Best of Guide - Best Parks, Paths & Trails

AroundLakeLure.com brings you our Best Hiking Lake Lure Guide — our best local picks for packing in a day of fun in the sun enjoying our area parks, paths, and scenic trails!

The beautiful landscapes in and around Lake Lure, NC are a real draw for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The epic scenery, pristine lake, and unrivaled beauty of the area captivate you immediately and make this a nature lovers paradise.

Best Hiking Lake Lure:

Best Shady Hike with a Waterfall and Swimming Hole – Little Bradley Falls

Saluda – 5436 Holbert Cove Road – Approximately 40 min from Lake Lure Town Center

The lush forest surrounds you and the great rushing sounds of Cove Creek relax you as you walk the shady, wooded trail to Little Bradley Falls. There are 5 or 6 creek crossings so be prepared to get wet or carefully rock hop. The pay-off is a triple-tiered, 50+ foot waterfall with a beautiful pool area to cool off and enjoy the scenery.

– Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate – 2 miles (round trip)

– Kid-Friendly: Yes – I would caution bringing very young children due to water crossings.

– Dog-Friendly: Yes – As long as your dog likes water.

– Detailed Trail Review of Little Bradley Falls

Best Iconic Hike with a 75-Mile View – Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock – 431 Main Street – Approximately 5 minutes from Lake Lure Town Center

Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith for which the Park is named, is one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. You can hike to the top of this magnificent 315-foot granite outcropping and enjoy stunning 75-mile panoramic views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. Must be able to climb stairs as there are 499 1-way, but the climb is well worth the effort!

– Difficulty: Intermediate

– Kid-Friendly: Yes, if they can climb lots of stairs.

– Dog-Friendly: Yes – Must be on a leash and like stairs.

– There is a Fee to Enter. you can get all the details on the Official Park Website.

Best Hike to the Highest Peak in the Area and 360 Degree Views – Bearwallow Mountain

Near Gerton, NC – From Lake Lure take 74A North 8.9 miles to Gerton – Left turn on Bearwallow Mountain Rd. Follow Bearwallow Road for 4.9 miles to a small parking area with the trailhead on the Southside of the road. Approximately 35 minutes from Lake Lure Town Center.

The strenuous two-mile round trip hike has over 500 feet in elevation gain. At 4,232 elevation it’s the highest peak for miles around and offers a stunning 360 view of the surrounding mountains in all directions. It’s definitely one of the most scenic views and the grassy pasture at the top is the perfect place for a picnic lunch.

– Difficulty: Intermediate to Strenuous

– Kid-Friendly: Yes, if they are up for the climb

– Dog-Friendly: Yes

– Detailed Trail Review of Bearwallow Mountain

Best Longer Adventure Hike – Trombatore Trail

Gerton – Adjacent to Bearwallow Mountain Trailhead. Trailheads are on either side of the road. The hike to Blue Ridge Pastures drops downhill away from the gated road.

This 5-mile round trip woodland hike takes you through the Upper Brush Creek watershed, along the Eastern Continental Divide to the grassy summit of Blue Ridge Pastures at 3,780 elevations. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hickory Nut Gorge, including Bearwallow Mountain, Florence Nature Preserve, and Wildcat Rock. On a clear day, Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains are visible to the north.

– Difficulty: Strenuous

– Kid-Friendly: Older children with endurance.

– Dog-Friendly: Yes

Best Full Day of Waterfall Fun – Dupont State Forest – Hooker, Triple, High & Bridal Veil Falls

Hooker Falls DuPont State Forest — Hooker Falls – DuPont State Forest

Between Hendersonville and Brevard -1400 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 – Approximately 1 hour from Lake Lure Town Center

The 10,400+ acre forest has four major waterfalls on the Little River – Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. They are magnificent and each is uniquely different. There are also five lakes and an extensive trail system covering 82 miles of trails and roads for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Plan a full day to see all four wondrous waterfalls. It’s an absolute treat!

– Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate – trails range in length and difficulty

– Kid-Friendly: Yes, great for kids of all ages.

– Dog-Friendly: Yes – Leash required.

– Detailed Trail Review of Dupont Forest and Official Park Website

Best Multi-Use Trail to Bike, Walk or Run – Thermal Belt Rail Trail

Spindale – Located at the intersection of West Main Street and Kentucky Street

This converted rail line is now an 8-mile trail (16 miles round trip) connecting the towns of Rutherfordton and Spindale. You can bike, walk or run the trail, passing by expansive fields, hilly gorges, the Belcher Mint, restaurant row in Spindale and more.

– Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

– Kid-Friendly – Yes – Great for younger children too.

– Dog-Friendly: Yes

Best Leisurely Stroll Filled with Blooms and Beauty – Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

Lake Lure – Located at the corner of Memorial Highway and Boys Camp Road

This old bridge was set to be demolished and instead blooms with the beauty of over 700 species of plants and flowers. It’s only the second of its kind in the country. Repurposed garden art can be found throughout the themed garden areas. Expand your scenic stroll and continue on to Morse Park and enjoy the tranquil beauty along the shore of Lake Lure.

– Difficulty: Easy

– Kid-Friendly: Yes

– Dog-Friendly: Yes – Leash required. You’ll find dog water bowls along the bridge and doggie bag stations at the bridge and park.

– Detailed Lake Lure Town Center Walking Tour

Best Dog-Friendly Walk in the Park – Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park

Lake Lure – Located on NC 9, a ¼ mile south of 64W, across from Ingle’s

This walking trail system consists of approximately three miles of looped natural surface trails of varying difficulty over rolling terrain. There are two open fields where dogs can run and play and beautiful shady areas, benches, and little streams running throughout.

– Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

– Kid-Friendly – Yes – Great for younger children

– Dog-Friendly: Yes

– Detailed Trail Review of Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park

We hope you enjoy Our “Best of Hiking Guide Lake Lure” — our picks for the best local parks, paths and scenic trails around Lake Lure.