Lake Lure Town News Summary ~ July 2026

Lake Lure Marina from Gazebo

Momentum continues in Lake Lure! 

July was a milestone month as we celebrated the reopening of the Washburn Marina, welcomed boaters back to Day Slips, and reopened the Floating Boardwalk—another exciting step forward in our community's recovery and revitalization.

Wondering what else happened this month? Take a few minutes to read the July Town News Summary, where you'll find:
Progress on key recovery and infrastructure projects

  • Washburn Marina updates
  • Town meeting summaries
  • Highlights from community events
  • Recent media coverage
  • Upcoming events and announcements 

Whether you're a resident, property owner, or simply love Lake Lure, this monthly recap is a great way to stay informed about everything happening in our community.

We want this newsletter to be informative, helpful, and relevant. If there are topics, questions, or stories you'd like to see in future editions, let us know in the comments or email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

 

WASHBURN MARINA OPENS

 

The Town of Lake Lure, NC was pleased to reopen Washburn Marina for use in July 2026, though additional improvements are still underway. The boat shown below was the first boat back in the marina.

 

2st Boat in Washburn Marina after it opens

  • Lake Lure's Washburn Marina reopens after Helene, restoring docking for boaters, Story by Rian Stockett, WLOS, Hundreds of boaters can now dock at the Washburn Marina in Lake Lure again for the first time since Helene hit in September 2024. 

    Caption: Lake Lure's Washburn Marina reopens after Helene, restoring docking for boaters. (WMYA)

    "After 22 months and hauling this boat down here when we wanted to go in, it’s great. It’s fantastic and the lake is beautiful. It’s about time," said Rob Campbell, a boater.

    "It's great...to be able to now come back again after what we saw two years ago," said Bob Cassano, another boater. Read more here.

Hot Docks

Washburn Marina Hot Docks        

  • The hot docks (shown above) are intended for temporary loading and unloading only.
  • The docks are located to the left of Washburn Marina when facing the lake.
  • Boat passengers may use the pathway leading to the Lake Lure Gazebo to access the docks.
  • The docks are on the right side of the pathway, with the playground on the left.
  • Fencing will be installed around the playground in the near future to enhance safety.

Stationary Docks

Stationary Docks

The Washburn Marina's stationary docks (shown here) are reserved for Lake Lure Tours. Boat tours are now operating from this location. You may schedule your tour through the Lake Lure Tours website at https://www.lakeluretours.com/

Fueling Station

Fuel Tank     Fuel Pump

  • The marina's new fuel tank has been set in place.
  • The fuel lines have been installed and the fuel pump and station are close to completion. 
  • Final construction is underway with fueling services anticipated to begin in August. 

We will keep you posted as soon as fuel is available for sale.

Boat Launch Information

Washburn Maria Motorized Boat Ramp

  • Motorized Boats

    • The Washburn Marina boat ramp is open for motorized vessels.

  • Non-Motorized Boats

    • No permit or launch fee is required for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized vessels.
    • Launch from Pool Creek Picnic Park (2662 Memorial Highway), located beside Lake Lure Beach.
    • We're also designing a second non-motorized launch behind Morse Park and will share updates as the project progresses.

Pool Creek Picnic Park

Day Slips Available

Whether you're visiting for a few hours or a few days, we have day slip options for you on the "H" Dock (located closest to Lake Lure Beach).

• 6 complimentary 2.5-hour courtesy slips available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 6 daily rental slips available with a four-day minimum stay.

Washburn Marina - Beach Side Boardwalk Entrance - Showing Day Slips

Floating Boardwalk

Take a stroll! The public floating boardwalk is open and offers beautiful lake views as it connects Morse Park and Lake Lure Beach.

 

Floating Boardwalk

 

Lake Lure Tours

While the marina's stationary docks and tour boat slips are receiving their final touches, Lake Lure Tours continues to operate from Lake Lure Beach. Stay tuned—we hope to announce their return to Washburn Marina soon!  The illustration below is the permanent building that will be constructed for the next season.

 

Future Marina Building

Safety Reminder

As boating activity continues to increase, swimming is not permitted from Town-owned property, including Washburn Marina Bay and Pool Creek Picnic Park. This helps ensure the safety of everyone enjoying the lake.

Thank you for your continued support as we complete these final improvements. Every project brings us another step closer to a fully restored Washburn Marina. We look forward to seeing you on the lake!

 

POOL CREEK PICNIC PARK COURTESY DOCKS

 

The courtesy docks in the Pool Creek Picnic Park are complete, allowing additional boaters to visit Town Center for 2 1/2 hours at a time. 

Courtesy Docks at Pool Creek Picnic Park

 

CURRENT LAKE LEVELS

 

You may confirm the latest lake levels on the Town of Lake Lure Website. The link is available on the homepage under the Community Tab.  See Current Lake Levels.

 

 KEEPING LAKE LURE CLEAN - LAKE DEBRIS PICK UP

 

The Town of Lake Lure has resumed responsibility for lake debris cleanup operations.  

Under this program, Town staff will collect floating lake debris from coves and around boat docks. For the first six months, pickups will occur on Wednesdays during the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month. After this period, service will transition to the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Lake conditions, debris volumes, staffing, and program effectiveness will be monitored throughout this initial phase, and the schedule may be adjusted as necessary to respond to changing conditions. Enter a work order here.

Read more here.

Lake Debris Pick Up Instructions

 

BOOM UPDATES

Town staff have been working to reinstall debris booms.

  • Support anchors for the debris boom at the dam have been installed, and a temporary debris boom is currently in place while the Town awaits delivery of the permanent replacement system.
  • The engineering and design of a new anchoring system for the debris boom located in the river channel near Morse Park remains in progress. Updated engineering is necessary due to significant changes in river conditions and the surrounding landscape resulting from the storm.

We appreciate your patience as we complete these efforts.  

 

LAKE LURE BEACH

 

Summer tourism kicks off with Lake Lure beach reopening. 

Check out the new Aqua Park!

Aqua Park

Beach Hours 2026

  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • The Beach will open 7 days a week through Sunday, August 11, 2026.
  • Lake Lure Beach will be opened on weekends through Labor Day Weekend, including Labor Day, Monday, 9/27/26.

Beach Rates 2026

  • Adults $12
  • Seniors $9
  • Child ages 4 -12 $8 - 45" & taller
  • Child under 4 Free - when accompanied by an adult
  • Tickets to Lake Lure Beach's Adventure Course (Aqua Park) are not included in beach tickets.
    • 50 minute sessions starting at 11:00 am.
    • 7 & above: $10
    • ages 4-6: $5

Western North Carolina Recreational Monitoring Program Dashboard - Lake Lure Swim Beach

072926 DEQ Water Quality Results

7/29/26 Water Quality Results

 

ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY RESULTS

 

Please see the latest water sample results here through July 29, 2026.  We are pleased to report that the latest results remain within normal.   

July 29 2026 Water Quality Results

 

FISHERY UPDATE

 

Hurricane Helene's Impact on the Lake Lure Fishery: What We Learned

By Gary Hasenfus, Lake Advisory Board Member and Fishing Enthusiast, shown below.

 

Gary Hasenfus with two fish

 

One of the questions we've heard most often since Hurricane Helene is: How did the storm affect the fishery in Lake Lure?

This has been an important concern not only for those who fish, but for everyone who cares about the long-term health of our lake and its ecosystem.

To answer that question, the Town of Lake Lure conducted a comprehensive fishery assessment on June 1–2, 2026, with assistance from Southeastern Pond Management. This evaluation followed the same scientific methods used in previous fishery studies, allowing for meaningful comparisons over time.

Read more here.

 

HEALING FROM HELENE THROUGH HABITAT RESTORATION

 

The recovery of Lake Lure is about more than rebuilding roads, bridges, and public infrastructure—it is also about restoring the forests, streams, wildlife habitats, and natural landscapes that make our community so special.

Hurricane Helene dramatically reshaped the Hickory Nut Gorge, stripping vegetation from hillsides, damaging streambanks, and disrupting ecosystems that support both wildlife and the people who call this area home. As we continue our recovery, we have a unique opportunity to not only restore what was lost, but to build a healthier, more resilient landscape for future generations.

Through partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, community groups, and volunteers, the Town of Lake Lure is working to restore native habitats, improve water quality, expand biodiversity, and create spaces where both people and wildlife can thrive. Together, we can transform areas impacted by the storm into living examples of ecological restoration, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

We invite you to learn more about this exciting initiative, discover how restoration benefits our community, and find ways to become part of Lake Lure's healing journey. Read more here.

 

MORSE PARK

 

Grading activities at Morse Park are anticipated to begin very soon, with work expected to be completed approximately four weeks after work begins, weather permitting. We are awaiting a permit to begin the work. Once this work is complete and the restored turf has had sufficient time to establish, the Town plans to resume park rentals. Looking ahead, completion of the park restoration and adoption of the Town's Comprehensive Plan will allow the Town to begin evaluating potential long-term improvements and development opportunities within the Morse Park area. Be sure to attend that Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan scheduled for 8/24/26 at 5:00 at The Landings.

Any future planning efforts will be guided by the community's vision as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and will be subject to available funding and regulatory requirements. The Town is also continuing to work with FEMA on funding for the park restoration project. Progress toward funding obligation has been positive, and the timing of future improvements will remain dependent upon the availability of those funds.

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING UPDATE

 

Comprehensive Plan Sign

The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process in the summer of 2025, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission. Foothills Regional Commission is working to finalize the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

  • The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met on June 16th to review the latest draft, during which a few additional edits were made.
  • The plan was presented to the Zoning and Planning Board for review in their July meeting. They made recommendations for some updates to the maps that were included in the plan. Those revisions have been made and will be reviewed at the August Meeting.
  • Following that meeting, the plan will be reviewed by Town Council during their August meeting.
  • A public hearing will be held prior to adoption to receive public input on the proposed plan.
  • This meeting is scheduled for 8/24/26 at 5:00 pm.
  • Please make plans to attend this meeting.

 

MEETING THE MARK

 

Town Council Meeting with Dr. Joy Scott - New Director at LLCA

Brendan Stepak Presents at Town Council 072226

 

IN THE NEWS

 

The following is a summary of some of the recent news coverage from Lake Lure. 

081126 WLOS Rainbow Bridge Coverage

Mark Helms   Mayor Carol Pritchett

  • LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — For the first time since Helene, Lake Lure celebrated the Fourth of July with a full lake, drawing hundreds of visitors and giving local businesses a much-needed boost after more than a year of recovery.

    More than 700 people attended the Lake Lure Inn's Independence Day festivities, according to town officials. For many visitors, it was their first time seeing Lake Lure since the devastation caused by Helene.

    Previously, the lake sat empty while crews worked to remove debris left behind by the storm. It officially reopened on May 15, 2026.

    'A DARK 20 MONTHS': LAKE LURE REOPENS AFTER OVER A YEAR CLOSURE REMOVING HELENE DEBRIS

    "It had been slow until last weekend, but this weekend, for the Fourth, it's been as busy as it's ever been," Lake Lure Adventure Company owner Mark Helms said.

  • WSPA Zip Trip Featuring Lake Lure and Chimney Rock

 

Zip Trip Lake Lure

Zip Trip - Dustin Waycaster

Zip Trip - Lake Lure Inn and Beach

Zip Trip - Pine Gables - Jim Proctor

Zip Trip - LaStrada - Joe Mazur

Zip Trip Rumbing Bald

Zip Trip - Lured - Paul Brock

Zip Trip - Lake Lure Station - Cory Coile

Zip Trip - FLowering Bridge Gardens and Chamber

 

  • 11 Best Towns In North Carolina For A Two-Day Recharge

    A two-day recharge does not need a complicated itinerary. In North Carolina, some of the best short escapes are towns where the setting does half the work. A waterfront boardwalk or a mountain overlook can carry a weekend on its own. These 11 towns give travelers enough to fill two days without making the trip feel overplanned. Some lean coastal and others lean mountain, but each leaves room to breathe. 

    Lake Lure is back after a hard stretch. The lake reopened in May 2026 following a 20-month closure for Hurricane Helene debris removal and lake-bed restoration. The surrounding mountains and curving shoreline still make the setting one of the most immediate in western North Carolina, and visitors can once again spend time near the water, take in mountain reflections, or use the town as a quieter base for a weekend built around fresh air and lake scenery.

    The area also gives travelers enough variety for a second day without requiring a busy itinerary. Boat tours and shoreline views on Lake Lure are running again. Nearby Chimney Rock State Park reopened in June 2025 and adds overlooks, trails, and one of the region's most recognizable views. Recovery in Chimney Rock Village continues and some routes still carry one-lane controls, so travelers should check current status and reservation requirements before booking. Lakefront cabins, inns, and lodges around Lake Lure keep visitors close to the water and mountain scenery for the overnight stretch. Read more here.

  • Watch: Rutherfordton, NC, where first US one-dollar gold coin was made

    Home to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, Rutherford County, NC, has long been a popular destination for Upstate residents.

  • The Most Beautiful Lake in North Carolina That Most People Have Never Heard Of: Surrounded by stunning mountains and protected forest, this hidden-away lake is a warm-weather must. Written by Beth Copenhaver.  North Carolina is home to hundreds of lakes, each offering a much-needed respite from the summer heat or providing a picture-perfect backdrop for a fall outing. Some lakes—like Lake Norman, Lake Lure, or Lake James—are known throughout the region for their beauty and recreational opportunities, but fortunately, there are plenty that are relatively unknown. One such hidden lake in North Carolina is Lake Santeetlah, and, as you'll soon discover, it's worth every mile it takes you to get there. Read more here.

  • Lake Lure Flowring Bridge Gardens Continue to Bloom after Hurricane Helene. Digital Tryon Bulletin. July 5, 2026. LAKE LURE: Progress continues at the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, where volunteers are restoring and reimagining the beloved gardens, following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. The original bridge, which sustained significant damage during the 20 September 2024 storm, was removed last summer. Since then, volunteers have worked to create new garden spaces along the remaining river banks while preserving the spirit and character of the popular attraction.  Read more here.

Lake Lure FLowering Bridge Volunteers

  • These 6 Western NC towns were named perfect for a 'two-day recharge': Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times, 7/15/26,  

    What to do in Lake Lure, NC

    Lake Lure is welcoming visitors again after reopening in May 2026 following a 20-month closure for Tropical Storm Helene debris removal and lake-bed restoration. During a visit, WorldAtlas writers suggested:

    Spend time along the reopened shoreline, where mountain reflections and lake views once again define one of Western N.C.'s most scenic settings

    Take a boat tour on Lake Lure or simply enjoy the water from one of the town's peaceful lakeside overlooks 

    Explore nearby Chimney Rock State Park, which reopened in June 2025 and offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks and one of the region's most recognizable mountain views

    Stay in one of the area's lakefront cabins, inns or lodges, keeping mountain scenery and waterfront access just steps from your door

    Use Lake Lure as a quieter home base for a relaxed weekend centered on fresh air, mountain landscapes and lakeside scenery, while checking ahead for current road conditions and reservation requirements in the recovering Chimney Rock area. Read more here

Hickory Nut Falls by Citizens Times

 

Hickory Nut Falls by Citizens Times

  • Lake Lure area hoping for summer tourism rebound nearly two years after Helene, Hickory Nut Gorge area, including Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave and Gerton, has full lake again, but needs tourists 2 years after Helene. by Walker Livingston  July 7, 2026: 

    Driving into town from the west on winding US 64, signs appear in Chimney Rock Village that read “Raise the Rock,” then, around the bend when the road reaches Lake Lure, the lake is full for the first time since Tropical Storm Helene, nearly two years ago. Businesses have signs inviting visitors in and families sprawl out across the beach and boats sit in the water, though the original marina remains under repair.

    Helene’s mark is still imprinted on the Hickory Nut Gorge, the 14-mile-long canyon across the Blue Ridge Mountains that encompasses the communities of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock in western Rutherford County and Bat Cave and Gerton in northeastern Henderson County. Communities in the gorge were devastated by the September 2024 storm. 

    Lake Lure, with a population estimated at just below 1,400, is the largest incorporated municipality in the area. Many of the surrounding communities relied on the town’s governmental resources after the flood. 

    The lake began quietly refilling in February of this year and wrapped up in May in time to open for Memorial Day weekend. While the boating marina is still under repair, last weekend was the first time the town of Lake Lure had a full celebration for the Fourth of July since the storm. It was a full house. Read more here.

     

  • This Hidden Lake Might Be the Prettiest Spot in North Carolina, Thu, July 9, 2026 at 3:50 PM EDT North Carolina is home to hundreds of lakes, each offering a much-needed respite from the summer heat or providing a picture-perfect backdrop for a fall outing. Some lakes-like Lake Norman, Lake Lure, or Lake James-are known throughout the region for their beauty and recreational opportunities, but fortunately, there are plenty that are relatively unknown. One such hidden lake in North Carolina is Lake Santeetlah, and, as you'll soon discover, it's worth every mile it takes you to get there. Read more here

 

2026 LAKE USE REGULATIONS

 

Antique Boats in Lake Lure

The 2026 Lake Use Regulations can be viewed here.     

 

 LAKE LURE DAM

 

Aerial View Lake Lure Dam by Stephanie Ansley

Lake Lure Dam by Stephanie Ansley

  • 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 is well underway and is expected to be completed this summer. This is a major step forward in the process of constructing the new dam.

  • Detailed Design: FEMA has approved the grant application for the detailed design phase of the replacement dam (Work Order 10B). Total project costs are $3,500,000, with the Town responsible for a 35% match ($1,225,000) and grant funding approved for the remaining 65% ($2,275,000). The Town of Lake Lure was recently awarded this grant and just received a contract for this project 3/27/26.  The project is expected to begin in the late summer 2026. 

 

KEEP IT IN THE ROAD!

 

  • Highway 64/74A Beyond Chimney Rock Village: Highway 64/74A heading West beyond Chimney Rock Village is open to the public at large. 

  • Boys Camp Road Bridge Replacement: Construction on the bridge is underway.  During the week of 8/3/26, please expect delays as the original bridge that was damaged is removed. 

    The new bridge will be adjacent to the existing temporary bridge.  The temporary bridge will remain in use throughout the construction.  The contractor is NHM Constructors, LLC. The contract includes a 120-day completion timeline. 

    Multiple factors that were beyond our control have impacted the timeline for this project but we sincerely apologize for the delay in restoring the bridge. Thank you for your patience.  

  • Roadwork on Lake Boulevard - 8/3/26 through 8/7/26 - Anticipate Delays: The Town of Lake Lure will be starting road work on Lake Boulevard on August 3, 2026 through 7, 2026. The road will be partly closed at times so please anticipate delays. Crew members will be onsite helping move traffic in and out of the area during the road work. 

    Thank you for your patience as this project is completed. 

  • Road Closures: There are no current road closures in Lake Lure, but please visit the NC Department of Transportation website for the latest details on nearby road issues: https://www.drivenc.gov/ 

  • Bat Cave and Gerton Summary: Bat Cave and Gerton, including, but not limited to, the neighborhoods of Bearwallow, Grant Mountain, Middle Fork, and Possum Hollow are impacted.

    • The anticipated disruption is ongoing and will be active through the summer of 2028 at a minimum.

    • Travelers headed to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, or Gerton should utilize NC 64 (from Hendersonville to Ednyville, to Bat Cave) if you are traveling from the north (Asheville or Hendersonville.

    • Utilize Hwy 9 (through Mill Springs) to NC 64 if coming from the south.

    • NC 74A from Rutherfordton to Lake Lure is also open.

    • Hwy 9 from Black Mountain to Bat Cave and NC-74A from Fairview to Bat Cave are CLOSED to the public and open to local traffic only (specifically meaning residents of those areas.

    • Traffic utilizing Hwy 9 and NC-74A in these directions can anticipate wait times of up to 1.5 hours.

    • Please note that NO 18-wheelers are allowed on NC 74A though Chimney Rock under any circumstances!

    • Upcoming Work

      • NC-74A (From Fairview to Bat Cave - Nothing significant to report
      • Hwy 9 (From Black Mountain to Bat Cave)
        • Paving the lower section will be completed by Winter 2026
      • NC 64
        • Paving and rock work is still set to be wrapped up by the end of July.
        • Work on snow plowable pavement markers on US 64 is now scheduled for Monday July 13 in the day time

DUKE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES

In April, the Town issued a press release regarding Duke Energy’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades within Lake Lure. These improvements include the ability to back feed power from neighboring areas, replacement of aging cables, installation of self‑healing technology, reinforcement of the local substation, and enhanced tree trimming and vegetation management.

This work will continue through the remainder of the calendar year. During this period, activity will be concentrated along Memorial Highway from the Highway 9 intersection to Buffalo Shoals Road, and along Buffalo Creek Road, from Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure to Grey Rock Parkway.

While Duke Energy and its subcontractors make every effort to minimize traffic delays, residents and visitors should anticipate periodic disruptions in these areas until the project is complete.

The Town of Lake Lure and Duke Energy appreciate your patience as these critical upgrades move forward. Once completed, they enhancements will significantly strengthen the reliability of electric service for Lake Lure and surrounding communities.

 

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

  • FEMA Coordination and Recovery Funding: Town staff continued weekly meetings with FEMA leadership to advance ongoing storm recovery projects and advocate for Lake Lure’s funding needs, with a focus on accelerating support for key infrastructure projects and ensuring timely reimbursement.

FEMA reimbursement amounts:

  • $862,186.69 –Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
  • $754,185.81 –Town-wide Emergency Protective Measures
  • $65,390 –Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
  • $503,580 –Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
  • $118,323.67 –Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
  • $8,250 –Temporary Town Hall Facility
  • $13,255.75 –Dumpster rentals
  • $28,531.78 –Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
  • $9,681.02 –Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
  • $745,485.13 –Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
  • $8,913.73 –Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
  • $977,417 –WWTP A&E
  • $118,943 – Temporary Emergency Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair
  • $5,250 – Lakeshore River Sand Washout
  • $101,487.47 – Sediment Pond Culvert
  • $72,852.05 – Temporary Municipal Water Supply Project.
  • $300,000 – A&E – Hydroelectric Generating Plant Damages
  • $64,677.34 – Temporary Town Hall Facility – 90%
  • $584,385.62 – Town Wide Roads and Culverts Damages 1 – Completed Work
  • $77,550.72 – Debris Removal (force account labor costs from staff lake cleanup)
  • $31,939.35 – Town Structures Damages
  • $914,323.77 - Sewer Lift Station
  • $330,073.14 - Municipal Water supply System Damages - Flowering Bridge Waterline
  • $529,479.12 – Sediment Pond Culvert
  • $914,323.77 - Sewer Lift Station
  • $330,073.14 - Municipal Water supply System Damages - Flowering Bridge Waterline
  • $529,479.12 – Sediment Pond Culvert

The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:

  • $448,404.06 - Town Wide Roads and Culverts Damages 2
  • $159,354.91 - Consolidated Building Contents Damages
  • $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project)
  • $1,482,977.10 – Lake Safety Facilities
  • Proctor Road and the Flowering Bridge. Final amounts pending agreed upon fixed cost offer.

Grants:

  • Multiple grant applications are either in progress or pending award decisions.
  • A comprehensive tracking spreadsheet is being developed for internal use.
  • Notification received regarding potential additional Helene SRF funding.
    • Funding could total up to 7 million dollars. Sewer system and wastewater treatment plant replacements.

 

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 new 2026 Travel Guide here.  

 

2026 Travel Guide Cover

Please visit the Local Restaurant Guide

And here are some of the amenities that are currently open to the public.  

These amenities are in Lake Lure and are open to the public.

Additionally, horseback riding is available in the area along with zip lining, escape rooms, a candy cabin, and so much more!

Turtle Rock Trail: A new trail is being created near Pool Creek Picnic Park. Please stay tuned for updates!

 

HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN JULY!

 

Hidden in Plain Sight - Green Salamander Art Trail | Lake Lure North Carolina 

Hidden in Plain Site Salamanders

 

August 8, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Lake Lure Lions Club Health Fair 9AM - 4PM
Location: Lake Lure Classical Academy

August 14, 2026
Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad Golf Tournament

August 15, 2026
Mermaid Festival

Location: Morse Park

August 15, 2026
Lake Lure Olympiad – “Slam the Dam” 10K Race

August 16, 2026
Lake Lure Olympiad – “Race to the Rock” 5K Race

August 24, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan
Location: The Landings

September 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Green Salamander Art Trail Wrap Party & Auction
Location: Fae Nectar

September 30, 2026 | 11:00 AM
100th Anniversary of the Completion of the Lake Lure Dam   
Location: Lake Lure Gazebo

 

ONGOING DREDGING

The Town has applied for an individual permit for dredging through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  This permit is commonly referred to as a Section 404 Permit. If approved, this permit would provide federal authorization for dredging activities beyond the areas currently authorized under existing permits.

  • The intent would be to support the Town's long-term dredging program.
  • The permit application covers the full footprint of the lake; however, this does not mean all areas of the lake would be dredged.
  • The Town will continue to prioritize areas most impacted by sedimentation, and any dredging efforts will remain dependent on available funding.

Lakefront property owners may have received a notification of this application for your awareness.  

 

LAKE LURE DRAWDOWN

 

The Town of Lake Lure is planning for a lake drawdown beginning 1/1/27. The goal will be to complete any necessary work so that the lake may be back to full pond by the 2027 season.  Updates will be provided as definitive information becomes available. 

 

2026 EVENTS CALENDAR 

 

You may download the 2026 Town of Lake Lure Calendar of Events.  This is a dynamic calendar so please check back regularly to check for updates. Please email Communications@townoflakelure.com for questions or suggestions. The Calendar is of Events is linked on the banner at the top of the homepage on the website.

You may review the official Town Calendar for information on Town Meetings. 

 

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

 

Published 7/30/26

Updated 8/14/26

 

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