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Lake Lure, North Carolina

Lake Lure, North Carolina, offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the area. From scenic hikes to water adventures, there's something for everyone. The top must-visit attractions include Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Beach & Water Park, and the Hickory Nut Gorge. For those looking for a more rustic experience, the nearby Catawba Falls is a great choice. Enjoy a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while exploring the trails. For outdoor adventurers, the best trails and outdoor activities include the Lake Lure Adventure Company, the Rocky Broad River, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Make sure to check out these attractions for an unforgettable experience.

Top Spots in and near Lake Lure

  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Hike to Party Rock

    4.5
    2.4 mi / 1549 ft gain
    This hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The tr...
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  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Boulder at Rumbling Bald

    4.5
    1.5 mi
    Located off of Boys Camp Rd. in Lake Lure, North Carolina, Rumbling Bald is a huge boulder yard that has been in use since the 1970's and has begun to flourish. Conveniently at the trail head is a gravel parking lot with three Port A Johns to use. Make sure you get to the parking lot early thou...
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  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Hike to Hickory Nut Falls

    5.0
    2 mi / 200 ft gain
    This waterfall is located inside of the Chimney Rock State Park. There is a fee of 15 dollars to go to the State Park but it is very worth it because of the beautiful scenery and beautiful views. The hike to the waterfall is partially uphill on the way. When you get to the waterfall there are a f...
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  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls

    5.0
    2.98 mi / 1204 ft gain
    Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Chimney Rock, North Carolina.
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  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Explore Chimney Rock

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Chimney rock is a beautiful slab of weather granite that is visible from miles around. To get to this hike you'll want to head to Lake Lure in North Carolina, a beautiful lake located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Follow the signs for Chimney Rock and take the switchback road up t...
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  • Black Mountain, North Carolina

    Eagle Rock

    0.7 mi / 151 ft gain
    Eagle Rock is located in Chimney Rock State Park and is a hot spot for climbers and hikers! The hike to the overlook at Eagle Rock is 0.4 miles, and it's one of the most bang-for-your-buck trails in the area. We love to picnic out on the rock as it's in the sun most of the day. If you decide to...
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  • Hendersonville, North Carolina

    Hike along The World's Edge

    0.7 mi / 40 ft gain
    Park at the end of The World's Edge Road, but be aware that parking is very limited. There is a private residence up to the right so do not block their driveway/gate. Begin your hike by going through the leftmost gate, and continue straight until you reach the first view less than half a mile in....
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  • Hendersonville, North Carolina

    Hike to the Top of Bearwallow Mountain

    5.0
    2 mi / 583 ft gain
    Once you have parked along the roadside near the trailhead, pass through the big gate on the right side of the road and take the trail off to the right. The trail winds up the mountain for a mile before it empties out onto the bald atop Bearwallow. Once on the bald, you can follow the gravel road...
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  • Fairview, North Carolina

    Hike the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures

    5.0
    5 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Park along the road at Bearwallow Gap - this is also the parking area for Bearwallow Mountain. Starting at a little over 3600ft, the Trombatore Trail has been well marked by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy with red blazes. Parts of the trail border private land, so pay attention to the sig...
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  • Flat Rock, North Carolina

    Watch the Green Race

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    On the first Saturday of November the best creek boaters in the world gather at the Green River in North Carolina to see who can storm the Narrows and claim the top title (at least for the next year!). For paddlers, creek boating is a pursuit along tight and narrow steeps that most of us have ne...
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  • Saluda, North Carolina

    Hike Bradley Falls

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 312 ft gain
    This is a really nice hike along Cove Creek that leads to a beautiful, 100 foot waterfall. While most of the trail is a relaxing stroll, the end of the hike provides a little adventure for those who feel up for it. Starting from the parking lot, follow the main trail into the woods. Early in the ...
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  • Old Fort, North Carolina

    Catawba Falls

    4.8
    2.19 mi / 394 ft gain
    Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...
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  • Montreat, North Carolina

    Hike Lookout Mountain, Montreat

    5.0
    1.1 mi / 623 ft gain
    Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Montreat, North Carolina. Just down the road from Asheville, it neighbors Black Mountain and doesn't disappoint for views. Montreat itself houses a plethora of hiking trails, but the cream of the crop HAS to be Lookout Mountain. After a weekend of checking o...
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  • Marion, North Carolina

    Drive the Scenic Lake Tahoma

    This scenic drive is along NC 80 between a small town called Pleasant Gardens and Micaville. It can also be taken in the opposite direction depending on where you are driving from, but the main attraction is Lake Tahoma. Lake Tahoma is a private lake in the Western North Carolina Mountains, but ...
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  • Old Fort, North Carolina

    Green Knob Lookout Tower

    4.8
    0.76 mi / 292 ft gain
    Green Knob Lookout Tower is an abandoned fire tower near Mt. Mitchell and located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tower boasts a full 360-degree, unobstructed view of Mt. Mitchell, Craggy Mountains, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Parkway. Unlike most fire towers, this tower is...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook

    The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...
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Camping and Lodging in Lake Lure

Asheville East KOA Holiday
2708 U.S. 70, North Carolina

Asheville East KOA Holiday

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)
Old Fort, North Carolina

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Black Mountain Campground
Burnsville, North Carolina

Black Mountain Campground

Briar Bottom Group Campground
Burnsville, North Carolina

Briar Bottom Group Campground

Lake Powhatan
Arden, North Carolina

Lake Powhatan

North Mills River
Mills River, North Carolina

North Mills River

Guides, Insights and Stories from Lake Lure

 5 Awesome Trail to Town Adventures Near Asheville, NC

5 Awesome Trail to Town Adventures Near Asheville, NC

Erin McGrady

Part II: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville - South

Part II: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville - South

Erin McGrady

Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

Erin McGrady

6 Urban Parks in Asheville, North Carolina

6 Urban Parks in Asheville, North Carolina

Erin McGrady

Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Way to Asheville, NC

Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Way to Asheville, NC

Clayton Getsinger