Last Updated on June 5, 2023
Enjoying the beauty of our mountains is one way you can Live Abundantly in WNC. For many local environmental nonprofits, that means conserving and preserving our natural resources as they are. But for one group in Rutherford County, it meant reimagining a man-made structure and making it at one with the nature around it.
Today, we shine a spotlight on the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a local landmark that you may not realize is managed by volunteer efforts. We invite you to learn more about this stunning bridge turned gardenscape and how you can help the team behind it maintain their mission.
What is the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge?
Located on Memorial Highway at Boys Camp Road, this pedestrian bridge is a color-filled dreamscape! The three-arch, 155-foot-long, 20-foot-wide structure and its surroundings are lined with native flowering plants that attract humans, wildlife, and pollinators alike. From the bridge, Chimney Rock is visible upstream and Lake Lure itself is visible downstream where the Rocky Broad flows into the lake.
The bridge is a certified wildlife habitat and certified monarch waystation.
What’s the history of the bridge and what can you do there?
From 1925 to 2011, this concrete bridge was a main artery carrying traffic across the Rocky Broad River to and from Lake Lure. In 2011, the North Carolina Department of Transportation completed a new bridge a few yards upstream and closed the older structure to traffic. But what could have been demolished or abandoned to the elements was given fresh life. A local nonprofit, Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, formed to transform the historic bridge into a color-filled dreamscape. The bridge is now composed of more than two dozen independent gardens and other attractions, like the troll house. The new landmark was officially dedicated on October 19, 2013.
The Flowering Bridge makes for a wonderful stop during a fun-filled lake weekend. Visiting is free, and parking is available on both sides of the bridge. The vast majority of the gardens are wheelchair accessible, and an audio tour is available via your mobile phone. All visitors are welcome to use it, including your furry friends. But stay on leash, please! There are no public bathrooms near the bridge, but there are porta-potties available.
What’s the best way to support the bridge?
Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is an all-volunteer organization. As such, they’re always looking for new volunteers. The garden committee asks for help with everything from watering to weeding and caring for the garden. An infrastructure committee might need help with repairs, moving items within the gardens as needed, or transporting equipment or garden supplies. And volunteers are always needed to help with special events or even just spreading the word about the beauty of the bridge.
The Friends are also always looking for donations to help preserve and maintain the bridge and gardens. Your donation of $200 or more can earn you a brick to be placed in the gardens.
Get more by giving back
Every day, our agents and staff impress us by their involvement in strengthening community efforts through service and financial support. We encourage you to get involved, too.
Help support local efforts to keep our mountains verdant and beautiful, now and in the future! Reach out to Friends of Lake Lure Flowering Bridge today. Or contact your Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks agent to learn about local beautification efforts in your community.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
3070 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure
Mail: P.O. Box 125, Lake Lure
