Frequently Asked Questions
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene forever changed the landscape of our beautiful gardens. About 150 feet of the riverbeds on the West end of the old Bridge were washed away and the bridge sustained unprecedented damage. As a result of the storm, the old Bridge was unsafe for use and it was closed to the public. On August 18, 2025, the demolition process began. The decorative elements of the bridge were saved for use in the new gardens.
On September 16, 2025, FEMA awarded a Section 406 grant to the Town of Lake Lure for the construction of a replacement pedestrian bridge across the Rocky Broad River. Options are being explored to create a much needed, safe pedestrian connector between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the use of residents and visitors alike. The new bridge will once again tie together our east and west end gardens.
The Bridge is gone for now, but we encourage visitors to come see our new gardens on the East and West banks of the river. Please be aware that we are still under construction and parking is very limited. Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village businesses are open and would love to see you.
Yes, dogs are welcome. The gardens are dog-friendly; however, dogs must be leashed at all times. Please be considerate and pick up after your pet.
We have a donation box in the new All Twisted Up garden near the Kiosk on the west end. On the East end, there is a donation box near the weeping cypress.
For donations by check – donation forms are at the Kiosk. Send checks to:
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
PO Box 125
Lake Lure, NC 28746
» Or you may donate online here on our website.
Yes, we now have a gift shop in our Education Center that is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 1pm. We are not able to offer any items for sale online at this time.
Parking is very limited. There are a few parking spaces on the West end next to the new Education Center. You can also park along Boys Camp Road.
A portable restroom is available on the property.
We’d love to have you join us, even if you don’t consider yourself a gardener. We need people to weed, mulch, sell plants and merchandise, or simply serve as an ambassador by welcoming visitors to the Bridge. Please complete the Volunteer Application on this website – Apply online to become a volunteer
Commemorative bricks line the pathways along the Bridge and can be purchased for $250 at any time to honor or memorialize a loved one, a friend or beloved pet. You can order a commemorative brick on our website at – Commemorative Brick Order Form.
If you have questions about a brick purchase, contact us online.
If you want to donate plants or garden art, please contact us online.
Yes, we are open. The Bridge is a public park and it is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
The original Rainbow Bridge was sadly lost in Hurricane Helene. We are thrilled to have our NEW Rainbow Bridge in a special place in our gardens where people can attach the collars of their beloved pets who have passed away.
Sadly, the Rainbow Bridge was washed away by the flood waters of Hurricane Helene. Some remnants and collars have been found and were preserved by the Rainbow Bridge artist, Amy Wald. Those recovered collars are now attached to the new Rainbow Bridge.
Yes, a new Rainbow Bridge was installed on October 8, 2026. The bridge was designed by Amy Wald and built by Handcrafted Garden Bridges of Mulberry, Arkansas. Amy painted the bridge and installed a an arched feature commemorating the collars recovered from the original Rainbow Bridge. Visitors are welcome to place collars or tags on the bridge. (Unfortunately, we do not have room for photos, toys or other items on the bridge.)
No, we do not have the authority to remove collars from Rainbow Bridges owned by other organizations (including the one at Bills Creek Community Center), but anyone who has placed a collar on another Rainbow Bridge and wants to bring it to our rainbow Bridge, they are welcome to do so.
Some of the collars placed on the Rainbow Bridge have been found and The Rainbow Bridge artist, Amy Wald, has cleaned and stored the collars until a plan is made for the future of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. A full list with photos of the recovered collars is on our website.
» view list of recovered Rainbow Bridge collars
Photos and descriptions of the recovered Rainbow Bride collars are listed on out website. Recovered collars will be placed on the new Rainbow Bridge that is scheduled to be built in late 2026.
» view list of recovered Rainbow Bridge collars
If you placed a collar on the Rainbow Bridge, you may want to order a Rainbow Bridge Certificate. Learn more about Rainbow Bridge Certificates on our website at – Rainbow Bridge Certificates
Or you can order a commemorative brick in honor of your pet on our website at – Commemorative Brick Order Form