Lonely Planet: Top US Lakes You’ve Probably Never Heard Of...

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Lake Lure, North Carolina 

Lake Lure runs along the floor of Hickory Nut Gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina, and its shores might look a bit familiar to you: Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray filmed scenes here for the classic film Dirty Dancing. Visitors can relax on the lake’s beaches or take to the hills to explore the surrounding mountains; don’t miss Chimney Rock, which offers panoramic views of the gorge and the lake.