Lake Lure Town News Summary ~ September 2026

Lake Lure Marina from Gazebo

Momentum continues in Lake Lure! 

 

In August we celebrated the reopening of the Washburn Marina, welcomed boaters back to Day Slips, and reopened the Floating Boardwalk. At the beginning of September, the fueling station became operational - another exciting step forward in our recovery. 

 

Fueling Station

 

Fueling station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Town of Lake Lure is pleased to announce that the Washburn Marina fueling station is now operational and ready to serve boaters! Click here for details. 

 

Thank you boating community!

Thank you to everyone who has waited patiently—and to the Lake Lure Tours team for helping get this service up and running. As the team gets accustomed to the new system, we appreciate your patience and understanding.

 

Lake Lure Tours

Exciting update! Lake Lure Tours is back operating pontoon rental and boat tours from their original location at the Washburn Marina….from a temporary trailer at 2930 Memorial Highway.   

The illustration here is the permanent building that will be constructed for the next season.

The Lake Lure Tours website is at https://www.lakeluretours.com/

 

Future Marina Building

 

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.
  • To rent a Day Slip call Lake Permitting at 828-625-9983 x 505

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 with people walking across it.

 

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 is complete.
  • Updated engineering was 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

 

Check out the Aqua Park!

Aqua Park

Beach Hours 2026

  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Lake Lure Beach will be opened on weekends through Labor Day Weekend, including Labor Day, Monday, 9/7/26.

 

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

The Town of Lake Lure, NC is  please to report that the water quality  results taken 8/26/26 at the Lake Lure Beach are within normal limits. Thank you for your patience as we confirmed these results. The Swim Guide will be updated shortly to reflect these results. 

 082626 DEQ Water Quality Sample

 

ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY RESULTS

 

Please see the latest water sample results here through August 24, 2026.  We are pleased to report that the latest results remain within normal.   

8/24/26 Water Quality Samples

 

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 stream banks, 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.  

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. Multiple public input sessions were held and a public input survey was conducted with about 700 respondents. 

  • 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 their September Meeting.
  • A public hearing was held in August and additional feedback was obtained.  You may review a summary of the meeting here.
  • Following the final review and recommendations from the Zoning and Planning Board, the plan will be reviewed by Town Council for their deliberation.
  • You may review the Lake Lure Comprehensive Plan (4).pdf. 

Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan 8/24/27

 

MEETING THE MARK

 

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

 

K-9 Koda at Lake Lure Beach

  • Lake Lure police gets first K-9 officer, The Daily Courier, Aug 27, 2026 

    The Town of Lake Lure Police Department has a new four-legged member of the team—and he is already making quite an impression.

    Koda, the department’s first K-9 officer in its history, has joined the Lake Lure Police Department. A highly trained search-and-rescue and narcotics detection dog, Koda works alongside Officer Kortney Burrell, his handler and his best friend.

    Koda began training with Officer Burrell in January 2026 and successfully completed his training in April. Since then, the two have become a familiar team throughout the Town of Lake Lure.  

    Burrell joined the Town of Lake Lure Police Department in 2020, following completion of her police officer training. One of her professional aspirations was to eventually become a K-9 handler.

    When Police Chief Sean Humphries began exploring ways to enhance job satisfaction and provide additional resources for the department, he looked to other law enforcement agencies that successfully incorporated K-9s into their teams. A former colleague with K-9 experience helped point Chief Humphries in the right direction.

    Chief Humphries quickly recognized that Officer Burrell would be an excellent fit for the program.

    Today, Officer Burrell says she has her dream job.

    Koda lives with Burrell and comes to work with her every day. Their partnership goes well beyond the hours spent on duty—they train together, work together, and have developed the strong bond that is essential between a K-9 and his handler.

    A Community Makes Koda Possible

    Bringing Koda to Lake Lure would not have been possible without the generosity of local supporters.

    The department reached out to Rocky Guarrielo, owner of Ultimate Textiles in Rutherfordton, who has a personal connection to the devastating impact of drug addiction. As a way of giving back and expressing his appreciation for law enforcement, Guarrielo has supported the use of K-9s for narcotics detection.

    He generously donated $17,000 to cover the purchase and training of Koda.

    Koda is a Slovakian working-line dog, approximately 1–2 years old, with a combination of German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois heritage. This breed is recognized as an elite working dog, particularly bred for police, military and security work.

    These breeds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, stamina and intense work ethic—qualities that make them especially well-suited for demanding law enforcement duties.

    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!

 

  • Transportation Plan: Please click here to review the Foothills Regional Transportation Plan

  • Bridge over Lake Lure Dam Temporarily Closed: Beginning 9/14/27 through 12/15/26, the road access on Buffalo Shoals Road - across bridge over the Lake Lure Dam will have a modified operating schedule in support of the sewer line being installed across the downstream side of dam.

    • The road will be closed during the hours of 7 AM till 5 PM Monday through Friday and fully operational on weekends.
    • A lighted information billboard will be placed near rumbling bald to notify local traffic only and no through traffic during these times.
    • As you get closer to roadway nearing the dam, stationary signage will be placed as a reminder of road being closed.
    • Stationary signage will be used on Buffalo Shoals Road which connects to Memorial Highway (Highway 64/74).

  • 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.  

  • 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/ 

  • Information Beyond Lake Lure as of 8/20/2026

    • 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 coming from the north (Asheville or Hendersonville) and should 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) – Closed to thru traffic, local traffic only.

    • Starting on or around September 1st, DOT will begin with culvert replacement between Bearwallow Rd to Grant Mountain Rd. This will increase the number of traffic signals and delays for local traffic.

    • Beginning in October, anticipate work starting from Grant Mountain Rd to NC 64.

    • Hwy 9 (From Black Mountain to Bat Cave) – Closed to thru traffic, local traffic only.

    • Paving the lower section will be completed by Winter 2026 (ideally before November).

    • The upper section of 9 is on track to begin in the next month or so.

    • NC 64: All work is completed, and the last red light has been removed. This IS open to the public!

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 
  • $65,390.00 –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% 
  • $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 
  • $448,404.06 - Town Wide Roads and Culverts Damages 2 

The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:

 

  • $2,011,332.00 – Sewer Collection System Work to Be Completed (A&E) 
  • $1,728,672.06 – Lake Lure Dam Damages  
  • $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project) – $1,497,386.96 received to date 
  • $1,482,977.10 – Lake Safety Facilities 
  • $1,039,222.11 – Proctor Road Slope Failure  
  • Flowering Bridge final amounts

​​​​​​

Total Grants, Appropriations & Principal Forgiveness: $27,449,855

Wastewater Treatment Plant & Sewer Collection System Replacements and Improvements: $17,878,655

  • Helene SRF, WWTP: $7,741,155 in principal forgiveness
  • Helene SRF, Sewer Collection System: $3,500,000
  • OSBM Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, Sewer Collection: $562,500
  • State Appropriation, SCADA: $75,000
  • SRF, Sewer Collection System: $6,000,000 in principal forgiveness

Water System Improvements: $5,464,000

  • Helene SRF, Charlotte Drive Emergency Waterline: $5,000,000 in principal forgiveness
  • Helene SRF, Bulk Chemical Storage: $464,000

Dam Related Projects: $2,953,700

  • HHPD, 30% Dam Design: $484,500
  • HHPD, Detailed Dam Design: $2,275,000
  • Disaster Relief Mitigation Fund, Dam Failure Impact Assessment: $194,200

Public Safety: $403,500

  • Office of State Fire Marshal, Fire Station #2: $50,000
  • State Appropriation, Fire Station #2: $150,000
  • Back to Beautiful Fund, Fire Station #2: $180,000
  • Various K-9 Related Grants: $23,500

Dredging: $750,000

  • NC Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund: $750,000

Parks & Recreation / Staff Development

  • Playground project fully funded and organized through a partnership between KaBOOM! and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The total project value was not disclosed and is therefore not included in the total above.
  • Staff scholarships awarded for continuing education total approximately $3,650 to date and are not included in the total above.

We have also applied for, or are in the process of applying for, funding through CDBG, HMGP, EDA, ARC, NFWF, FEMA SAFER, and other programs as additional opportunities become available.

 

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!

 

September 1, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Cookbook Club
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

September 4, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Taste of the World
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

September 15, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Watercolor Class for Beginners 
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

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

September 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Legends of the Lure 
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

September 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM
How to Paint Brick Books
Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

September 25, 2026 | 1:00 PM
On the Menu with Maria
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

September 28, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Book Club - Sense & Sensibility
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

September 29, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Natural Health: Reflexology
Location: Mountains Branch Library Event

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

October 17-18, 2026 
Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival 
Location: Lake Lure Town Center - Across from the Lake Lure Beach 

 

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. 

And here's a link to the 2027 Centennial Calendar.

 

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 8/31/26

 

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