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PLAN YOUR VISIT

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene forever changed the landscape of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge gardens. The old bridge sustained unprecedented structural damage, was deemed unsafe for pedestrian use, and has been closed to the public. Currently, there are small garden areas on both the west and east ends that are open; however, there is no structure connecting these two ends. Parking is very limited on both ends.

We advise visitors to exercise extreme caution when in the area, as the building and parking lot construction is not complete and the river’s edge is not stable.

HOURS & COST

The gardens are open every day throughout the year, and there is never an admission charge. However, we are sustained by donations. To make an online donation, visit our Donation page. There is a donation box near the Education building. We appreciate your gifts that keep our flowers growing.

ACCESSIBILITY

For your own safety, please stay on all paved walkways. Outside of these walkways the terrain may be unstable, and we want to ensure no one is injured while visiting. The gardens are dog-friendly; however, dogs must be leashed at all times. Please be considerate and pick up after your pet.

TOURS

Tours have not been reinstated following Hurricane Helene. Contact us  for more information.

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

We are located at the west end of Lake Lure on the corner of Memorial Highway and Boys Camp Road. Our address is 3070 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746. Parking is currently limited because of Hurricane Helene.

GARDEN ETIQUETTE

Please observe the following rules so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable visit:

  • Refrain from climbing on trees and shrubs and picking flowers. You’re welcome to
    photograph them.
  • Stay on garden paths at all times.
  • Please do not collect insects, plants or plant labels.
  • Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
  • The garden is a tobacco-free environment. Smoking and tobacco use is not allowed.
  • Do not play in our fountain or other water features.
  • Do not litter. Trash cans are located at each end of the Bridge.
  • No picnicking is allowed.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Please note, the road from Bat Cave to Chimney Rock Village is passable, but many sections are only one lane. 

From Black Mountain, take I40 East and take exit 73 toward Old Fort. Take Bat Cave Road for 7 mile to Cedar Creek Road. Right on Bill’s Creek Road 4.7 miles to US  64. Right on US 64 for 4 miles to lake Lure. Go around the lake past the Lake Lure marina and beach area. The Flowering Bridge will be on your right just beyond the Town Hall and Lake Lure Welcome Center.

From Asheville or Hendersonville, take I-26 23 E to exit 67 for US-74 E toward Rutherfordton. Next, take exit 163 toward NC-108 East. Turn north on NC 9 for 9 miles Go left onHwy. 64 west. Go around the lake past the Lake Lure marina and beach area. The Flowering Bridge will be on your right just beyond the Town Hall and Lake Lure Welcome Center.

From Rutherfordton, take Hwy. 64 west 18 miles. Go around the lake past the Lake Lure marina and beach area. The Flowering Bridge will be on your right just beyond the Town Hall and Lake Lure Welcome Center.

AREA INFORMATION

Local shops and restaurants in Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure are now open and welcome visitors.  The Lake Lure marina and beach, Visitors Center, and Morse Park walkways and gardens all remain closed at this time.

Chimney Rock State Park reopened in July 2025. All guests that are not Annual Passholders must now make advance reservations online.
» Chimney Rock Park reservations

Go to VisitNCSmallTowns.com for a complete guide to area recovery efforts, businesses that are open, and what to do while you’re in the area. Your support for tourism is needed more than ever and is greatly appreciated. If you need to stock up on groceries, incidentals or gas, Ingles grocery store is about eight miles (about a 15-minute drive) from the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.