Lake Lure Town News Summary - 3/31/26

Lake Lure Town News Summary

This latest summary will include the following items in this order:

• Lake levels (photo credit: Jason Parker, WSPA)
• Lake Lure Reopening Plan
• Shoreline Debris Removal Updates
• Partial Reopening Buffalo Creek Park
• Deepest Gratitude to Emergency Services
• New Office Hours, Boat Permit Sales, and Organizational Updates
• Lake Status
• Authorized Contractor Information
• Plans for Opening Lake Lure Beach
• Lake Water Quality Results
• Fishery Updates
• Washburn Marina Project Updates
• Sedimentation Removal Updates
• In the News – Latest News Coverage on Lake Lure
• Comprehensive Planning Updates
• Cell Tower Updates
• Links to Town Council Meeting Summaries
• 2026 Town Board Updates
• 2026 Lake Use Regulations - Boat Permit Updates
• Lake Lure Dam Updates
• Roadway Updates
• Financial Updates
• Information on Visiting the Town of Lake Lure
• Travel and restaurant guide
• 2026 Calendar 
• and more...

 

TOGETHER WE RISE!

 

The Town of Lake Lure, NC is pleased to report that the lake level has reached approximately 987.1 Mean Sea Level (MSL)—just 3.4 feet below full pond (990.5 MSL). This photo (taken 3/30/26 in Morse Park) highlights the beauty of the lake from the bench dedicated to former Mayor Kevin Cooley.  

 

LAKE LURE REOPENING PLAN

 

 

The Town of Lake Lure continues to move forward with preparations for a smooth and safe reopening of the lake as water levels steadily rise this spring.  During this period, Town staff and authorized contractors are conducting critical work including:

• Wastewater collection system inspections and repairs as necessary;
• Structural stability checks on storm-damaged boathouses and potential removal or repair where needed;
• Debris removal from previously inaccessible areas of the lake-bed and shoreline;
• Backshore erosion stabilization and seawall repair;
• Boat ramp restoration to allow safe public access;
• West-end dredging and riverbank stabilization from Memorial Bridge to the tip of Morse Park;
• Construction of the Washburn Marina docks and fueling area;
• Fish habitat restoration and navigation buoy placement

These efforts are part of a structured reopening framework designed to ensure the lake is safe, navigable, and fully prepared for public use.

For those who are hoping to get your boats back in the lake before it officially opens, please review the reopening plan here.

We are working hard to ensure a smooth reopening process and we can't wait to welcome everyone back! Thank you for your continued support and patience throughout this process.

The exact timeline for reopening the lake is still uncertain, but Town Officials are still planning to be able to reopen the lake officially by Memorial weekend. 

 

 SHORELINE DEBRIS REMOVAL IS UNDERWAY!

 

The North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program contractors are working around the lake. 

• Crews from the North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program continue working around the lake, removing remaining debris in the lake and at the shoreline.

• To date, they have cleared more than 1,400 cubic yards of debris, and their efforts are ongoing.

• Debris from the lake is temporarily dropped off for sorting behind the Lake Lure Fire Department. The debris is sorted and taken to the Polk County Landfill. 

• Crews will make additional rounds around the lake as the lake continues to rise. 

 

 

BUFFALO CREEK PARK - PARTIAL REOPENING

 

The Town of Lake Lure was excited to announce a partial reopening of Buffalo Creek Park and the Weed Patch Mountain Trails!

After extensive trail work and improvements, several sections are now cleared and ready for public use. We sincerely thank the many volunteers who contributed countless hours of strenuous effort to help make this reopening possible.  Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated.

Now Open (effective March 19, 2026):

1) Right fork of the Buffalo Creek Park Trail to its connection with the Weed Patch Mountain Trail

2) Weed Patch Mountain Trail from the Buffalo Creek Park loop to the Gray Rock overlook

3) Upper Boulders Trail

A newly updated trail map is available showing all reopened sections. You may download the map here.

Please note that other areas remain closed as work continues. For your safety, stay on marked open trails and follow all posted signage.

We look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the trails!

 

DEEPEST GRATITUDE

 

 

The Town of Lake Lure, NC extends its deepest gratitude to the NC Forest Service, Lake Lure Fire & Rescue, Lake Lure Police Department, Bill’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department, Greenhill Volunteer Fire Department, Shingle Hollow Volunteer Fire Department, and Chimney Rock State Park staff for their outstanding response and coordination in managing the two fires in our community this weekend.

We are incredibly thankful for the positive outcome and do not take it for granted. Thanks to your professionalism, dedication, and the grace of God - no individuals, pets, or homes were harmed.

We also sincerely appreciate the support of our community and all those who lifted us up in prayer during this time.

Please remember that the STATEWIDE BURN BAN remains in effect. Your continued cooperation is essential in keeping our community safe.

 

NEW OFFICE HOURS, BOAT PERMIT SALES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATES

 

The Town of Lake Lure implemented several organizational updates designed to improve efficiency, strengthen coordination across departments, and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services to residents and visitors. These changes were approved by Town Council and will take effect Monday, March 16, 2026.

The updates modernize the Town’s organizational internal structure while maintaining all existing services and programs. Residents can expect the same services they currently rely upon, delivered with improved coordination and administrative support. 

Please note the new office hours, boat permit sales locations, advisory board meeting locations, and organizational updates highlighted here.

• New Administrative Office Hours at Town Hall: Monday – Friday - 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. The location of the temporary Town Hall remains at The Landings at 920 Buffalo Shoals Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746. 

• Boat Permit Location Change: Boat permits sold through the Town of Lake Lure will be sold at the temporary Town Hall at The Landings, 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746

  • Additional options for boat permit sales can be located here.

• Advisory Board Meeting Locations: All Advisory Board Meetings will be held at the at The Landings, located at: 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746

• You may review the original announcement and organizational changes here.

 

THE LAKE IS NOT OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE AT THIS TIME 

 

The Town of Lake Lure and all businesses are open and welcoming visitors; however, the lake itself remains closed to all unauthorized personnel. 

• The lake is not open for public use and only authorized contractors may access the Lake at this time.
• Currently, accessing the lake is not safe due to the lower lake levels, debris removal, and other activities noted above.
• Do not enter the lake or the lakebed for everyone's safety, and to avoid fines. 
• Town officials will be sharing a timeline for lake access for residents and property owners in the coming weeks.
• Boats will need to be brought back into the lake with authorized contractors before the lake officially reopens. 

 

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.

 

WHEN WILL THE LAKE AND LAKE LURE BEACH REOPEN?   

 

The Town of Lake Lure remains hopeful that we will be able to reopen the lake and the Lake Lure Beach in the late May 2026.   The target date for opening Lake Lure to the public is Memorial Weekend 2026.   

 

LAKE WATER QUALITY

 

Please see the attached water sample results from January 2026.  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 1/28/26.

 

FISHERY UPDATE

Lake Lure's Fishery Recovery Remains a Priority! 

As the lake continues to refil, ongoing habitat improvements are underway for the Lake Lure fishery.  Over 300 trees are being placed into the lake to create a new habitat for the fish. The long-term ecological recovery will continue to be guided by years of professional fishery studies.   For more information on the fishery, please see the Lake Lure Fishery Update from Gary Hasenfus, Lake Advisory Board Member and fishing enthusiast. (Photo below is of Gary Hasenfus with a 9.6 # Largemouth Bass from 2019)

 

 

MORSE PARK

 

The Town is excited to share the encouraging progress at Washburn Marina. Water has returned to the marina basin as you can see from the photos. There are three projects taking place in the Washburn Marina at this time.  

1) Washburn Marina Building

 

 

• The previous small marina building has been removed due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.

• The Town is working with Peacock Architects on a design for a permanent building that will be in keeping with the Mediterranean architecture in the area.

• An illustration of the future building is included below and will include retail space, restrooms, storage areas, and a pavilion.

• The Town is working to acquire a temporary building that will be used in the 2026 season while the permanent structure is built.

• Permitting is currently in progress for this temporary building.

 

2) Washburn Marina Tour Boat Docks and Fueling Station

 

 

• New docks are being built for the tour boats, in the same location as they were previously located.

• You can see the new construction in these photos above.

• A new fueling station will be incorporated on the left side of the marina building when facing the water from the parking lot.

• These docks and the fueling station are targeted for completion by May 2026.

• The boat ramp in this area will also be available for use once the lake reopens.

 

3) Floating Boardwalk and Docks

 

 

• Reconstruction work has begun on the Washburn Marina docks and floating boardwalk, with a target completion date of mid-July 2026.

• Some phases of construction require the lake to reach full pond level before work can be completed.

• Current projections anticipate the lake returning to full pond by late May 2026, which supports the July completion timeline.

• Visitors may notice new dock sections currently being constructed in the marina parking lot and the base of the floating boardwalk is in place in the lake near Memorial Highway.

• The rebuilt marina will include 208 seasonal boat slips along with 6 Daily Rental Slips (4 day minimum rentals), and 6 - free 2.5 hour boat rental slips (first come, first serve).

• All slip assignments remain as they were in 2024.

• There is a wait list for the seasonal boat slips. Send an email to inquire about the mailing list.

• The new Washburn Marina and Floating Boardwalk design will closely replicate the previous layout, preserving the look and character of the marina that the community knows and loves.

 

SEDIMENTATION REMOVAL

 

 

 

There are two different sedimentation removal projects taking place. 

The one shown above is at Morse Park.  Approximately half of the sedimentation is being removed and much of the remainder will be used to raise the elevation to address drainage issues.  This project is being managed by the SMART Program.  The next steps in Morse Park will be to utilize input and information from the Comprehensive Plan to develop a Morse Park Master Plan so additional amenities can be added based on resident preferences. 

The second project is across the river behind Morse Park.  This sedimentation will be removed by contractors working for the Town of Lake Lure.

 

IN THE NEWS

 

The following is a summary of recent news. 

1) Collegiate rowing teams spend spring break on Lake Lure, By Courtney Davis Charlotte, Mar. 27, 2026. Watch the newscast here.

 

 

LAKE LURE, N.C. — With every stroke of the oars, rowers from Columbia University make it look easy, as the lightweight rowing teams glide seamlessly across the surface of Lake Lure.

But getting the lake ready to welcome teams back in the water has been anything but easy after Helene ravaged Bat Cave and Chimney Rock Village, pulling homes and businesses downstream into the lake 18 months ago.

What You Need To Know

It's been 18 months since Helene ravaged western North Carolina 

After the storm, Lake Lure was shut down to clear a debris field that covered most of the lake

Now, 18 months later, collegiate rowing teams visited the lake town once again to practice for spring break

Columbia University rowers say it's a perfect location, and with the warm weather it makes a perfect spot for practice

“It seems like a piece of what our life has been is back,” Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett said. “And normalcy has returned, if you will.”

Pritchett says getting any boats back on the lake is a huge accomplishment, not only for recreational use but for tourism in the area.

Visit NC says while tourism dollars were down in 2024 compared to 2023 for Rutherford County, the county still managed to bring in more than $278 million in 2024. A number Pritchett hopes will continue to rebound once the lake is reopened.

“For the people who have businesses here, to be able to say we will have more people coming in,” Pritchett said. “They can see that we're going to be ready for them.”

Columbia University lightweight rowing Head Coach Nich Lee Parker says he couldn’t be happier to bring the team back to North Carolina. 

“With everything else that we get here, the way the lake is shaped, the weather this time of year, it's just been a perfect place for training again,” Parker said.“With everything else that we get here, the way the lake is shaped, the weather this time of year, it's just been a perfect place for training again,” Parker said.

Still, he says when the storm first hit, he was unsure of when they would be able to return.

“You couldn't almost believe it, right?” Parker said. “You could walk across the lake on the debris that was there. So it was hard to imagine at all that we'd be able to be back here this year.”

As for the rowers, senior Arin Jaff says he’s impressed with the progress.

"This is so clean and such a huge improvement in clean up,” Jaff said. “So we're really glad that we had the chance to come out here when it's so taken care of.”

And even though the storm may have changed the lake a bit.

“There's been some dredging, there's been some changing there,” Parker said. “So even with the lake a little bit lower, it's been more usable and a lot better than even before the storm came through.”

One thing the team says hasn’t changed is the southern hospitality from everyone in town.

“The community's been really great,” Parker said. “It's friendly people helping us out with everything we need. That makes it even more exciting to come back.”

The Town of Lake Lure says currently, the lake is still about 4 feet below full pond.

The lake is still closed to the public for boating activities.

The grand re-opening celebration is expected over Memorial Day weekend.

 

2) Rowing teams practice on Lake Lure ahead of Memorial Day reopening: by George Fabe Russell, Hendersonville Times-News, March 24, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET, Photo by Josh Bell.

 

 

LAKE LURE – Before the sun had peeked over the craggy horizon on a recent cold morning, frost covered temporary plywood docks on the shores of Lake Lure as dozens of athletes carried long, pointed fiberglass rowing boats down to the water.

They had come to Rumbling Bald resort, on Lake Lure, from as far away as New York, Washington, D.C. and Rhode Island for spring rowing practice on the lake, which is slowly refilling since being drained after Tropical Storm Helene in late 2024, to the lowest level in its nearly hundred-year history.

Read more here.

 

3) Leaders, rowers highlight Lake Lure recovery after Helene: By Josh Bell, 3/24/26

 

           

 

• Local leaders and college rowers discuss Lake Lure’s recovery and return to training following Tropical Storm Helene. - View interviews here.

• See photos of college rowers return to Lake Lure as water level rises

            

4) College rowing team practices in Lake Lure: By Enrique Salinas, Fox Carolina, Mar. 23, 2026, Watch the newscast here.

 

 

5) WLOS: College rowers return to Lake Lure for training as water levels recover after Helene: By Rian Stocket, WLOS, March 21, 2026. Watch the newscast here. 

 

 Collegiate rowers are training on Lake Lure again. Rower and Stony Brook Crew Vice President Aidan Esperance said the team went to Georgia last year because of Helene but believes Lake Lure offers better amenities, including water quality and housing. Collegiate rowers are training on Lake Lure again. Rower and Stony Brook Crew Vice President Aidan Esperance said the team went to Georgia last year because of Helene but believes Lake Lure offers better amenities, including water quality and housing. "It's just a sign that things are better now," said Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett. Pritchett said that for safety reasons, the lake isn’t open to the public until it’s at full pond, but they were able to get approval for the rowers. "There are coaches out there in boats. There are safety people out there who are out with them the whole time they're rowing. So, we're, and our safety, public safety department, well aware of it and keep an eye on it," said Pritchett. The mayor said Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is hosting the teams and providing them access to the lake. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure general manager Jeff Geisler said it’s taken a lot of work to get to where they could host again. "Where you're standing, you would have been underwater completely," Geisler said of the flooding caused by Helene in September 2024. "When it was at high tide, that building over there was pretty much swamped. And when you came in the next day after the water receded, there was probably 12 inches of just mud." Lake levels are at 7 feet below full pond and Pritchett said she’s confident the lake will be ready for visitors by Memorial Day. "In all actuality, we anticipate that it's going to be at full pond before that time. But you know, you have to be careful, particularly where businesses are concerned, not to over promise," said Pritchett.

 

6) Collegiate rowers signal Lake Lure’s steady recovery post-Helene: By John Le, Queen City News, Fox 8,  Watch the newscast here.

 

 

 

LAKE LURE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The early birds have company at Lake Lure these days. The return of college students to the water is a welcome sight as the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene.

“Like the robins coming in spring, you know,” said Tim Nesselrodt, the head coach for the University of Rhode Island Club Crew.

URI warmed up to spring break and a break from the norm.

Lake Lure officials announce timeline to restore lake to pre-Helene levels

“This lake in particular, it’s nice as hell. It’s really nice,“ raved Raymond Chichalski, a URI rower.

Let’s just say they aren’t here for the party cruise, though we’re sure there was some fun to be had.

“This week we brought our athletes down; they’re here to train,” URI assistant coach Carolina Creamer explained.

URI and collegiate teams from across the country have trained at this mountain destination for years.

“It’s a nice camp environment so we can keep the team fairly secluded, with the backdrop of the mountains, which is nice too,” Nesselrodt told Queen City News.

“We couldn’t come last year because of the hurricane,” Creamer said. “It was pretty disappointing.”

Last week, the Columbia lightweight men’s team was among the groups resuming their Western North Carolina tradition. Stony Brook was also at Lake Lure, and more launches are planned this week.

“It’s great to be part of the story,” says Tim Massi, Stony Brook rowing coach.

“Here [the teams] get an opportunity to just focus on the rowing,” he says.

The universities have special permission to use the man-made lake. The town began refilling it in early February.

At Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, the return of the students is symbolic 17 months after Helene.

“It’s amazing,” GM Jeff Geisler noted. “A year ago at this time, we were just devastated and trying to figure out what to do next.”

Like a rowing team, the recovery of the community relies on the strength of every individual. That metaphor for life is on full display here in Lake Lure.

“We all have to have that one goal in mind,” says James Moncure of Columbia Lightweight Rowing.

Following Helene, there were so many unanswered questions.

“It was just months and months of grinding, knowing nothing,” said Geisler. “This represents answers; the lake is back.”

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The local mantra is “Together we rise.” Admiring the coordinated effort of rowers from afar keeps hope afloat.

“It feels like a very strong community here,” Moncur says.

“[People in Lake Lure] say it’s nice and refreshing to see some younger folk coming in rowing,” said Chichalski.

 

7) Key route to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure reopens 18 months after Helene: By Richard Stradling, March 26, 2026 12:32 PM, Read more here.

For the first time since the remnants of Hurricane Helene ravaged Western North Carolina, U.S. 64 will fully open from Hendersonville through Bat Cave to Chimney Rock on Saturday, restoring a critical route for visitors to the Lake Lure area. The highway was washed out in many places and has been open to local traffic only between Bat Cave and Hendersonville since the storm in September 2024. The “local traffic only” signs will come down Saturday.

Read 

Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article315194559....

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING UPDATE

 

The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process in the summer of 2025, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission.  Since that time, we have held four in person public input sessions.  One was a virtual session, one was in a traditional format at "The Landings", our temporary Town Hall, and two were held in an open Round Table Forum at the same location.  

• Additionally, multiple 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 additional focus groups will be held with residents and staff.   

• An online public input survey has been shared in various forums. 697 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. 

 A report will be prepared in the spring compiling all of the public input later in 2026. The Comprehensive Plan will help inform the amenities that are placed in Morse Prk and other areas around town.  This report will be widely shared once it is published. 

 

CELL TOWER UPDATES

 

The Town of Lake Lure, NC 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 cell tower has been in the process of being calibrated.  This is taking longer than anticipated unfortunately but it is happening. 
• The tower will have service for AT&T and T-Mobile users.  Service is anticipated shortly though we cannot provide a date. 
• An application from Verizon has still not been received despite continued efforts to encourage their participation. 
• Verizon customers may reach out the company to request that they commit to being a carrier on the tower.
• A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is being planned for 5/22/26 at 11:00 at the Cell Tower site. 

 

MEETING THE MARK

 

 

• You may review a summary of the Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting Summary - Wedneday, March 25, 2026   

• You may review a summary of the Marine Commission Meeting Summary - Tuesday, March 10, 2026   

• You may review a summary of the Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday, March 10, 2026   

• Review the April Town Meeting Calendar here.  

 

ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS

 

Town Council held an orientation session and luncheon for 2026 Advisory Board Members.  The following members will be serving in the new Board Year beginning March 2026.

• ABC Board 
  • Thank you to the existing members currently serving as regular members: 1. Trace Boswell 2. Bob Cassano 3. Richard Sayles 4. Esther Lusk 5. Peter O’leary
  • No New Members

• Board of Adjustment/Lake Structure Appeals Board 
  • Thank you to the existing members currently serving as regular members: 1. Al Joyner (Chairperson) 2. David Lusk   3. Mark Windfeldt 4. Melvin Owensby 5. Kimberly Sailes and Alternate Members 6. Tony Steffell 7. Kathie Hatfield
  • Welcome New Member - Andrew Knowles 

• Lake Advisory Board 
  • Thank you to the existing members serving as regular members: 1. Jim Lemmons (Chairperson) 2. David Lusk 3. Gary Hasenfus 4. Mark Helms 5. Sonya Ledford Pitts  6. Richard Sayles
  • Welcome New Member - Michael Gibbs
• Parks & Recreation Board 
  • Thank you to the existing members 1. Robin Worcester (Chairperson) 2. Dan Bragdon 3. Larry Czajkoski 4. Matt Manzi  5. Ozzie McFarland 6. Jennifer Dittmer-Vivolo 7. Debbie Warren 8. Dan Gorman 9. Maddie Bartosh (Americorps Member)
• Short Term Rental Advisory Board 
  • Thank you to the existing members serving as regular members: 1. Scott Martin (Chairperson) 2. Beth Heer 3. Thomasina Coile 4. Pat Buede
  • Welcome New Member - Steven Gage  

• Zoning and Planning 
  • Thank you to the existing members serving as regular members: 1. Charlie Ellis (Chairperson) 2. Ken Williams 3. Mac Hillabush 4. Debbie Warren
  • Welcome New Member - Liz Geary

 

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 was the deadline for all no-motorized and motorized commercial applications.

• 2026 Lake Lure Non-commercial Boat Permits will be available for purchase beginning January 12, 2026 and you may learn more here. 

 

 LAKE LURE DAM

 

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 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: 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.  

 

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 March 28, 2026 (YES, this was just updated to this date). For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NC DOT’s) Drive NC link: https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074      Watch the newscast here.

• 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).

• Boys Camp Road Bridge:  he final draft for Boys Camp Road Bridge design is complete and will be advertise for bid. The plans is to review bids and make a recommendations for the award by March 2026.

• Proctor Road Culvert: Public Works crews are working to repairi the large culvert pipe on Proctor Road in the coming week. 

• Paving: Plans are underway to repave Lake Ridge Drive.  Paving on Charlotte Drive will now have to be delayed due to the need for staging debris from the SMART Program at the Public Works space behind the Fire Department.  The paving will occur once this program is complete. 

• One Lane on Memorial Highway: NC DOT is working on road repairs on Memorial Highway over the next two weeks.  Please allow additional time when going through town as there will be periodic areas with one lane open as these repairs are made.  This work is expected to take a couple of weeks.  We are very grateful to have this work being completed.   

 

 

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.

  • Staff also worked closely with ICF to advance funding through FEMA Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

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
• $65,390.00 –Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
• $503,580.00 –Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
• $118,323.67 –Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
• $8,250.00 –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%

The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:

• $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project)
• $1,482,977.10 – Lake Safety Facilities
• $584,385.62 – Town Wide Roads and Culverts Damages 1 – Completed Work
• Proctor Road and the Flowering Bridge. Final amounts pending agreed upon fixed cost offer.

 

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
• Flowering Bridge Education Center and Gardens as they are being created     
• Buffalo Creek Park/Weed Patch Mountain Trail/Upper Boulders Trail (Partial Reopening) 

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!

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

Upcoming Events and Meetings:

• April 2, 2026 | 1:00 PM - Eat the Rainbow - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM - "Why Plant Native" Class - Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

• April 5, 2026 | Gates open early (approx. 5:00–5:30 AM), with the service starting around 6:45 AM - 70th Annual Easter Sunrise Service - Location: Chimney Rock State Park

• April 6, 2026 | 4:30 PM - Kids Prism Suncatcher Craft - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM - Puzzle Palooza - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM - Taste of the World - Taste Korea - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 16, 2026 | 11:30 AM - Books and Bites - Ellery Adams - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 16, 2026 | 4:30 PM - Teen Beaded Flower Craft - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Earth Day Activities - Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

• April 21, 2026 | 11:00 AM - Plant Swap - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

• April 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM - Arbor Day Program - Location: Lake Lure Gazebo

• April 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM - On the Menu with Maria - Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

 

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 3/17/26