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
-
Nebo, North Carolina
Explore Lake James State Park
The park has about 15 miles of trails with different levels of difficulties . Hiked the Lake Channel Trail along the lake with good views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiked the Mill's creek trail which is nicely shaded and offers good views of the lake and the Linville Gorge area. ...Read more -
Cedar Mountain, North Carolina
Hike to Fawn Lake
1 mi / 100 ft gainFawn Lake sits on the backside of DuPont State Forest, about a 15 minute drive from the High Falls Parking/ Visitor Center as well as Hooker Falls parking lots. With easy access and easy terrain, this is a must see to add to the list. While sometimes the main parking lots and trails of DuPont can...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike the Jones Gap Loop
5.05.5 mi / 2000 ft gainStart on the Jones Gap Trail (blue), which will lead you alongside the Saluda River. After 2.5 miles, take the Old Springs Branch Trail (orange) to loop back to the lot.For a challenging, more strenuous hike, with great views of the Gap, check out Rim of the Gap Trail. It is not advised to take c...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike the Pinnacle Pass/Rim of the Gap Loop
11.5 mi / 2345 ft gainThe Trailhead: Located at Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, SC of northern Greenville County. Follow the trail across an iron bridge that crosses the Middle Saluda River, and be sure to register at the Ranger’s Station/Gift Shop on the far side of the gap. The trail head(s) are located directly o...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike to Rainbow Falls and Pretty Place
5.05.96 mi / 1844 ft gainJones Gap State Park in the Upstate of South Carolina is one of the most beautiful parks in the state offering a good range of moderate and challenging hiking and backpacking trails through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Photograph Fred W. Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place)
Getting there Fred W. Symmes (aka Pretty Place) Chapel is perched near the top of Standing Stone Mountain at 3000 feet above sea level. That being said, expect a long and winding drive up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes starting from the bottom of the mountain to arrive to the chapel. Th...Read more -
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Grassy Creek Falls
1.5 mi / 312 ft gainGrassy Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that lies on private property just north of Little Switzerland's downtown area. The trailhead is easy to find. From Little Switzerland simply go under the Blue Ridge Parkway and the driveway is immediately on the right. You will park at the top of the...Read more -
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Drive the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
5.076 mi / 1000 ft gainYou can drive this highway getting different views during the different seasons. Along the drive, have your camera ready for beautiful vistas, Looking Glass Falls, and many adventures along the highway. The views are especially beautiful in the autumn with the leaves changing colors. This route d...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Camp at Davidson River Campground in the Pisgah National Forest
4.5Pisgah National Forest, in my opinion, is one of the best national forests in the United States. Being just a short drive from Great Smokey Mountain National Park it has all the feel of being in the smokies with more to explore. Pisgah has anything you could want to see or do from tens of water...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Art Loeb Trail
4.830.07 mi / 7467 ft gainStart at The Davidson River Campground just outside of Brevard, NC (276 Pisgah Ranger District). Have a shuttle car or a friend waiting at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout camp for the finish line. Hop on the 30.1 mile long Art Loeb Trail at the trailhead in the Davidson River Campground. Pull into th...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Camp at Mt. Pisgah
5.0The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC. Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months. Reservations and information can be fo...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail
12 mi / 5390 ft gainThe Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
4.51.5 miThis is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights. However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Camp on Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge
5.0The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. It's also an outdoor paradise for hikers and backpackers. Camping here is always a treat and you are sure to enjoy your time spent in the gorge.D...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Caesars Head Overlook
5.00.27 mi / 144 ft gainThe Drive: Head North on SC Highway 11 "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway" towards Table Rock State Park. Follow SC 11 past Table Rock approximately 8 miles where it will merge with SC 8 at Pumpkin Town. Follow SC 8 for another 3-4 miles until you see the intersection for SC Highway 276 on the le...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Hike to Jones Gap Falls
8.2 mi / 1200 ft gainFor Caesar's Head State Park access, head North from Pickens on HWY 178 until it intersects with HWY 11. Turn right onto HWY 11 North and continue for 10 miles until the 276 intersection where you veer off to the left. Follow 276 to the top of the mountain. 1 miles past the Caesars Head Visitors ...Read more
