The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge opened in October of 2013. The old bridge across the river and into Chimney Rock Village was replaced with a new bridge. Instead of tearing down the old bridge, they turned it into a Flowering Bridge, literally!
The old bridge and surrounding areas where the old road used to go across it, have been almost magically turned into a beautiful flower garden. Volunteers in the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village and surrounding areas called “Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge” came together to create the gardens on the 155 feet of the bridge and along a pathway at both ends of the three-arch span itself. The garden has a focus on native plants and the Friends mission is to create a “Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful” for the enjoyment of the public.
They certainly uphold their mission!
The 155 foot long old concrete bridge is full of different types of flowers, plants, trees and shrubs. The plants overflow off the bridge and cover land on both sides as well.
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is full of creative and often somewhat hidden gems, making it even more interesting. While visiting, you’ll be thrilled with the creative and often whimsical displays, unique planters, sculptures, and furniture.
The Flowering Bridge is free, and parking is available on both sides of the bridge. There are donation boxes set-up, if you would like to help out. There are no public bathrooms near the bridge, but there are porta-potties set-up.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge History
The old concrete three-arch span bridge was built in 1925 across the Rocky Broad River for US 74A from Lake Lure into Chimney Rock Village. The new bridge opened in 2011, and the old bridge was saved. Some very creative people turned the historic bridge into the magical flower garden it is today. The Flowering Bridge is truly a unique place to visit and see, and we highly recommend visiting it if you’re in the area.
View of the Flowering Bridge from up on Chimney Rock. You can see both the old bridge and the new.
Directions
From Asheville, take Highway 40 east. Take Exit 53A to Highway 74, and follow 74 to Chimney Rock Village. Continue past the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park, and you’ll see the Flowering Bridge on your left before you reach Lake Lure.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Photo Gallery
