Interpretive signs, a cellphone tour, and a sensory garden have been included in the bridge’s design. A pedestrian path winds through raised flower gardens and planters. In 2013, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was dedicated to the public. READ MORE: Walking the Beautiful Lake Lure Flowering Bridge in North Carolina Locals campaigned for the old bridge to be kept, and they formed the non-profit Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. In 2011, the bridge was permanently closed to vehicles when a new adjacent bridge was completed. The 155-foot bridge spans the narrow entrance of the Broad River into Lake Lure. In 1925, the Rocky Broad River Bridge was opened to vehicle traffic along Memorial Highway. Entrance to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. I think this is what people call “Lake Life.” I had an entire weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure to experience it.Įntrance to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Only an hour had passed by when we returned to the marina. My mind was still on the “Million Dollar View.” His narration resumed with a story about a lake house built to resemble the Biltmore – or something like that. I could only appreciate the view for a few minutes before Paul pushed the boat forward again. I wrapped my arm around a pole for support as the boat bobbed up and down.įar across the glistening Lake Lure, beyond the lakeshore homes dotted among the trees, two towering mountain ridges straddled a gorge, trailing into the distance, culminating at a rounded mountain peak in the distance. I’m about to show you what the locals call the Million Dollar view.” Suddenly, Paul exclaimed, “Everybody be ready to look to your left. Kayakers paddled close to shore, speed boats sliced across the water, a joyful scream from a skier pierced the air. Paul expertly piloted the pontoon boat across the lake, narrating the guided tour with stories of unique lake houses and celebrity owners. It felt like I had been on the boat for an hour, maybe more, but it had been only thirty minutes.