Well known for its role in the hit movie Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is a sanctuary for serenity and relaxation. Its unrivaled beauty is just the beginning of what you’ll find
here. Take a boat tour of the Lake, play on the beach, swim, hike, mountain bike, climb a shear rock face, fish, boat, kayak or just relax.
to geologic points of interest including the
404-foot-tall Hickory Nut Falls. On May 21,
2007, the 1000-acre Chimney Rock Park was
purchased by the state of North Carolina
for $24 million from the Morse family, and
Hickory Nut Gorge State Park became
Chimney Rock State Park.
As one of North Carolina’s newest state
parks, Chimney Rock brings the best of the
mountains together in one place. Standing
atop the 315 foot Chimney Rock, the view is
stunning. Visitors enjoy scenic hiking trails,
guided rock climbing, live animal education
programs and ancient geological history.
The Park’s highest point at 2,480 feet,
Exclamation Point, can be reached via
the Skyline trail.
The stunning scenery was featured in the
1992 blockbuster, The Last of the Mohicans,
and the adjacent Lake Lure was the filming
location for the 1987 pop culture classic
Dirty Dancing.
Chimney Rock, North Carolina, is a yeararound
destination, the perfect day trip or
weekend getaway; rent a lake house, take a
boat tour, hike a trail or attend a festival. And
while the racing is not acceptable anymore,
a relaxing, scenic drive on the country roads
is highly recommended.
Chimney Rock Village has an old-time
feel due to locally owned businesses that
occupy historic buildings full of character
and flair. Walk along Main Street to shop
at stores with one-of-a-kind finds including
Appalachian crafts, unique souvenirs of the
area. Dine at a riverside table, try a local craft
beer or savor a glass of wine. After visiting
Chimney Rock Village, just head down main
street, take a right and the road will lead you
to Lake Lure.
Chimney Rock State Park is one of the few places in
the world with an elevator inside a mountain! It has
allowed folks of all ages and abilities to access the top
of the Rock in about 32 seconds.
The 499 “ultimate stairmaster” is an alternative to
the in-mountain elevator.
Lake Lure is one of the most beautiful
man-made lakes in the country, nestled in
the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of
North Carolina. This is a must do for getting
a new perspective to the incredible scenery
of the area. From atop Chimney Rock, you
viewed from above, and now, surrounded
by lush mountaintops and sheer granite
cliffs, the “look up” is breathtaking. Bet
the song, “Time of My Life,” from Dirty
Dancing starts playing in your head. In
the fall of the year, Lake Lure invites you
to Have the Time of Your Life and relive
the moments of the classic film. You can
experience movie-inspired dance, music,
arts and entertainment. There is even a
lakeside screening of the film. Venture out
into the lake; attempting the infamous
lake lift is encouraged but watching others
trying the move is even more fun.
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock
State Park is an international outdoor
destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains
of Western NC, attracting visitors from
around the world. Recognized as one
of the Southeast’s most iconic outdoor
attractions, Chimney Rock is located 25
miles southeast of Asheville on Highway
64/74A in Chimney Rock, NC. Visiting
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure from
Knoxville will take less than 3 hours; it is
approximately 141 miles. But you won’t
mind it. Driving through western North
Carolina is an adventure in beauty and
worth every mile traveled.
38 McMINN LIFE SUMMER 2019