Lake Lure Town News Summary - 1/12/26
Lake Lure Town News Summary
This latest summary will include the following:
- Pictorial review of 2025
- Updates on the SMART shoreline debris pick up program
- Morse Park restoration updates
- Links to the 2026 Lake Use Regulations, related deadlines, fees, and the boat permit applications
- Lake level updates and plans for refilling the lake
- Latest water quality reports - all within normal limits
- New disc golf map and information
- Cell tower updates - it's coming along!
- Plans for the Washburn Marina and Boardwalk, the new boat ramp and fuel pump
- Utility funding updates
- Comprehensive Planning Input Survey link
- Links to summaries of the past months Town Council and Marine Commission meetings.
- Project updates
- Related media highlights.
- Roadway updates and directions
- Travel and restaurant guide
- and more...
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Please take a moment to view the pictorial review of 2025. What a year! As the new year begins, we pause to reflect on a year that tested Lake Lure in profound ways. Hurricane Helene changed our lives and our landscape, but it also revealed our resilience, compassion, and unity as a community.
In the days and months that followed, neighbors became lifelines, helping hands appeared without being asked, and hope took shape in the steady work of rebuilding the Town of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. From cleared roads and restored homes to shared meals and quiet encouragement, every act—large and small—mattered.
This pictorial review is more than a look back. It is a tribute to the courage it took to move forward, the patience required to rebuild, and the collective spirit that carried Lake Lure through uncertainty toward renewal. Each image tells a story of progress.
Thank you for your perseverance, your kindness, and your unwavering love for our Town. May the coming year bring continued healing, stability, and new reasons to gather and celebrate!
With gratitude and warm wishes to all.
Town of Lake Lure
SHORELINE DEBRIS - KEEP THE FAITH!
- Town Officials are aware that shoreline debris remains around the lake and in several coves.
- The Town of Lake Lure has secured a plan with the state SMART program to pick up shoreline debris that remains.
- Officials from the SMART Program will be making rounds on the lake next week to finalize their scope of work.
- A timeline for the beginning of the project will be posted as soon as these dates are confirmed.
- Please stay tuned for additional information as this plan is formulated.
MORSE PARK, SHORELINE STABILIZATION, AND DREDGING
Shoreline: The next step in the restoration process in and around Morse Park is securing the shoreline.
- The shoreline around Morse Park will be armored with riprap in the coming weeks.
- Riprap is large, angular stones that will help prevent erosion by absorbing the force of waves and water, protecting the soil underneath, and stabilizing the bank.
- The expanse of low lying dirt beyond the banks will be underwater once the lake levels resume to full pond.
- Dredging will take place in this area
Dredging: Mechanical dredging will take place to prevent future sedimentation build up.
Park grounds: The mound of dirt in Morse Park will be used to level out the grounds in the area to minimize future drainage issues.
2026 LAKE USE REGULATIONS
The 2026 Lake Use Regulations can be viewed here.
-
We are pleased to advise that there will be no change in personal Lake Use Fees in 2026, which includes no fees for personal non-motorized boats in 2026.
-
Note that one change that was made to the 2026 Lake Use Regulations is that beginning in 2026, vacation rental management companies will be required to register and commercially permit non-motorized boats, as they are already required to do with their motorized boats. This change was made as these non-motorized boats are being utilized for commercial purposes.
-
You may download the 2026 Lake Use Fees.
-
You may download the 2026 Commercial Boat Permit Application for both non-motorized and motorized boats.
-
February 1, 2026 is the deadline for all no-motorized and motorized commercial applications.
WHAT IS THE LAKE LEVEL
The Lake Level is currently at about 975 Mean Sea Level (MSL) as of 1/9/25. The lake level will temporarily go down to 974, in anticipation of incoming rain.
- A project has begun to replace the seals on the Tainter gates.
- The current plan is to maintain the lake at about 15 feet below full pond at (975 MSL +\- 6”) for the completion of the project.
- The project is projected to be completed in February 2026.
- Once the project is complete, Town Officials will begin refilling the Lake.
- Full pond in Lake Lure is 990.5 MSL.
HOW LONG WILL THE LAKE BE DOWN?
We are unable to specify the length of the drawdown period at this time, but we hope to begin refilling the Lake Lure in February once the spillway project at the Lake Lure Dam is complete.
- Town engineers and staff are scheduling work and inspections on the dam and the sewer system while the lake is drawn down to maximize this opportunity to accomplish projects with the lower lake levels.
- See details on projects later in this report under the dam and sewer system sections.
CAN WE ACCESS THE LAKE?
The Town of Lake Lure and all businesses are open and welcoming visitors; however, the lake itself remains closed to all unauthorized personnel. Do not enter the lake or the lakebed for everyone's safety, and to avoid fines.
WHEN WILL THE LAKE REOPEN?
The Town of Lake Lure remains hopeful that we will be able to reopen the lake in the late spring of 2026. The target date for opening Lake Lure to the public is May 2026. You may read the Town's Press Release on the reopening timeline here.
LAKE WATER QUALITY
Please see the attached water sample results from December 2025. We are pleased to report that the latest results are all within acceptable limits.
You may review the updates spreadsheet, which illustrates all the water sample data received by the Town of Lake Lure.
This data is current through 12/10/25.
LAKE LURE DISC GOLF
While we are waiting on the lake levels to rise, enjoy some disc golf at the Lake Lure Green Space!
The Town of Lake Lure is happy to announce that temporary disc golf goals have been installed on the Green Space and are available for everyone to enjoy. Bring your frisbees or disc sets and come enjoy an 18-hole Disc Golf Course at the Green Space, located at 658 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746. You may download the disc golf course map.
This is a fun and challenging course designed for everyone from beginners to professional disc golf players.
RULES:
- Disc Golf players must yield to pedestrians walking or biking on the paths.
- The Green Space is open to walking and biking only. No golf carts, ATV’s, or other vehicles allowed.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
Have fun and enjoy your time on the Lake Lure Green Space.
Special thanks to Dan Bragdon at Camp Lurecrest for donating the Disc Golf equipment, helping to design the layout for the disc golf course, and installation of the goals!
CELL TOWER UPDATES
It's Here!
The Town of Lake Lure has been working to install a cell tower on the old camp ground off Boys Camp Road. Our Community Development Team has been diligent in their efforts to work through multiple challenges, including delays caused by Hurricane Helene. Thanks to their persistence, we are pleased to report that the cell tower has arrived! You can see the tower here!
-
The base of the tower was erected Thursday, 12/4/25 as schedule.
-
The remaining sections were erected Friday, 12/5/25 as you can see from this photo above taken by Commissioner Patrick Bryant.
-
Duke Energy established power at the Cell Tower and the next steps are for the cell companies to begin mounting their antennas.
-
We should be able to call folks and tell them about it very soon.
WASHBURN MARINA UPDATES
- Work has begun to rebuild the Washburn Marina and floating boardwalk and we hope this will be in place by mid July 2026.
- The lake must be at full pond to complete some of the work.
- We anticipate the lake being at full pond by May 2026, so this is the reason for the July completion date.
- A new boat ramp will be built and a new dock with the fueling station will be for added on the left side if you are facing the marina from the parking lot.
- The small marina building has been removed and a temporary utility building will be utilized for the 2026 season, until a more permanent structure is built.
- Note that Town Officials are still awaiting a determination from FEMA on both Town Hall and the Welcome Center. Updates on these structures will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.
- The following is an illustration of the 2026 Washburn Marina and Boardwalk that is being designed in a duplicate pattern as the previous version that was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
-
Funding Updates: The Town was elated to receive the following Division of Water Infrastructure’s Helene grants to support the sewer system in Lake Lure:
-
$464,000 for new bulk chemical storage at the Water Treatment Plant
-
$6,636,349 for an emergency waterline
-
$5 million for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant outside the floodplain
-
-
West End Sewer Project: Staff began smoke testing lakeside manholes to identify leaks along the lake banks. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the Town’s sewer system and prevent environmental impacts.
-
Water and Sewer Operations: Public Service staff inspected and closed the penstock at the dam and successfully commissioned the SCADA system at Pump Station 34, improving the Town’s water management capabilities. Downtown manholes and sewer lines were cleaned and cleared of debris, ensuring continued safe and reliable sewer operations.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING UPDATE
The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process earlier this year, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission. Since that time, we have held three in person public input sessions. One was a virtual session, one was in a traditional format at "The Landings", our temporary Town Hall, and one was held in a open Round Table Forum at the same location. We plan to hold one more public input session in January. Please stay tuned for dates and times for this.
Additionally, two focus groups have been held. One was with the Lake Advisory Board and one with the Parks and Recreation Board. A third focus group session is being held with the Planning and Zoning Board. Two more focus groups will be held following this one.
-
An online public input survey has been shared in various forums. Over 30% of Lake Lure's residents have completed the survey. The Foothills Regional Commission advises that this is a very good response rate compared with other municipalities. It is difficult to get high survey responses these days, but for a Town of our size they are very pleased. The vast majority of responses are from full and part-time residents.
-
If you have not taken the Comprehensive Planning Survey, the deadline has been extended to allow for additional submissions. Please click here to take the survey.
- A report will be prepared in the spring compiling all of the public input later in 2026. This report will be widely shared once it is published.
MEETING THE MARK
You may review a summary of the Lake Lure Marine Commission Meeting from Tuesday, December 9, 2025
You may review the meeting and events calendar here. A snapshot of the January Calendar is included below and you may click on it to see a larger version of the calendar.
IN THE NEWS
The following is a summary of some of the relevant news coverage Since the last report.
1) Rising after Helene: local businesses anticipate economic boost as lake refills
by Shelly Garzon
Mon, December 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
LAKE LURE, NC (WLOS) — Residents and business owners in the Lake Lure area are excited about the progress the area is making post-Helene. This comes as the town has started refilling the lake, a major step in the area's recovery following the storm.
For residents like Scott Piper, a tour boat captain with Lake Lure Tours, the lake’s gradual return has been emotional.
“For those who were here prior to the storm and where we’ve come in such a short amount of time, it's nothing short of spectacular,” Piper said.
Piper said he was unsure whether the town would reopen as quickly as it has.
"I'll be honest, I never thought we'd be open by this year, but the amount of cooperation and the money and the help and the support that we've received here in this community, it's clearly evident that we’re going to be back next year,” he said.
2) Lake Lure seeks Christmas tree donations to restore fish habitats and revitalize the lake
JAN. 5, 2026 - The Town of Lake Lure is asking for your help by recycling your Christmas trees to support its fish habitat and the lake's recovery after Hurricane Helene's damage.
LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Town of Lake Lure is asking for your help by recycling your Christmas trees.
As the end of the holiday season nears and you need to get rid of those trees, you can help the town rebuild its lake.
Lake Lure uses the recycled Christmas trees to support its fish habitat. You can bring your real trees with no flocking, tinsel, or lights.
David Diorio, Lake Lure Commissioner, said that 2026 is a big year for their town.
Last December, they completed cleaning out the lake of all the debris that came in during Helene.
3) Tavern in Lake Lure seeks community help after Hurricane Helene
By Enrique Salinas
Published: Jan. 8, 2026 at 7:06 PM EST|Updated: 21 hours ago
LAKE LURE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Fae Nectar, a beloved themed tavern on Memorial Highway in Lake Lure, is struggling to stay open after taking damage from Hurricane Helene.
Though roads and much of the town are reopening, owner Tom Halladay says recovery has been slow and expenses have mounted despite loans and local aid.
“Going to GoFundMe was really a last resort,” Halladay says. “We’re just trying to make it through spring and into summer so we can keep hosting concerts, weddings and community events.”
The tavern — popular with fans of fantasy worlds and local gatherings — has launched a GoFundMe to cover repairs and operating costs. If you can, please donate and share the campaign to help this small business get back on its feet.
4) ‘You take them with you’: Over 100 motorcyclists ride to Lake Lure in friends’ honor
The ride has been a New Year’s Day tradition for the last 24 years. Organizers said that 118 motorcyclists participated in the 24th annual ride.
By Mary Kate Howland
Published: Jan. 4, 2026 at 4:03 PM EST
LAKE LURE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - What began as a New Year’s Day tradition for three friends has become an annual event that has brought together hundreds of motorcyclists for over two decades.
Eddie Jolley recalls that he and his two friends would ride up to Lake Lure on their motorcycles every New Year’s Day to grab lunch and celebrate together, as they had nowhere else to go. After his two friends died, Jolley carried on the tradition.
“It’s just something I had to do,” Jolley said. “Every New Year’s I’d ride to Lake Lure. Rain, sleet, sunshine, whatever, it didn’t make any difference; I’d go to Lake Lure.”
With each passing year, Jolley was joined by other motorcyclists. On Thursday’s 24th anniversary ride, Jolley reported that a total of 118 bikes rode up to Lake Lure.
“I’m doing this for my two brothers, but I said, ‘Every one of you has got somebody that you’re going to be thinking about riding up that hill, you take them with you,’ and I think that hit home with a lot of them.”
Along with the other bikers, Jolley is joined by his sons and grandchildren on the annual ride.
Left to right: Chad Jolley, Campbell Jolley, Eddie Jolley, Chris Jolley(Chris Jolley)
“It means the world to me. I never would have thought I’d have three generations riding up that mountain. I’d look in my mirror, and I’d see them, and I’d just think, you know, one of these days those guys are going to be carrying me up that mountain. They’ve promised to continue it."
Jolley said that participants have thanked him for leading the charge and shared with him that they are also carrying the memories of loved ones on the ride.
According to Jolley, residents of Lake Lure have also expressed their appreciation for the tradition. Chris Jolley, Jolley’s son and owner of C&C Thunder Custom Cycles in Cowpens, added that the group of bikers makes a conscious effort to dine and shop in the town on their annual trip, especially since Hurricane Helene.
Eddie Jolley says that he hopes the annual event continues to grow bigger and better every year. “I’m 78 years old, I’ve got five broken bones in my back. If I’m still living next year, I’ll do it next year.”
5) NC crews battle 20-acre wildfire near Lake Lure, Chimney Rock
Ryley Ober
Asheville Citizen Times
Updated Jan. 2, 2026, 6:15 p.m. ET
Firefighters are battling a 20-acre blaze near the Rutherford County village of Chimney Rock that ignited on New Year's Eve, officials said.
At about 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, the town of Lake Lure began investigating a fire reported by "numerous people," according to a Jan. 1 news release from Broad River Fire & Rescue. Firefighters from Broad River and Chimney Rock responded to Shumont Mountain at 905 Bald Mountain Road.
Heavy tree blow down was fueling the fire, endangering one structure, the fire department said early in the morning Jan. 1. Firefighters responded to that portion of the fire, preventing damages to the home. North Carolina Forest Service spokesperson Philip Jackson told the Citizen Times Jan. 2 that one home and one storage shed was initially threatened but are no longer in danger.
As of 6 a.m. on New Year's Day, 35 to 40 personnel from multiple agencies were still on scene dealing with strong winds. No evacuations, no reported injuries and no impacted structures or homes have been reported.
The Haircomb Gap Fire has grown to just over 20 acres and is about 50% contained, Jackson told the Citizen Times around 2:45 p.m. Jan. 2. Firefighters are continuing to patrol fire lines, mop-up any remaining hotspots and strengthen containment lines.
An N.C. Forest Service helicopter will be on scene Jan. 2 to provide aerial suppression on portions of the fire where access is extremely limited or restricted due to steep slopes, rock faces and residual debris and downed timber from Tropical Storm Helene, Jackson said.
"While forecast precipitation will likely not be enough to fully extinguish hot spots in the more remote areas within the fire perimeter, the potential for weekend moisture will significantly aid suppression efforts," Jackson said.
The fire's cause is under investigation.
Firefighters found the blaze in an area that burned during the Party Rock Fire in 2016, when a devastating fall fire season set Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee ablaze. The Party Rock Fire near Lake Lure and Chimney Rock spread across 7,142 acres of state park land and private property starting Nov. 5, 2016, and burned for a month.
4) Lake Lure refills post-Helene
Residents and business owners in the Lake Lure area are excited about the progress the area is making post-Helene. This comes as the town has started refilling the lake, a major step in the area's recovery following the storm. READ MORE: https://wlos.com/news/local/lake-lure...
LAKE LURE DAM
Lake Lure Dam by Stephanie Ansley
-
Spillway Repairs: The Tainter gate seal repair project on the spillway has begun. The lake will be maintained at about 975.5 MSL (or 15 feet below full pond) for the duration of the project which is expected to be completed by mid February 2026. Town Staff worked with Schnabel Engineering to submit a grant application through the NC DEQ Dam Safety Office to help offset costs associated with this project.
-
30% Design Project for the Lake Lure Replacement Dam: The Town received confirmation of grant funding for $484,471. Staff coordinated with Schnabel Engineering to obtain an updated Work Order (#10) for $910,900, and Town Council approved the work order and budget amendment. This project has begun and is expected to take 6– 8 months. This is a major step forward in the process of constructing the new dam.
-
Detailed Design: Submission for the detailed design phase of the replacement dam (Work Order 10B) occurred in February 2024. Total project costs are $3,500,000, with the Town responsible for a 35% match ($1,225,000) and grant funding requested for the remaining 65% ($2,275,000). Project awards are pending completion of prior grant projects.
CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
Only approved contractors may access properties from the lake, by boat or barge, but any contractor or property owner may work on lake structures (with permits) if accessing from land. This includes sea wall construction or restoration (again, with required permits). You may emailkmartin@townoflakelure.com"> kmartin@townoflakelure.com with any questions.
Click here for additional information on contractors.
KEEP IT IN THE ROAD!
Highway 64/74A Beyond Chimney Rock Village: Highway 64/74A heading West beyond Chimney Rock Village remains closed to the public at large. It is open to "locals", which is defined as those who live and work in the area. Please do not use this road if you do not have to, as contractors have to stop their work to allow for passage when cars go by, slowing the recovery process.
NC DOT updates on Highway 64: A temporary road is expected to be open between Chimney Rock and Hendersonville was extended to June 30, 2027 (YES, 2027). For more information, visit NC DOT’s Drive NC link: https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074
From South Carolina: From I-26 towards Asheville take Exit #66, then take the first exit for Highway 108). Turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).
From Asheville: From I-26 towards Spartanburg - Take Exit #67 (Rutherfordton - Highway 108), once you exit, turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).
Proctor Road: Paving is complete. Jersey Barriers will be installed. Thank you to the residence for their patience as this work was completed.
West End Paving: Once paving is complete on Proctor Road, the crew will shift to work on the West end.
Charlotte Road: Public Works projects paving and repairs on Charlotte Drive should be done by the end of the year.
Boys Camp Road Bridge: This project is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026.
Road, Drainage, and Signage Maintenance: Public Works crews provided routine maintenance throughout the Town included leaf blowing and the initiation of side arm mowing. Staff constructed a protective berm at the top of the slope on the dam’s north abutment to prevent erosion.
FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENTS RECEIVED
The following is a summary of the financial reimbursements the Town of Lake Lure has received following the destruction of Hurricane Helene.
Key: Categories A: Debris Removal, B: Emergency Protective Measures and Permanent Work, Categories C-G: Roads, Water Control, Buildings, Utilities, Parks
- $862,186.69 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
- $754,185.81 – Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): Town-wide
- $65,390.00 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
- $503,580.00 – Category C (Roads and Bridges): Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
- $118,323.67 – Category B: Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
- $8,250.00 – Category B: Temporary Town Hall Facility
- $13,255.75 – Category A: Dumpster rentals
- $28,531.78 – Category B: Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
- $9,681.02 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
- $745,485.13 – Category B: Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
- $8,913.73 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
- $977,417 – Category F: WWTP A&E
The Town is currently awaiting reimbursement for several projects, including the Temporary Emergency Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair in the amount of $118,943, the Lakeshore River Sand Washout project in the amount of $5,250, and the newly obligated Sediment Pond Culvert project in the amount of $101,487.47.
VISIT THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE!
While visitors should be mindful of ongoing recovery efforts, several local businesses and recreation areas have reopened. There are a number of attractions that are open in the area. Lake Lure hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts, and our amazing restaurants are open for business! Our local businesses greatly appreciate your patronage! Please visit the area and encourage others to visit as well.
Download the Travel Guide here.
Please visit the Local Restaurant Guide
And here are some of the amenities that are currently open to the public.
- Morse Park, New Playground, and the Lake Lure Gazebo
- Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails
- Disc Golf
- Lake Lure Green Space
- Pool Creek Picnic Park
- Check out the New Flowering Bridge Education Center and Gardens as they are being created
These amenities are in Lake Lure and are open to the public.
- Youngs Mountain
- Rumbling Bald Golf Courses
- Chimney Rock State Park (But reservation only)
- Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald Access - Click here to reserve your tickets!
Additionally, horseback riding is available in the area along with zip lining, escape rooms, a candy cabin, and so much more!
Buffalo Creek Park/Weed Patch Mountain Trail/Upper Boulders Trail: Ongoing work is also taking place at Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain, and the Upper Boulder Trails by the National Guard, Carolina Climbers Coalition, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, EcoForesters, and AmeriCorps. We cannot thank them enough for their time and support! Progress continues to be made on Upper Boulders Trail, and a small section may be opening soon. The Town received a grant of $50,000 to assist with restoration. Please stay tuned for updates!
Turtle Rock Trail: A new trail is being created near Pool Creek Picnic Park. Please stay tuned for updates!
Upcoming Events and Meetings:
- 1/13/26 at 5:00 pm: Town Council Meeting
- 1/28/26 at 8:30 am: Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting
- 2/10/26 at 5:00 pm: Town Council Meeting
- 2/24/26 at 8:30 am: Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting
- 2/26-3/26: Collegiate Rowing Teams
- 3/10/26 at 5:00 pm: Town Council Meeting
- 3/24/26 at 8:30 am: Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting
- 3/6-8/26: Carolina Climbers Coalition 2026 Rumble (Climbing Competition)
- 4/24/26: Arbor Day Program at the Lake Lure Gazebo
QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS
You may review previous Storm Recovery Updates in Town News at www.townoflakelure.com
For questions or suggestions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com
