A Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has been the home to more than 2000 species of plants, lovingly tended by local volunteers. From the Bridge, visitors could look upstream to view the famous Chimney Rock, and downstream where the river flows into Lake Lure surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There has always been something to see as the plant and garden decorative displays change with the seasons. Hurricane Helene forever changed the landscape of our beautiful gardens, but we are here to stay! A committee has been formed to design new gardens and we remain dedicated to our mission: “To maintain gardens that are enjoyable, inspirational and used to educate people about gardening and its health and environmental benefits.”
Our vision for building an onsite Education Center is becoming a reality.
We’re excited to announce that we are making progress on our new Education Center! When the unfinished building was flooded in the Hurricane Helene storm, we were able to remove the mud without damaging the floor. Construction has now progressed as planned with the addition of windows and doors. A beautiful stained glass window will be installed in the spring. When the space is ready, we will hold classes and have a small gift shop corner. Stay tuned for more updates.
Photo by Bob Graham
Hurricane Helene
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene forever changed the landscape of our beautiful gardens. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, which connected the west and east gardens, sustained much structural damage. In spite of this devastation, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge volunteers remain dedicated to the mission to maintain gardens that are enjoyable, inspirational and used to educate people about gardening and its health and environmental benefits. We are planning, designing, and working toward creating new garden spaces. There is more to come!
We appreciate all of the offers to help. If you want to make a donation, you may do so here on our website, or mail donations to Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, P.O. Box 125, Lake Lure , NC 28746.
THE STORY OF OUR GARDENS
Officially dedicated on October 13, 2013, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge blooms atop the historic, three-arch Historic Bridge #7 in Lake Lure, NC. Built in 1925, the Bridge carried traffic between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock for 85 years. When it was decommissioned in January 2011, a group of citizens got permission from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to preserve and enhance the structure, forming the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Over a two-year period, they sought donations, made sure the structure could sustain the additional weight of stones, dirt, and foot traffic, and with the help of a landscape design firm, created a design for the original gardens and implemented it as funds became available. On April 13, 2013, twelve themed gardens were planted in raised beds across the 155-foot span, including rock and succulent, rose, tropical, whimsical, wildflower and herb gardens. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was officially dedicated on October 13, 2013.
Over time, additional gardens have been added on either side of the Bridge, most recently a pollinator, children’s and even a dog garden. Called “A Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful,” our unique park now features 30 gardens — an entire acre of plants — and has become one of the most-visited attractions in Western North Carolina, drawing more than 180,000 visitors a year. It is lovingly maintained by 40 devoted volunteers, some of whom have been involved from the beginning. Garden art and seasonal features created by local artists and volunteer gardeners fill the gardens with whimsy and charm. Since its creation, the Flowering Bridge has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified wildlife habitat, and certified and registered by the Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation. It is also a designated public garden along the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, and its murals have won it a place on the Appalachian Mural Trail.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To maintain gardens that are enjoyable, inspirational and used to educate people about gardening and its health and environmental benefits.
OUR GARDENS BEFORE HURRICANE HELENE
Lush, inviting garden spanning a bridge over a popular mountain lake, with plantings, decor, and an audio tour that speak to gardeners, lovers of dogs and children’s lit, and anybody who wants a change of pace from mountain tourist draws.
Such a beautiful and creative way to display nature’s beauty…we loved the little surprises around every corner! Can’t wait to come back and see everything during different seasons. Thank you to all the hard-working volunteers!
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
3070 Memorial Hwy
PO Box 125
Lake Lure, NC 28746
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Donations to help preserve and maintain the bridge and gardens are appreciated — and tax-deductible.
