PARTNERS OF THE BRIDGE

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

The Friends of the Flowering Bridge is fortunate to have a number of local partners who appreciate and support this special addition to our community and county. Without their help we could not sustain, enhance and promote this unique and ever-growing attraction.

THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE
The Town of Lake Lure, home of the Flowering Bridge, has been instrumental in making the Bridge a reality. When NC DOT replaced the bridge that had carried travelers over the Rocky Broad River along US Highway 64/74A and NC 9 from 1925 to 2011 with a new, more substantial structure, the Town of Lake Lure asked the state to deed the historic Bridge #7 to them to create a unique pedestrian garden walkway. Over the years, the Town of Lake Lure has continued to support the project in a variety of ways.

THE CHAMBER OF HICKORY NUT GORGE
Our local chamber of commerce, The Chamber of the Hickory Nut Gorge, not only supports the businesses in the Gorge but also helps to promote the work, activities and fundraisers of our nonprofit organizations, including the Bridge.

CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK
From the west end of the Bridge, you can see Chimney Rock, an iconic North Carolina landmark on the mountainside. Chimney Rock Management, LLC, operators of the Chimney Rock section of Chimney Rock State Park, is an avid supporter of the Bridge and proud to be the sponsor of its cell phone audio tour. A short drive from the Bridge up Boys Camp Road, you’ll find access to Rumbling Bald, a popular hiking and rock-climbing part of the greater Chimney Rock State Park.

CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE
Lake Lure’s sister community, Chimney Rock Village, is situated along the Rocky Broad River in the shadow of Chimney Rock just three miles from the Flowering Bridge. This tiny mountain town is an authentic step back in time. There are no chain restaurants or motels here, just locally owned accommodations, shops, restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, a brewery on the riverside, a wine-tasting bar and more.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) advertises and promotes the abundance of things there are to do in the county throughout the year. Besides visiting the Bridge, enjoy our small towns, parks, greenways and other attractions. For a complete list of things to do, events, restaurants, places to stay and special events in the area, go to visitncsmalltowns.com.

APPALACHIAN MURAL TRAIL
The Bridge is proud to be a stop along the Appalachian Mural Trail, which encourages guests to look for the artwork as they travel in the area. The goal is to use public art murals to tell stories and highlight the beauty and history of a community.