My husband grew up in the Blue Ridge foothills so visiting this part of North Carolina is always a special adventure for us. We have explored Chimney Rock and Lake Lure many times and are so excited to share our weekend itinerary for visiting Lake Lure with kids with all of you.
There are a ton of great short term rentals available in the area but we highly recommend booking your accommodations with Emberglow Outdoor Resort. Emberglow is a beautiful campground located 15 minutes from the lake offering rv/tent sites, camper rentals, tiny houses, tree houses, and yurts! They have incredibly family friendly amenities, fun themed weekends, and a playground, pool, and on site trails.
FRIDAY
Arrive and check in to your accommodations for the weekend! If you’re staying at Emberglow let the kiddos run wild, exploring the property and playing at the playground and jump pad. Enjoy a low key campfire and cookout OR head down to Lake Lure for dinner at La Strada. La Strada’s patio dining offers a beautiful view of Lake Lure and will be the perfect kick off to your weekend adventures.
Option to add a boat tour (before of after dinner) of the lake from Lake Lure Tours which operates at the nearby marina.
SATURDAY
Wake up and fuel up because Saturday is adventure day! Head to Chimney Rock State Park for the best views and hiking in the area. Visit their website for hours and ticket pricing but no matter what time of year you visit, the earlier you arrive, the better.
We recommend starting your day with a hike to the top of Chimney Rock via the Outcroppings Trail. Slow and steady wins the race on this one (494 steps later) but if stairs are not your thing you can also take the elevator to the top.
After you conquer Chimney Rock enjoy a quick snack break at one of the parks many scenic picnic tables then start your journey to Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
The Hickory Nut Falls trail is 1.4 miles round trip and takes an average hiker about 45 minutes. It’s an out and back and very family friendly!
If your crew is still up for a challenge hit the Great Woodland Adventure trail on your way out of the park. This trail has 12 discovery stations along a .6 mile winding trail and is perfect for young explorers.
Now that you’re good and hungry head down into Chimney Rock Village for lunch along the Rocky Broad River! We recommend Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery for pulled pork nachos, soft pretzels, and a cold beer OR Riverwatch Bar and Grill.
After lunch is the perfect time to walk along the quaint streets of Chimney Rock Village and the Chimney Rock River Walk and stop in for gem mining at Chimney Rock Gem Mine. This is always a fan favorite for our kiddos!
Next stop, zip lining! Depending on the time of year and the ages of the kids in your group if you can squeeze in zip lining at Canopy Ridge Farms we highly recommend the experience. And don’t forget to stop by the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge on your way out of Chimney Rock!
After all that adventure head back to your accommodations to hang our for a few hours before dinner. We recommend another lakeside dinning option, Lakehouse Restaurant.
SUNDAY
Depending on the time of year you have a couple different options for a laid back Sunday. For a relaxed morning by the lake you can head down to the Lake Lure Beach and Water park and for the ones still looking for adventure we recommend renting a boat from Lake Lure Adventure Company.
If the weather does not allow a lake day the alternative option would be a trail or pony ride (depending on age) at Cedar Creek Stables.
If you’re staying at Emberglow Sunday would be a great day to kick back and enjoy all of their amenities, like the pool and playground!
This itinerary just scratches the surface off all the amazing things Lake Lure and Chimney Rock has to offer! If you have any questions about planning a trip please reach out. Happy exploring!
All of these pictures were taken in the beginning of March! If you visit during the later spring, summer, or fall months the views will be totally different.
Triangle Families Explore 