Covered In Blooms, The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Is One Of The Most Enchanting Spots In North Carolina
June 10, 2023 by Only In Our State. You may download the article at OnlyInYourState's online publication.
Most people don’t know the best-kept secret of Lake Lure, North Carolina is the flowering bridge that crosses Rocky Broad River, or that it has multiple little fairy habitats hidden within its colorful plantings. For decades, the Rocky Broad River Bridge was bustling with vehicular traffic, but all that came to an end when a new bridge was created to replace the old. Today, the 150-foot-long bridge is filled with colorful, fragrant blooms and is the culmination of hours of love and devotion from the volunteers of the non-profit that maintains the park. Speaking from experience, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is one of the most enchanting spots in the state.
Locals saw the architecture and beauty in the original bridge and saved it, transforming it to a flower trail that is the "Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful." The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge officially opened in 2013 and is maintained by a group of volunteers.
This picture is from when planting first began on the bridge. The difference from then to now is amazing!
But by far, the coolest and most whimsical of them all are the fairy gardens. Some even have the little fairies busy at work maintaining their little slice of paradise.
Some take the fairy theme to extreme, like this summertime fairy garden that's really a fairy beach — complete with sand!
All of the fairy displays are quite darling and draw you into their whimsical little world. But just in case... the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has a people-sized fairy door just for you.
This might just be the most beautiful stroll I've ever taken in North Carolina. Each corner is filled with wonder, whimsy, and beauty.
Another thing the bridge is great at? Bringing people together. Through a community of dedicated volunteers, the bridge has maintained beauty as well as a bounty of new plants and flowers added. While a literal connection between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, it is also connecting people on a daily basis.
If a flower bridge with multiple gardens isn't beautiful enough, pair that with the backdrop of Chimney Rock, the roaring Rocky Broad River, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. While this secret paradise might seem more suitable for a spring or summer day, the beauty is maintained year-round and perfect for a stroll, sitting and reading a book, or even learning more about plant life.
What a gorgeous place! Have you visited here before or did you know this exists?
While in the area, you MUST visit Chimney Rock Village, read our comprehensive guide here.
