🍂 Your Guide to Fall Back in Love: Lake Lure & Chimney Rock Village

A Celebration of Fall — One Year After Hurricane Helene

Fall has always been a magical season in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village — but this year, the colors mean even more.

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene forever changed our mountain towns. Roads were washed out, trails were damaged, and many business owners suffered loss or were displaced. But the heart and strength of our community never wavered. And now, one year later, the leaves are turning, the shops are open, and we’re ready to Fall Back in Love — with the places that have captured so many hearts.

From scenic hikes and golden vistas to charming inns and unforgettable eats, fall is the perfect time to rediscover Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. And with our Passport Challenge, every visit makes a difference.

What is the Fall Back in Love Passport?

This fall, we’re inviting you to explore, eat, shop, and support local like never before.

✅ Dozens of small businesses are open and waiting to welcome you back
✅ Every stop you make earns an entry into our Fall Giveaway
✅ It’s free, fun, and helps local businesses thrive during recovery

Print, fold, and go!​

Then grab a coffee, book a tour, or enjoy a sunset dinner — and check off stops along the way.

🍁 Best Places for Fall Color

You don’t need to go far to find fall magic. Try these scenic favorites:

• Chimney Rock State Park – Open! Panoramic fall views from the top of the rock or the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.

• Dittmer Watts Nature Trail – 3.3 miles of easy to moderate trails with benches & picnic tables to enjoy the view.

• Broad River Paddle Trail – Enjoy the fall foliage as you paddle the many scenic miles with easy access at US 221 to US 221-A. 

• Scenic Driving Tours – Grab your camera and follow one of our driving routes for unbeatable fall foliage.

🎉 How to Enter the Giveaway

Here’s how to win local swag, gift cards, and more:

1. Visit as many passport locations as you can

2. Take a photo of your completed passport

3. Share your visit with pics on social media

4. Tag us before December 5:

   • Facebook: @LakeLureBRF

   • Instagram: @visitlakelureblueridgenc
      

📧 Prefer email? Send entries to: tourisminfo@rutherfordcountync.gov

✨ Make sure your profile is public so we can see your post!

💛 Why It Matters

Every visit helps rebuild what Hurricane Helene disrupted. Every coffee, every overnight stay, every photo you share — it all helps support a resilient community of small businesses, artists, guides, and shopkeepers who call this place home.

Let’s make this a season to remember — for all the right reasons.

🍂 Fall Back In Love. And bring a friend.

Print, fold, and go!​