lure Boating
Lake Lure is a manmade lake located in Rutherfordton County North Carolina and is ranked among National Geographic’s “top ten most beautiful manmade lakes in the world.” Lake Lure is situated in the Hickory Nut Gorge among the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, only 26 miles from Asheville NC.
The Lake Lure Marina is the most popular place for boaters to go at this pristine North Carolina lake. The Lake Lure Marina has a variety of products and services to ensure that you have a fun filled day on the lake. For all of your boating and water activity needs, the Lake Lure Marina is a full service marina that offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and pontoon boats available for rent. Beach supplies, refreshments, restrooms, picnic tables and more are available at the marina for your convenience.
The Lake Lure Marina is open from March through October and offers all types of boating rentals as well as souvenirs, gas, oil and other marine supplies. At this North Carolina marina there are also several waterslides for the kids, swimming areas and a beach to soak up the sun. If you have your own boat, the Lake Lure Marina has several public landings in which you can launch your boat down one of their well maintained boat ramps. When visiting Lake Lure, this unspoiled North Carolina lake, the Lake Lure Marina is the place to be to ensure that you have the most fun on the lake.
The Lake Lure Marina
2975 Memorial Hwy
Lake Lure, NC 28746
828-625-2889
Lake Lure Chimney Rock Hiking Trails
Lake Lure NC and the Hickory Nut Falls area are home to some of the best hiking trails and beautiful views in North Carolina. Residents and vacationers in Lake Lure can enjoy hiking on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop and several others around the lake. The area is home to a variety of hikes; some are very easy and others are a bit strenuous. The Hickory Nut Gorge is one of the most beautiful and natural locations in the southeast. Our company, Peaks at Lake Lure, can help you find gorgeous Lake Lure Real Estate. Browse through our listings and learn about the communities we develop.
The Hickory Nut Falls trail is perhaps the easiest trail in the area with a wide path that leads to the bottom of the beautiful 404 foot Hickory Nut Falls. This trail is a 1.5 mile roundtrip trail that is mostly wooded and only has a few uphill sections. Another trail near Lake Lure and the Chimney Rock Park is the Outcroppings trail. The Outcroppings is a maze network of stairs and boardwalks that you can take instead of taking the elevator up or down. The Outcroppings provide a good place to explore the rocks and see gorgeous views.
Lake Lure Bottomless Pools and Waterfalls
Lake Lure is known for being an excellent getaway and a place of abundant natural beauty. With its serene landscapes and fun things to do, Lake Lure is also a wonderful place to live or own a vacation home. Many of the homes and plots for sale that we list are located close by all the beautiful places and exciting things to do. The bottomless pools located near Lake Lure have long been a favorite place to visit and enjoy. In addition to the Lake Lure bottomless pools, the Lake Lure NC real estate we sell is also nearby to Chimney Rock and the beautiful NC waterfalls that are all around this beautiful region.
Another beautiful place to enjoy the waterfalls in the area is around Chimney Rock Park. The gorgeous 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls is one of North Carolina’s tallest waterfalls and a must see! When you live near Lake Lure and buy Lake Lure Real Estate you’ll be living nearby to some of the most beautiful places in the region!
Lake Lure Beach
Lake Lure is one of the cleanest lakes in the state and known for being one of the most beautiful lakes in the south. The 27 mile shoreline and surrounding mountainous area creates a lovely view and makes this area of Rutherford County one of the most sought after places to live or own a vacation home. Those who live or own Lake Lure real estate enjoy spending the day at the Lake Lure Beach. You can relax in the sun, enjoy the water, build sand castles with the kids and even enjoy a picnic all in the same location. The beach also has a fun water park that has soaking games, a water slide and many water cannons making for memorable water fights . With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop, the Lake Lure beach is always a great place to enjoy the day!
The Beach at Lake Lure is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6.p.m. each day that the weather permits. Admission to the Beach at Lake Lure is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children ages 4-12 and there is no charge at all for children under 4. Admission is also free for 1 non-swimming adult per family or group, as some come to supervise swimming children. Residents of Lake Lure are not charged for admission with an official North Carolina ID card or Driver’s License showing a Lake Lure address. The admission fee allows you to enjoy the beach and also the water park.
If you are going to spend the day at the Beach at Lake Lure please be aware of a few guidelines and rules. Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and you must be 45 inches in height to use the water slide within the water park.
Lake Lure Golf Resort
Lake Lure NC is also renowned for being a great place to enjoy a round of golf. The lake provides breathtaking scenery from many of the area’s much praised golf courses. The Lake Lure NC homes for sale that we list and specialize in are located near many of the phenomenal Lake Lure golf courses.
For many years, golfers in the area enjoyed the resort known as the Lake Lure Golf and Beach Resort, however recently it received a facelift and is now operating as Rumbling Bald Resort. Nestled at the base of Rumbling Bald Mountain, which reaches a height of 2,800 feet, this majestic resort offers plenty of beautiful scenery in the perfect location to enjoy a round. The resort features two courses, the Apple Valley Golf Course and the Bald Mountain Golf Course. In 2007 Golf Digest readers praised Rumbling Bald Resort and gave it a 4-star rating. The Apple Valley Course was designed by Dan Maples and is known for being one of the most beautiful mountain courses around, and the Bald Mountain Course was the first course that the resort opened and is usually a challenge for most golfers.
Lake Lure Fishing
One of the most popular pastimes of visitors and residents of Lake Lure NC is fishing on this pristine North Carolina lake. Lake Lure is located in the Hickory Nut Gorge where you will find rainbow trout, brown trout, large mouth bass, small mouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, bluegill and sun-perch. It is required that you obtain a state license in order to fish in the lake or rivers. In addition to having a fishing license, you must also attain a boat license that can be purchased at the town hall before placing a private watercraft in Lake Lure.
Whether you are an avid fisherman or just looking for a little outdoor fun in the sun, Lake Lure NC is an all around great fishing experience. There are several experienced fishing companies that have the best fishing guides at Lake Lure NC to ensure that your day of fishing is a success. The main perk of fishing with a guide is they are certain to know all of the rules, regulations, and best fishing spots available on Lake Lure NC. There are restrictions on how many fish you can catch on Lake Lure. Each person can catch no more than 5 trout a day and it must not be less than 15 inches long. Largemouth bass have a limit of 5 a day per person and they must not be less than 16 inches long and for smallmouth bass no less than 14 inches long. There is also a limit on the number of crappie you can catch per day, per boat of 20 and they must be no less than 10 inches long.
Fishing on Lake Lure is sure to be a treat whether you are an experienced fisherman or just want to enjoy the lake. We have provided several fishing companies with contact information that will take you to the best spots as well as educate you about fishing on this North Carolina lake. We have also provided two stores where you can purchase a fishing license if you are planning to go solo fishing at Lake Lure NC.
Fishing License
Dalton’s General Store
1100 Bills Creek Rd
Lake Lure, NC 28746
828-625-9750
Thema’s Mountain Store
1804 Memorial Hwy
Lake Lure, NC 28746
828-625-0204
Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts.
Lake Lure Tours
Step on board these luxurious boats and visit the blockbuster hit Dirty Dancing film site, delight in mountain legends and breathtaking views. Suitable for all ages. Hourly tours, twilight and dinner cruises. Private and group charters. U.S. Hwy. 64/74A in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge, 35 miles north of Greenville. Lake Lure is ranked by National Geographic Magazine as one of the top scenic lakes in the world.
Cedar Creek Stables
Cedar Creek Stables is a public trail riding facility, nestled in the beautiful mountains of Lake Lure, North Carolina. All of our trail rides have creek walks and go through the mountains. Our award winning staff and facility has your safety in mind at all times. Due to the fact that we follow and support a risk reduction program set by the North American Horseman’s Association, NO doubling riding is allowed. Everyone under the age of 16 must wear protective headgear that we supply. Headgear is optional for ages 16 and 17 with parental consent and anyone over the age of 18. We have a maximum weight limit of 260 lbs. on our 1 hour ride and a 240 lb. limit on our 1.5 and 2 hour rides. Click on the links below to get information on the individual rides.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. “America’s Favorite Drive” winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys.
Rockhouse Vineyards
Award-winning, handcrafted wines from a small family winery nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Rockhouse philosophy of winemaking is to produce small quantities of naturally crafted wines. Winemaking starts in the vineyard with low yields of concentrated fruit. Constant experimentation with oak barrels and native yeast fermentation techniques will continue to enhance our wines.
Shunkawauken Falls
Shunkawauken Falls cascades down the side of White Oak Mountain, and is an unusual fall in that most falls of this magnitude do not occur this close to a mountain’s summit. At this point, most streams are mere trickles. There is a small plateau on the summit of White Oak Mountain containing several small ponds which give Horse Creek its unusual size.
Shunkawauken Falls was originally named Horse Creek Falls. In 1891, the falls were renamed to honor the Indian Chief Shunkawauken.
Public: Dogwood Valley Golf Course
328 Dogwood Valley Road
Forest City
828-657-6214
Opened in 1962, this nine-hole, par-36, regulation-length course was designed by Donald Ross and features Bermuda-grass fairways and greens. The course and driving range are open year round at very reasonable rates. Yearly memberships are available.
Forest City Municipal Golf Course
211 Clay street, Forest City
828-248-5222
www.townofforestcity.com
Begun as a civil works administration project in 1933, this nine-hole, par-36, regulation-length course was completely remodeled in 1998. Featuring Bermuda grass, rock walls and beautiful flower-beds. the course is open year-round, offers junior and senior golf programs.
Rutherfordton Golf Club
191 Twitty Ford Road, Rutherfordton
828-287-3406
Another great municipal golf course, Rutherfordton Golf Club has been challenging players since 1929. This enjoyable nin-hole, par-36, course is 2,787 yards and features Bermuda grass.
Town of Lake Lure Golf Course
658 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure
828-625-4472
Designed by Donald Ross, this nine-hole, par-35 course is touted for specatcular views as well as challenging play. Open year round and located in the town limits, the 2,825-yard course welcomes walkeras and pull carts. No tee-times required.
Semi-Private: Apple Valley Golf Course
Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure
828-625-2888 or Toll Free 800-260-1040
www.rumblingbald.com
Disigned by Dan Maples and opened in 1986, this 18-hole, par-72 course was called one of the most beautiful mountain courses by Golf Digest. At 6,756 yards, its considerable length opens opportunities for spectacular drives. Open year round, except for maintenance in winter (when closed, Bald Mountain available). Tee-times can be reserved by phone or online.
Bald Mountain Golf Course
Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure
828-625-3042 or Tall Free 800-260-1040
www.rumblingbald.com
Named for the rock cliffs that tower above this 18-hole, par-72 course, Bald Mountain Golf Course first opened in 1968. Disigned by W. B. Lewis, its tight fairways and well guarded greens creat memorable challenges through out its 6,283 yards.l Four sets of tees make delightful play for golfers of all abilities. Open year round, except for maintenance in winter (when close, Apple Valley available). Tee-times can be reserved by phone or online.
Cleghorn Plantation
183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton
828-286-9117
www.cleghornplantation.com
Architect George Cobb gave each hole of this 18-hole, par-71 championship course its own distinct character. Its 6,900 yards of play offer challenge along its rolling fairways and bunkered greens. Four sets ot tess ensure enjoyable rounds for every level of player. Open year round and located off Hwy 74 at Exit 173, Union Road.
Meadowbrook Golf Course
1211 Meadowbrook Road
Rutherfordton
828-863-2690
www.meadowbrookgolfclub.com
Family owned and operated since 1963, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches 6,535 yards over the gently rolling hills of the scenic Green Creek Community. Bermuda-grass tees and fairways and bent-grass greens provide excellent play. Open year round.