Nestled in the mountainside of Western North Carolina, you will find the charming town of Lake Lure. Lake Lure is known as a prime location for some of the world’s most iconic films, stunning lake scenery, forested mountain landscapes, and brilliant waterfalls. However, in recent years, the town has become home to another unique attraction, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
While the Lake Lure area is chock full of breathtaking scenery, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge truly stands out. This flowering pedestrian bridge leads visitors across the great Rocky Broad River in the most incredible way imaginable. After touring this unique garden, be sure to discover all of the natural beauty that Lake Lure offers. Download our complimentary Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Vacation Guide and discover the area’s most amazing hiking trails, scenic byways, and best-kept secrets.
5 Things You Need to Know About the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
What Makes the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Unique
One of the best things to do in Lake Lure is to take in the brilliant scenery. Because of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge’s unique position over the Rocky Broad River, you can easily spot many of Western North Carolina’s most popular attractions! Unlike the traditional gardens that you find on estates and landscapes, this garden is carefully crafted over the scenic byway of the historic Rocky Broad River Bridge, making it a one-of-a-kind destination.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Gardens
Did you know that the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has over 15 distinct and unique gardens? Popular gardens include an extensive herb garden, butterfly garden, and songbird garden. Find fragrant herbs like lavender and lemon thyme, and discover North Carolina’s beautiful wildlife. Happy hummingbirds, bright red cardinals, and vivid monarch butterflies are frequent visitors! Check the garden map or peek the photo gallery to catch a glimpse of the blooms you will see.
Where the Bridge Comes From
The Rocky Broad River Bridge measures over 150 feet long and 20 feet wide. Once upon a time, it was used by motorists traveling on US 64, US 74A, and NC 9. Now, where the sound of blaring engines, traffic jams, and beeping horns once ruled, a fantastic and spectacular garden now reigns supreme. The Rocky Broad River Bridge was constructed in 1925 and closed in 2011. Two years after the bridge closed, it reopened and transformed into the scenic respite of The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
What Makes this Garden Special
Friends of the Bridge is a 501(c)3 non-profit made up of community members who love seeing the Flowering Bridge grow and prosper. Formed in 2011, they have solicited donations and helped the garden expand to become one of Western North Carolina’s most-visited attractions. The bridge is a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation due to its fostering care of the butterflies and birds that grace its paths.
Important Information for Visiting
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a public pathway that welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For the best views, we recommend visiting during the early morning and afternoon. You can look forward to spectacular scenery, brilliant garden life, beautiful sculptures, and more! Children and adults alike will love this family-friendly attraction.
Get directions to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
The Best Accommodations in Lake Lure & Chimney Rock
If you are searching for the greatest views of Chimney Rock, look no further than the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant. Nestled along the forested mountain landscapes, you will find some of the most beautiful lodging accommodations in Western North Carolina.
With 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a large covered porch, and picturesque views of Chimney Rock, The Esmeralda Cabin is the perfect accommodation for families in search of a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We know that you will enjoy the best of what the Chimney Rock area has to offer when you stay at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant!
Read our blog to discover more popular outdoor attractions like the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge!