The 15 BEST Things to Do in Lake Lure, NC

Western North Carolina is filled with beautiful mountain towns, especially for travelers who enjoy hiking, waterfall chasing, and relaxing by the lake.

The Lake Lure attractions promise Dirty Dancing filming locations, a vibrant Flowering Bridge, and of course, that beautiful, shimmering lake, surrounded by the Smoky Mountains.

Not to mention that the best things to do near Lake Lure involve a 535-million-year-old monolith located in Chimney Rock State Park and taste testing all of the local beer and wine in Chimney Rock Village.

Enjoy shopping in quirky stores, kayaking, savoring ice cream by the river, and finding off-the-beaten-path hiking trails in nearby Gerton.

Sound like what you need? Let’s explore the best things to do in Lake Lure, NC.

1. Spend time on the lake at the Cedar House boathouse!

If you are staying at the Lake Lure Cedar House, you already have lake access directly from the property and the option to rent our pontoon boat to take a self-guided tour of the lake whenever you please. 

2. Take a tour of the lake to learn the history

Lake Lure Tours (2930 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure NC 28746) 
Contact: 828-625-1373
Offers: Knowledgeable tour guides who take you out on large pontoon boats, offering history of the land, the homes, and the people who reside here.
Our opinion: Well worth it for Lake Lure newcomers. They will take you all around the water so you can see areas and homes you would otherwise miss.
They also offer motorized and non-motorized boats for rent.

3. Go Golf! Or put put if you’ve got the kids.

Apple Valley Golf Course (309 Winesap Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746)
Contact: 828-694-3043
About: A Don Maples designed course that was once named the “most beautiful mountain golf course” by Golf Digest.
Our opinion: Our favorite course. Lots of ups and downs combined with undulating greens. Unbeatable mountain views from the back nine. Fairways and greens are always in great shape. Always a fun course to play.

Bald Mountain Golf Course  (112 Mountain Boulevard, Lake Lure, NC 28746)
Contact: 828-694-3042
About: A W.B. Lewis designed course, sitting beneath Bald Mountain.
Our opinion: We prefer Apple Valley to the Bald Mountain course. It is an up and down “target” golf course. Several hidden shots required. Not for beginners.

Fun Fact: Scenes from the original Dirty Dancing movie were shot on the 16th hole.

4. Put-put with the kids alongside the Rocky Broad River

Chimney Rock Adventure Golf (339 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720)

Contact: 828-625-8870

About: A putt putt course nestled alongside the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock.
Opinion: A great activity of kids and kids at heart. Combine it with ice cream from Village Scoop for a great family outing.

5. Learn a new water sport

Lake Lure Adventure Company (470 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746)
Contact: 828.625.8066
Local company specializing in providing water sports, world class ski boats, and lessons
Our opinion: The best way to learn a water sport (like skiing, water surfing, wakeboarding, or tubing with the kids) on Lake Lure or if you are experienced, the best way to get a great tow on a luxury, high end ski boat. Boats available for rent by hour and day.

6. Go hiking on one of the many scenic, mountain trails

We have a list of our favorite hikes around Lake Lure and Asheville here. You can also find a comprehensive directory of local hikes at www.aroundlakelure.com.

7. Visit a local winery.

We don’t want to brag… but we have visited all the local wineries in the area.

Check out our recommendations here.

8. Have a beer by the river at Chimney Rock Brewing Co.

Visit this unique taproom & brewery that sits right alongside the bands of the Rocky Broad River in the Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina.

Address: 461 Main Street, Chimney Rock NC 28720 

9. Visit the shops in Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina

Visit this walkable strip of restaurants and shops is nestled at the base of Chimney Rock, a noteable rock figure which can be seen behind the shops. Here are some notable shops:

The Hickory Nut

This shop has been open for 22 years, selling antiques, plants, art, garden décor, and more. Please note that their hours are seasonal.

Address: 215 Main St, Lake Lure, NC 28720

10. Walk the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

This is an absolutely delightful attraction just moments from Lake Lure. You can meander along the bridge and look at all the beautiful plants, and there are plenty of side excursions to draw you into little alcoves, grottos, alleyways, and vignettes for reflection and photo opportunities. This is a lovingly curated space loaded with exquisite scenery and playful whimsy. Children will love it, as well as adults. There’s even a Rainbow Bridge where you can “paws” and remember your dearly departed pets. That was an especially touching part of the walk. If you’re in the Lake Lure area, don’t leave without enjoying this charming, lovely spot!

Address: 3068 Memorial Hwy # 7, Lake Lure, NC 28746-9801

11. Go Horseback Riding with Cedar Creek Riding Stables

Enjoy a nice relaxing ride in the beautiful mountains of Lake Lure NC. Lengths of 1 , 1 1/2 or two hours. In business since 1993, weather permitting we are open 361 days a year only closing Easter Sunday, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving day and Christmas Day.

12. Go out for dinner at a local Lake Lure restaurant

13. Mine for gems along the edge of the Rocky Broad River

If you’re at Lake Lure on a rainy day, here is a perfect activity to do with the kids. At Chimney Rock Gem Mine you can mine for gems along the edge of the Rocky Broad River. The staff will provide you with the tools and teach you the basics of flume mining. You receive help identifying and discovering gems.

Address: 374 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720 

Pro tip: They guarantee at least one gem in every bucket so you can be sure you will catch something good!

14. Go chasing waterfalls

The town of Lake Lure, North Carolina is blessed with some of mother nature’s most wondrous creations—waterfalls. From 400-foot chutes to multi-tiered cascades, these spectacular natural wonders can be found all over the area. If you’re planning a trip to Western North Carolina, spend a day outdoors and discover the many waterfalls near Lake Lure, NC. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Hickory Nut Falls

At 404 feet, Hickory Nut Falls is the second-highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Hickory Nut Falls is located in Chimney Rock State Park and is an easy 1.5-mile hike through the forest, with plenty of rock cliffs and natural wonders along the way. The trail brings you up close to the base of the thundering waterfall.

2. Little Bearwallow Falls

Little Bearwallow Falls is situated in the Florence Nature Preserve, about 15 minutes from Lake Lure Town Center. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful hike through the Hickory Nut Forest with views of Hickory Nut Gorge and the 100-foot Little Bearwallow Falls. The 2.3-mile hike is easy to navigate and features stone steps, bridges, and trail markings.

3. Pearson’s Falls

Located in Saluda, NC, Pearson’s Falls is a spectacular multi-tiered waterfall that will take your breath away. It’s situated within the Botanical Preserve and is 90 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide. The trail to the waterfall is very well maintained and just a short distance from the parking area, making it easily accessible. Pearson’s Falls is approximately 45 minutes from Lake Lure Town Center.

4. Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls is located in Old Fort, NC, on an isolated tract of Pisgah National Forest. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Western North Carolina and has a breathtaking 100-foot fall with multiple cascades and levels. 

Catawba Falls is accessible by trails that follow the Catawba River. Just be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes—the water crossings and rock traversing can be tricky.

5. Hooker, Triple, and High Falls

Want to see a whole slew of waterfalls in one day? Head to Dupont State Forest in Cedar Mountain, NC. The 10,000-acre forest has four major waterfalls on the Little River – Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. Each is different and magnificent in its own way! There are also five lakes and an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon!

15. Visit Canopy Ridge Farm