Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure, North Carolina – a secluded mountain setting with lots of activities.

Chimney Rock State Park – Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park brings the best of the mountains together in one place. The Park is one of the few places in the world with an elevator inside a mountain!  The 26-story elevator whisks you up to the top of the Rock in about 32 seconds, allowing people of all ages and abilities to see the amazing 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge.  With unique hiking trails, a climbing tower, and Family Animal Encounters, the Park has something for everyone from the kid-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 discovery stations along the way to the more adventurous Four Seasons trail which climbs more than 400 feet. Chimney Rock also offers guided rock climbing lessons for beginner to advanced climbers.  Souvenirs of your mountain adventure can be picked up at Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop. The Park offers discounts for groups, and is pet friendly. 1-800-277-9611.

Washburn Marina, the "Beach" at Lake Lure and "Waterworks" – Boat, canoe and kayak rentals, boat launch and Lake Lure tour boat excursions plus Lake Lure Beach. Come and play on the only beach in the mountains. Float on an inner tube, picnic in the shade, or just catch some rays while enjoying the spectacular mountain views.  Enjoy the Water Works with water slides, bumper boats and water games. Beach & Water Park Info.

Tryon International Equestrian Center -Site of the 2018 World Equestrian Games, the Olympics of the horse world, this world-class equestrian center is open to the public year round with wonderful shops, restaurants, activities and events for the whole family to enjoy. This $100 million world class equestrian center is only 16 miles from Lake Lure.

Lake Lure Adventure Company offers boat rentals, waterskiing, wakeboarding / wake surfing and many more watersports adventures. Bring the whole family for a day of fun in the sun on Lake Lure!

Boys Camp Road – Hiking trails that are owned by Chimney Rock State Park, but are not inside the Park. There is no charge to hike on these trails. Turn north off Hwy. 64/74A onto Boys Camp Road (between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure).  Go 1.4 miles and you will see the entrance on your left with a sign that says Chimney Rock State Park. There is plenty of vehicle parking. Some of these trails are quite strenuous and you may see experienced rock climbers climbing up and repelling down the cliffs. Experienced rock climbers advise that you stay out of the caves!

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge A flowering pedestrian walkway on Bridge #7 over the Rocky Broad River surrounded by incredible mountain and lake views. Created by local volunteer gardeners who hold free gardening classes several times a year. Absolutely stunning!  Located between Chimney Rock Village and the Washburn Marina, walking distance from the Marina.

Families can learn about hiking and camping in the mountains with interactive programs and fun events at the Cradle of Forestry in the Pisgah National Forest. Our favorite event is BUG DAY. Only about an hour's drive from Lake Lure, this is a fun and educational day trip.

Scenic horseback riding on mountain trails. Swim with your horse across a mountain river. Ride, fish, and camp in a 2-night packing trip. Pony rides for children. 1-866-206-0235 for details.

And just an hour away, The Biltmore Estate is a perfect day trip during your stay. Enjoy your trip back in time, touring the house, gardens and winery.

Zip Line – Tube – Kayak at Canopy Ridge Farm.  Come soar through the trees on one of 6 zip lines each designed with exhilarating features, including Zip Zilla which is close to 1000 feet long and engineered for speed.  828-625-4500.

Come experience the wonder and excitement of prospecting for gemstones in a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere at Chimney Rock Gem Mine. The friendly staff will happily assist you in any way possible, from discovery to identifying your gemstone. It’s great fun for the whole family and every one leaves with a gemstone. Located in Chimney Rock Village.  828-625-5524.

Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail (formerly Donald Ross Nature Trail)  - A walking trail system of approximately three miles of looped natural surface trails of varying difficulty over rolling terrain. The trail head is on Hwy. 9 South across from Ingles Markets. It has graveled parking for approximately 20 vehicles. The trails are wide, family friendly and well marked. Strategically located along the trails are benches, a covered picnic shelter and three other picnic areas. Unlike the vista views found throughout Chimney Rock State Park, this park offers a more intimate exchange with nature through a woodland hike experience. It is an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts, couples and pet owners. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Florence Nature Preserve Trail – Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy’s newest Hickory Nut Gorge trailhead. The new trailhead has vehicle parking in front of the stone chimney on Hwy 74A and provides a scenic route of entry into the Preserve. Please note that the existing trail is strenuous for a short stretch up the mountain from the trailhead. CMLC is currently planning improvements to the existing trail that will accommodate access by a broader range of trail users. Directions from downtown Lake Lure: Travel west on Hwy. 64/74A toward Asheville for 9.6 miles. Trailhead will be on the right.  Look for the stone chimney.  

Whatever you choose from all the many activities, have a great day adventuring in the area, and then come home to your cabin and relax — savoring the memories you've made in the mountains.

For more information, visit the Rutherford County Tourism website