Lake Lure

Rutherford County, North Carolina, USA

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure is one of North Carolina’s most scenic and beloved destinations.

720 acres

Surface Area

104 ft

Max Depth

27 miles

Shoreline

1927

Created

Jennifer Saltouros

Luxury Certified Residential Broker, Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks

With over 20 years in sales and marketing, I offer a true competitive edge as your REALTOR®. I’m not just a listing agent—I’m a marketing professional committed to presenting your property at its best and reaching the right buyers. Whether it’s your first home, dream lake retreat, or an investment opportunity, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

847-338-3978

jennifer.saltouros@howardhannatate.com

www.jennifersaltouros.allentate.com

Find Your Lake Home

About Lake Lure

Created in 1927 after the completion of the Lake Lure Dam on the Broad River, the reservoir spans roughly 720 acres and is surrounded by approximately 27 miles of scenic shoreline. The lake sits at an elevation of around 990 feet and serves as the heart of the Town of Lake Lure, a resort community dedicated to recreation, natural beauty, and environmental preservation.

Lake Lure’s landscape is defined by the towering granite cliffs of Chimney Rock State Park and the rolling ridges of the Hickory Nut Gorge. The calm, inviting waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding wilderness, creating opportunities for water sports and peaceful reflection alike. The town owns and manages the lake, ensuring that boating, swimming, and fishing are all carefully regulated to protect both the environment and visitor safety.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Chimney Rock State Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Lake size: Approximately 720 acres of surface area.
Shoreline length: Around 27 miles of scenic shoreline.
Elevation: Roughly 990 feet above sea level.
Built: Dam constructed in 1926; lake filled in 1927.
Average summer high temperature: 84–86 °F (29–30 °C).
Fish species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, white bass, rainbow trout & brown trout.
Managed by: Town of Lake Lure Municipal Government.
Nearby towns: Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, and Hendersonville.

Lake Lure Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Lure EVENT GUIDE

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Lake Lure DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Swimming & Beach Fun: Lake Lure Beach & Water Park offers a family-friendly sandy swimming area with lifeguards in the summer season. Visitors can sunbathe, enjoy the slides and water play features, and take in the dramatic views of Chimney Rock rising above the lake.

Boating & Water Sports: The lake allows private and rental boats (with permits). Motorboats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes are all popular. The calm coves make paddleboarding ideal, while tubing and water-skiing provide adrenaline for thrill-seekers. The marina provides fuel, rentals, and guided cruises showcasing the best views of the shoreline.

Fishing & Angling Adventures: Anglers will find a variety of warm- and cold-water fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and trout. Local fishing guides offer tours to help you find productive spots around the coves and inlets. Fishing is best early morning and evening, particularly near the Broad River inflow and deeper basin sections.

Hiking & Exploration: Just beyond the lake, Chimney Rock State Park features hiking trails to panoramic overlooks, waterfalls, and rock formations. The famous Exclamation Point Trail rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas over Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.

Picnicking & Family Leisure: Several lakeside parks—such as Morse Park Meadows and the Marina Park—offer picnic shelters, playgrounds, and scenic lawns perfect for family outings.

Wildlife & Photography: The surrounding forests are home to deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and even the occasional black bear. Birdwatchers often spot ospreys and herons along the shoreline. The lake’s changing light and seasonal colors make it a photographer’s paradise.

Access, marinas & ramps

Lake Lure Marina: The town-operated marina provides boat slips, gas pumps, rentals, and scenic boat tours. From here, you can also join the popular Lake Lure Tours for narrated cruises explaining the history of the lake and its landmarks.

Boat Access & Permits: Private boats are welcome with annual or temporary permits available from the Town of Lake Lure. Strict regulations ensure wake zones and environmental safety. Launch ramps are available for both residents and visitors.

Public Access Points:
Lake Lure Beach & Water Park (swimming and picnic access)
Town Marina on Memorial Highway (boat launch)
Morse Park & Marina Point (walking and fishing access) Parking and restrooms are provided at major entry areas.

Nearby Accommodations: Visitors can stay in charming lakeside cabins, boutique inns, or full-service resorts like the historic Lake Lure Inn & Spa, which has hosted travelers since the 1920s.

Safety & regulations

Boating Permits & Rules: Every motorized or non-motorized craft requires a permit to launch. The lake enforces speed zones and limits wake near residential and swimming areas.
Fishing Licenses: A valid North Carolina Fishing License is required for all anglers aged 16 and older. Trout stamp endorsements may be required for certain species.
Swimming Safety: Swim only in designated zones at the public beach or within private resort areas. Lifeguards are present during the peak season, but always check weather conditions—summer thunderstorms can roll in quickly in the mountains.
Environmental Protection: The town enforces rules to prevent fuel spills, shoreline erosion, and littering. Wildlife and aquatic vegetation are strictly protected to sustain the lake’s ecological balance.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Chimney Rock State Park: Only minutes away, this iconic park offers one of the best mountain overlooks in the Southeast. Visitors can climb the 500-step trail or ride the elevator to the summit for a panoramic view of Lake Lure and the Broad River Valley.
Hickory Nut Gorge & Broad River Greenway: Drive or hike through scenic mountain roads and trails, explore waterfalls like Hickory Nut Falls, and enjoy riverside picnicking.
Rutherfordton & Tryon Day Trips: Explore nearby historic downtowns filled with local shops, wineries, and art galleries. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is also within a short drive and hosts world-class horse events.
Asheville Excursion: Located about 45 miles northwest, Asheville offers vibrant dining, craft beer tours, and the Biltmore Estate – perfect for a day trip from Lake Lure.

Events & community

Lake Lure’s community spirit is built around its natural beauty and seasonal celebrations. The annual Dirty Dancing Festival pays homage to the film shot here, with music, dancing and lake activities. Spring and summer bring outdoor concerts, arts markets, and boat parades, while fall offers leaf-peeping and wine festivals. Local residents take pride in sustainable tourism and work to preserve Lake Lure’s clean waters and small-town charm.