Chipmunk Trail Cabin
Lake Lure, NC
Discover an expansive log cabin retreat hidden within Lake Lure, NC's Blue Ridge Mountains—an ideal haven for outdoor enthusiasts! This cabin offers five bedrooms, including three Master suites, a loft bedroom with two twin beds, and a game room with a bunk bed, ensuring ample space for adventure and relaxation. Embrace the great outdoors on the wrap-around decks, featuring covered seating, a hand-crafted log picnic table, comfortable rocking chairs, and a substantial charcoal grill/smoker. The cabin's charm extends to a private, babbling stream in the backyard and a gazebo for moments of tranquility. With off-road parking to accommodate up to six cars, this is your gateway to unforgettable mountain wilderness experiences.
Outdoor Access
Lake Lure offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor opportunities for every adventurer.
Birding
Lake Lure and its surroundings boast excellent birding spots, including Rumbling Bald Loop, Party Rock Trail, Buffalo Creek Park Loop, and Weed Patch Mountain Trail. Chimney Rock Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse range of species to observe.
Fishing
Lake Lure is an excellent destination for fishing, offering opportunities for both warm and cold-water species. You can catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, bream/bluegills, crappie, perch, white bass, carp, and various catfish species. Don't forget to obtain your fishing license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. If you're into trout fishing, consider exploring nearby rivers like the Green River or Davidson River for better trout fishing options in western North Carolina.
Kayaking
Lake Lure in North Carolina provides an idyllic backdrop for kayaking, offering a serene environment for paddlers to explore. Although there may not be designated "kayaking trails" in the traditional sense, the area offers numerous opportunities for kayaking adventures. The lake itself is a standout choice, with its picturesque surroundings, including the stunning mountain backdrop and the clear waters of Lake Lure. Here, kayakers can leisurely paddle, taking in the breathtaking scenery and exploring the many coves and inlets that dot the lake's expanse. For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the Broad River, located below Lake Lure, beckons with faster-moving waters, promising an adventurous paddle. Nearby, the Green River offers another option, boasting both tranquil stretches and challenging rapids to cater to paddlers of varying skill levels. Further afield, the Tryon and Saluda Reservoirs provide additional kayaking opportunities, known for their tranquil settings and opportunities to spot wildlife. Although a bit of a drive from Lake Lure, the French Broad River serves as a popular kayaking destination in the region, offering various sections with varying difficulty levels, accommodating kayakers of all proficiencies.
Hiking
Within a short drive, you can access a range of hiking trails suitable for all levels. From Chimney Rock State Park and Party Rock with panoramic lake views to Rumbling Bald Loop offering climbing opportunities, there's something for everyone. Discover local flora and fauna at Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail, Morse Park, Hickory Nut Falls, Youngs Mountain, Devil’s Head, Little Bradley Falls, Big Bradley Falls, Buffalo Creek Park, and Weed Patch Mountain.
Mountain Biking
Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain, and Kitsuma, just 45 minutes from Lake Lure, boast exciting mountain biking trails with technical sections, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents. Expect diverse terrain, including rocky stretches and rooty areas.
Rock Climbing
In the Hickory Nut Gorge, there are several popular climbing routes for enthusiasts of varying skill levels. Chimney Rock State Park offers "The Sentinel," a multi-pitch climb renowned for its iconic status, blending crack and face climbing while providing breathtaking vistas of Lake Lure. "Screamweaver," also in the park, presents a challenging single-pitch ascent, prized by advanced climbers for its steep and intricate sequences. Rumbling Bald Mountain features "Bumblebee Buttress," which offers routes suitable for climbers of different abilities, some being accessible to beginners, alongside more technical challenges. "Master Beta," another single-pitch choice at Rumbling Bald, is known for its demanding, juggy climbing, ideal for those seeking a physically intensive climb with solid holds. For those seeking a longer adventure with increased exposure, the "Two Pitch Route" at Rumbling Bald provides a two-pitch ascent. Finally, in the Pisgah National Forest, "Whitsides Cliff" is celebrated for its traditional climbing routes, offering a mix of single-pitch and multi-pitch options, each presenting varying levels of difficulty to accommodate climbers' preferences and skills. It's essential to check route conditions and safety recommendations before attempting any climbs in this area, as well as ensuring compliance with park regulations and obtaining any necessary climbing permits.
Florence Nature Preserve
Florence Nature Preserve offers a network of 5+ miles of hiking trails on 600 beautiful acres on the slopes of Little Pisgah Mountain. The preserve features pristine creeks and cascades, scenic rock outcrops, the ruins of an old homesite, and areas of old growth forest. It’s the perfect place to go for a quiet and pleasant walk in the woods, off the beaten path. This land is home to many special plants and wildlife, from pink and yellow ladyslippers to rare salamanders. Keep your eyes open and you never know what you might see! Within the Nature Preserve we suggest the hike to Rattlesnake Rock via a “lollipop loop” of the FNP Access Trail, Blue, White, and Red Trails (4.2 miles round-trip)
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