Town(s):
Lake Lure NC
County:
Size:
720
acres
Average Depth:
25
feet
Maximum Depth:
104
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply, Other Restrictions
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Named one of the top 10 most beautiful man-made lakes in the world by National Geographic, Lake Lure is is approximately 720 acres, with about 21 miles of shoreline. Located in Western North Carolina, Lake Lure sits in the heart of Hickory Nut Gorge. East of Asheville, the Rocky Broad River tears its way in a series of rapids down through Hickory Nut Gap. This crystal clear water flows through a valley shaped roughly in the form of a Maltese cross to make Lake Lure. Great stretches of water, three long bays, an island of seven acres and many small bays and inlets with a background of tree clad hills and mountains. The climate is unusually good as Lake Lure lies in the "Thermal Belt." Lake Lure and the surrounding areas are famous for hiking, bird watching, fishing (fly, spinning, lake and river), rock climbing, skiing, shopping, golfing, swimming and boating. From hot dogs to fine dining, there are many locally-owned restaurants. Enjoy romantic candlelit dinners by the lake, fine dining with incredible views, pubs & grilles, BBQ, Italian, Mexican & down-home on the river. Well known for its role in the hit movie Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is a sanctuary for serenity and relaxation. Its unrivaled beauty is just the beginning of what you’ll find here. Take a boat tour of the Lake, play on the beach, swim, hike, mountain bike, climb a shear rock face, fish, boat, kayak or just relax. It has been a filming location for scenes from the movies Thunder Road, Dirty Dancing, A Breed Apart, The Last of the Mohicans and Firestarter. Take a relaxing walk on the boardwalk any time of the year (free) and cross the Flowering Bridge. Enjoy a picnic by the lake. Nearby is shopping and restaurants in the village of Chimney Rock. The lake is owned by the town of Lake Lure, with private homes surrounding most of the lake. Access is provided via a town marina, beach and park.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Minimal
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
In the Hickory Nut Gorge you will find Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, White Bass, Catfish, Bluegill and Sun-perch.
State licenses are required to fish in the lake and river. Don't forget to buy Trout stamps, which are also required for creek and river fishing. Also boat permits are required on Lake Lure. The Boat permits are available at the town hall (828) 625-9983.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Bluegill
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
There are several options available for access to the lake. You can purchase a daily, weekly, monthly or annual boat permit through the Town of Lake Lure. Launches for boats, kayaks and canoes are located at Washburn Marina and behind the ABC Liquor Store on Memorial Highway. Both of these are walking distance to local restaurants and the Lake Lure Beach and Water Park. Rumbling Bald Resort, at the north end of the lake, provides permitted access at their marina for property owners or visitors who are vacationing there.
Parking Spaces:
21-40
Directions:
Hickory Nut Gorge is situated on the northeastern end of Henderson County and the northwestern end of Rutherford County just 14 miles from I-26 and 21 miles from both I-40 and US 221. Follow North Carolina Scenic By Way, Hwy. 74-A, East 25 miles southeast of Asheville; Hwy. 64 E 17 miles east of Hendersonville; or Hwy. 74 W 90 miles west of Charlotte to the heart of Hickory Nut Gorge.
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
