Let Go of the Leash at Lake Lure, North Carolina
- Luie Boone
- Jul 22
- 7 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.
Luie Boone has the perfect dog-friendly vacation destination that will lure you right in: Lake Lure, North Carolina. Vacationing here and in the surrounding mountain towns is the perfect escape for dog lovers seeking natural beauty, outdoor fun, and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. Tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills, Lake Lure is known for its calm waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, and dog-friendly culture. From hiking and swimming to charming downtown strolls, there's something for both you and your furry companion at every turn.
At the heart of the experience is Lake Lure itself. Lake Lure is a peaceful lake community with scenic trails and calm waters, which are ideal for paddling or relaxing. The area's natural beauty and laid-back vibe make it an inviting spot for dogs and their humans to unwind and explore together. The community is especially welcoming, often hosting seasonal events where pets are part of the fun—such as outdoor markets, live music nights, and lakeside festivals.
Just minutes away from Lake Lure is the quaint Chimney Rock Village. This mountain village offers a truly dog-welcoming vibe. Your pup can join you for a walk along the river or as you check-out the many shops in the village. Trails in the area offer shaded paths, gentle climbs, and stunning natural scenery. Luie Boone knows a good walk is perfect for burning off energy before chowing down a tasty meal at a local patio spot. One great place to refuel is Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery, which has outdoor seating and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. Luie's not sure if hickory nuts are safe for pooches, but they do sound tasty.
About 40 minutes away from Lake Lure is the artsy mountain town of Black Mountain. Its downtown is full of antique shops, local boutiques, and cafés that encourage visitors to bring their dogs along. A favorite stop of Luie Boone's might be The Dripolator, where you can sip your coffee outside with your pup cozied up by your side. The town’s nearby park is an ideal place for a peaceful walk and a picnic with mountain views in the background.
Another nearby favorite is Hendersonville, which is about 35 to 40 minutes to the southwest of Lake Lure. With its historic charm and wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, the town’s downtown is perfect for a stroll with your dog. Many restaurants along Main Street offer dog-friendly patios with shade, water bowls, and sometimes even treats. Dining spots like Postero, Umi Sushi, and Dandelion offer a warm welcome to both you and your pup. Scenic overlooks and forest trails in the area provide a relaxing retreat if you’re in the mood to explore beyond town.
Be sure not to miss Saluda, a tiny mountain town just 30 minutes south of Lake Lure. Known for its charming main street, historic buildings, and artistic spirit, Saluda offers a peaceful setting where dogs are part of the community scene. Take your pup on a walk along the quaint downtown, where local shops and galleries often have water bowls waiting out front. Grab a bite at The Purple Onion or Green River BBQ. Both of these spots have outdoor seating! For a scenic adventure, nearby Lazy Girl Loop offers a beautiful woodland walk where leashed dogs are welcome. Luie Boone's not a lazy girl, but he still thinks he can give the loop a good zoomie or two.
Whether you're hiking through quiet woods, browsing shops in small-town downtowns, or simply watching the sunset from your vacation rental, Lake Lure and its neighboring towns—Chimney Rock, Black Mountain, Hendersonville, and Saluda—offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for you and your dog.
It’s a getaway you’ll both treasure!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Summer Wind
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3.5 baths.
Photos courtesy of VRBO
It features the following amenities:
1935 mountain home
Has breathtaking lake views
Situated in a spacious, quiet cove with a gently sloping yard to the water
450 square foot deck
Beautiful views of Rumbling Bald Mountain
Screened-in patio
Fire pit
Use of paddleboard, kayak, pedal boat, splash pad and a pontoon boat to rent
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
There's a place called "Summer Wind" in Lake Lure, North Carolina that I've been overhearing my hoomans talk about. It's a rental home, which a gently sloping yard leading right to the lake. I won't have to climb up-and-down stairs; I can just zoom to the end of the dock and do my best-ever cannonball. It might get my hoomans unnecessarily wet, but who cares? A pup's gotta cannonball when a pup's gotta cannonball. On that dock, there's paddle boards and kayaks for my hoomans to use. I'll squeeze my big tooshie beside them (and probably topple us both over), as we try to explore the lake. Hopefully, there's fishies for my sniffer to investigate... or fishies for my hoomans to try to lure in. There's even a pontoon boat that we could rent. I can't wait to feel the wind in my fur. Back at the rental, we can relax after a fun day out on the water. There are shady decks, a firepit for s'mores cooking, and a screened-in porch. Personally, I’ll be claiming that screened-in porch as my royal observation post. It'll be the perfect spot for keeping an eye on squirrels, birds, and any suspicious floating logs.
Paws Venture Here
Craggy Pinnacle Trail
This 1.4-mile trail typically takes about an hour to complete… unless you're with Luie Boone, who must sniff every single leaf and stick. The Catawba rhododendron, a flowering shrub, puts on a show in mid to late June. If you miss the bloom, the trail’s scenic views of Craggy Pinnacle, make it a stunner year-round.
Chimney Rock State Park
This 1,000-acre state park offers scenic hiking trails and jaw-dropping views that stretch for 75 miles on a clear day. You and your pup can take in the sights, including one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Trust Luie Boone, it’s a tail-wagging kind of view.
Lake Lure Adventure Company
At Lake Lure Adventure Company, choose your and your best friends next adventure by renting a pontoon boat, kayak, or stand up paddle boards. Luie Boone suggests renting all three for a big ole day of fun.
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park
Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park is a charming forested park with 3.3 miles of scenic nature trails. It offers picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls. Luie Boone needs to go there, just to get a stick as big as the one that the canine pictured to the left has.
Youngs Mountain
You and your four-legged hiking buddy can tackle a 4.2-mile round-trip hike up Youngs Mountain, with an elevation gain of 1,161 feet. Along the way, you’ll cross several charming little streams. About half a mile in, you’ll come across a cheerful, splashing waterfall that's perfect for a quick sniff-and-sip break. At the summit, you're rewarded with stunning views overlooking Lake Lure, as well as the dramatic rock faces of Rumbling Bald, Shumont Mountain, and Eagle Rock.
Party Rock
Grab your leash and get ready to paw-ty! This hike leads you and your pup up to Party Rock, which is a massive granite outcrop overlooking stunning Lake Lure. The 180-degree views from the top are some of the best in the whole area. There's even a waterfall to celebrate your climb.
Missing 40
Take your pup on this easy one-mile loop trail tucked into the scenic Pacolet River Gorge, where Joel’s Creek meets the North Pacolet River. The path follows the water and features two shallow, ankle-high crossings. Are you wondering why it’s called Missing 40? According to local trail expert Luie Boone, its name refers to a 40-acre tract of land that was accidentally left off early maps and surveys!
Lured Market & Grill
At Lured Market & Grill, Fido is the VIP of the outdoor tables, which are complete with leash clips and water bowls. While the hoomans dig into trout bites, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and all kinds of sandwiches, Luie Boone insists you don’t skip the Bone Appetite dog menu. His top pick? The pupsicles... and well, he's a fan of everything else, too! He'd try to order the whole menu.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Lake Lure, North Carolina
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
At Lake Lure, North Carolina, my hoomans told me there are mountains to hike, lakes to splash in, and maybe even some squirrels for me to chase. Sounds perfect, right? But then they dropped a wild warning on me: there’s this sneaky, itchy plant called poison ivy. It’s everywhere along the trails. My hoomans say it’s a big no-no for the both of us, Now, I’ve rolled through my fair share of questionable stuff before... but poison ivy? That’s a whole different animal. It’s got these three shiny leaves. If I sniff or rub up against it, it’ll make me (and my hoomans) seriously itchy and unhappy. So, lesson learned: When you’re at Lake Lure, keep your nose and paws clear of those shiny trifectas, and stick to the good stuff!
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