Lake Lure, North Carolina

Lake Lure, North Carolina, offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the area. From scenic hikes to water adventures, there's something for everyone. The top must-visit attractions include Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Beach & Water Park, and the Hickory Nut Gorge. For those looking for a more rustic experience, the nearby Catawba Falls is a great choice. Enjoy a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while exploring the trails. For outdoor adventurers, the best trails and outdoor activities include the Lake Lure Adventure Company, the Rocky Broad River, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Make sure to check out these attractions for an unforgettable experience.

Top Spots in and near Lake Lure

  • Canton, North Carolina

    Hike to Bubling Spring Falls

    0.1 mi / 50 ft gain
    The road to get to this waterfall is right off of NC 215 which comes right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is only about 3 miles away from parkway. The parking area is very small and does not offer many parking spots but since it is not that popular of an area parking is usually not a problem. ...
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  • Greenville, South Carolina

    Reedy falls via Swamp Rabbit Trail

    4.5
    2.48 mi / 374.45 ft gain
    Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 21 mile-long paved walkway that closely follows the Reedy River in Downtown Greenville. Over a half-a-million people visit the trail each year, but few ever walk the whole thing. What most people don’t know, is that it begins on a different river: the Enoree river and wind...
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Hike to Dill Falls

    0.4 mi / 400 ft gain
    The drive to this waterfall can be a little muddy when there is a lot of rain and can need an AWD or 4WD in the rain. The road has some new gravel laid in parts so it could be improved in a few months. In the summer there is also a chance of seeing large dump trucks and logging trucks, but the ro...
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  • Carlisle, South Carolina

    Mountain Bike Croft State Park

    4.0
    16 mi
    Croft State Park, called Tour de' Dump by locals, is a 7,000 acre state park containing a lake, a river, horse back riding, recreational fields, etc. but it is more commonly known for its mountain biking. Made up of a little more than 16 miles of trails you can enter the Southside Loop Trail fro...
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  • Collettsville, North Carolina

    South Harper Creek Falls

    5.0
    3.46 mi / 564 ft gain
    South Harper Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Collettsville, North Carolina.
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  • Pickens, South Carolina

    Hike Glassy Mountain

    5.0
    1.3 mi / 200 ft gain
    This view never gets old and it is super easy to access. It's also only like half a mile down and then half a mile back up, so if you do watch the sunset, the walk back is easy. The trail is out by Glassy Mountain Church in Pickens, SC and it's accessible year round. The hike is very simple, and ...
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  • Sunset, South Carolina

    Virginia Hawkins Falls (Double Falls)

    4.0
    2.6 mi / 456 ft gain
    A moderate to advanced 2.6 mile hike has many stairs and a lot of ascents and descents along the way. The hike may not be the easiest but the payoff is worth it. The trail is easily marked so no need to worry about getting lost. 
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  • Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

    Rhapsodie Falls

    2.98 mi / 623 ft gain
    Rhapsodie Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.
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  • Sunset, South Carolina

    Hike to Twin Falls, SC

    5.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Once you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles  to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...
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  • Marshall, North Carolina

    Laurel River Trail

    5.0
    7.23 mi / 1447 ft gain
    Laurel River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Marshall, North Carolina.
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  • Greenville, South Carolina

    Lake Conestee Nature Park Loop

    2.39 mi / 194 ft gain
    Lake Conestee Nature Park Loop is a family-friendly loop trail located near Greenville, South Carolina. This trail makes for a great stroll and opportunity to do some birdwatching along the route. There are plenty of insects in the warmer months, so you may want to consider packing repellent. 
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT

    5.0
    20.7 mi
    The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will g...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Cloudland Trail

    5.0
    2.46 mi / 276 ft gain
    Cloudland Trail is an out-and-back trail offering up expansive views of the surrounding area especially from Roan Bluff. This trail is located near Bakersville, North Carolina. With minimal ups and downs, this makes for a decent family-friendly option. The trail is also dog friendly on-leash.  
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  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Hike the Toxaway River Trail

    5.0
    1.25 mi
    This easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...
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  • Easley, South Carolina

    Doodle Trail

    5.0
    7.64 mi / 358 ft gain
    Doodle Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Easley, South Carolina.
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Paradise Falls

    4.3
    0.74 mi / 167 ft gain
    To the north of Panthertown lies a chain of dammed lakes that are some of the most peaceful waters in Western North Carolina. These make up the headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The gorges that run between the top lakes are wild, scenic, and adventurous to even the most experie...
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