There are so many charming towns worth visiting in the North Carolina Mountains. The historic and artsy town of Saluda is one of them, and Lake Lure is another. Best known for Chimney Rock State Park and the beautiful blue waters of the lake itself, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Lake Lure, making it an excellent destination for a day trip while staying at our romantic hotel. Like the other scenic mountain towns in western North Carolina, Lake Lure is a lush respite that offers a perfect break for modern couples, families, and solo adventurers.
Whether you’re interested in boating, fishing, hiking, or simply soaking up the warmth of a summer day, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Lake Lure, all of which offer a welcome change of scenery and pace for the everyday grind many of us experience in our day to day lives. While embracing nature and enjoying outdoor activities is certainly the star of any trip to Lake Lure, that’s not all this sleepy mountain town has to offer.
From exploring the region’s rich history to embracing the outdoors, we hope you love Lake Lure just as much as the rest of our charming mountain towns in western North Carolina. Of course, when your day of adventure is over, we invite you to rest and recoup in style at our top-rated hotel in nearby Saluda. We’re rated as one of the most romantic getaways in NC and offer a secluded mountain hideaway that is second to none. From the peaks of Chimney Rock to the depths of the Green River Gorge, we can’t wait to share all of this exciting area with you. Book your room at our Saluda, NC hotel today!
The Best Things to Do in Lake Lure, NC
Exploring the Lake Lure area in the North Carolina Mountains unveils many engaging activities and sights, catering to a diverse range of interests and preferences. The lake, a focal point of natural beauty, is surrounded by a landscape that offers leisure and adventure. Visitors can delve into the splendor of this region, engaging in water-based activities, hiking to vantage points that offer panoramic views, or discovering the local culture and history.
The surrounding terrain is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that meander through lush forests and lead to breathtaking overlooks. Water enthusiasts will find the lake ideal for various pursuits, from leisurely boat tours that provide a comprehensive view of the lake’s majesty to more adrenaline-fueled water sports. The proximity to towns such as Chimney Rock and Rutherfordton enriches the visit with opportunities to explore local artisan shops, dine at restaurants serving regional cuisine, and delve into the area’s history.
For those planning a visit to Lake Lure, here are the top activities to consider:
- One of the most beautiful things to do in Lake Lure is to take a scenic boat tour of Hickory Nut Gorge and enjoy the spectacular scenery surrounding this beautiful mountain paradise.
- Aside from spending time on the water, one of the most popular things to do in Lake Lure is to visit Chimney Rock State Park.
- Paddle, Kayak, and Canoe the Broad River Trail, a series of connected trails featuring 49 miles of paddle-able waterways in and around Lake Lure.
- Hiking and biking are among the most popular things to do in Lake Lure. The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a 13.5-mile converted rail trail that weaves through the heart of Rutherford County, while hikes like the Bearwallow Mountain Trail will take you to breathtaking scenic viewpoints.
- Rock climbing is one of the most adventurous things to do in Lake Lure, and with towering monoliths like Chimney Rock, that’s probably not a big surprise. Whether you want to get in on the action yourself or just want to watch others, rock climbing can be a fun part of your trip to the area! We recommend watching the fun at Rumbling Bald at Chimney Rock State Park.
- Visit the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge – certainly one of the most unique things to do in Lake Lure. The bridge plays host to more than 2,000 types of flowering plants, and from there you’ll enjoy an awe-inspiring view at Chimney Rock.
- Take a walking tour of historic downtown Rutherfordton, a town with a long history and beautiful historic homes, including the last remaining Antebellum homes in the Southern foothills of North Carolina.
- Learn more about the area’s history at various landmarks and historic sites, including nearby Civil War Markers on the North Carolina Civil War Trail.
- Take a scenic driving tour around Lake Lure. It’s beautiful all year round, but this is one of the best things to do in Lake Lure in the fall when the lake is aglow with the vibrant hues of fall. There are other great driving tours in the area here.
- You can also spend your days exploring the many different antique shops and art galleries in the area, where you’re sure to find plenty of hidden treasures to take home with you.
We’ve just begun to scratch the surface of all the things to do in Lake Lure. Like Saluda, we hope you take the time to explore this charming mountain region.
Enjoy Secluded Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
Like Saluda, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic things to do in Lake Lure – and it’s just one of the many fantastic mountain towns we recommend you visit while you’re here. Our hotel serves as the perfect home base for all your adventures and offers an unforgettable setting to return home to at the end of the day. Our hotel is one of the leading romantic getaways in North Carolina, set on secluded acreage in the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of downtown Saluda.
Several things set our hotel apart as a premiere getaway destination in the North Carolina mountains, but it starts with the exceptional hospitality you’ll enjoy while here. We go the extra mile to cater to our guest’s needs. Guests will enjoy breathtaking mountain views, fresh, clean air, open porches, and fantastic onsite amenities. We’ve carefully curated the guest experience here and will tend to every detail of your stay, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. That is, after all, the best part about getting away from home.
Our hotel features a range of accommodations, including cozy guest rooms, spacious suites, and private cottages. Each guest room has high-quality amenities, including luxurious linens and robes, a fabulous pillow menu for your perfect night of sleep, whirlpool tubs in some guest rooms, complimentary drinks throughout your stay, freshly baked cookies upon arrival, and so much more! Onsite, you’ll find things like outdoor firepits to enjoy, a signature spa for relaxing massages, Saturday morning yoga classes, and, of course, our unforgettable restaurant.
Each morning of your stay, join us in the dining room for a made-to-order breakfast at Newman’s Restaurant. Breakfast is included with the cost of your stay at our Saluda Hotel and will certainly provide you with the perfect fuel as you get ready to enjoy all the best things to do in Lake Lure and beyond. As you return home from your adventures for the day, we invite you to join us at Newman’s Restaurant once again, rated as one of the best Saluda, NC Restaurants. With regularly rotating menus, you can expect seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and one of the finest dining experiences in the area.
There’s no shortage of fun to be had in the North Carolina Mountains this year. Now’s the perfect time to plan, too. Book your room at our top-rated romantic getaway in Saluda, NC today!
