The Great Smokey Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina is a great place to visit and a dream come true for those who live here. Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Park are possibly the most popular attractions in WNC. National Geographic has called Lake Lure "one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world". Each year thousands of visitors from as far away as India, Russia, Argentina, and South Africa come to enjoy the 720 acres of pristine lake, sparkling clean beach area, the incredible Hickory Nut Gorge including the impressive natural formation of Chimney Rock. They come here to play golf, fish, swim, horseback ride, hike, and sight see, but most of all they come to relax.

Our close proximity to larger metropolitan areas such as, Charlotte, only an hour's drive, and Atlanta, 4 ½ hours away make the Lake Lure area perfect for weekenders and year-round living alike. Mission Regional, Pardee, regional Veterans, Rutherford are among the many award winning hospitals located nearby making healthcare easy and accessible for all. Other larger medical and teaching facilities such as Duke and Chapel-Hill are available as well. The largest city in our region is beautiful Asheville, only 30 minutes away. There you find a diverse culture, rich in history, music and the arts. Larger towns such as Rutherfordton and Hendersonville, both a 30-minute drive, make shopping a breeze and the small towns of Chimney Rock, Saluda and Black Mountain are an adventure to be treasured.

The surrounding area offers a wide range of cultural events, entertainment, and sports activities for enthusiasts of all ages as well as educational opportunities of every level. The quality of life in the Lake Lure area is exceptional. Here we have a low crime rate and wide-ranging employment opportunities. Two universities and many colleges nearby make for incredible educational opportunities as well.

The small friendly towns that make up the gorge community sit nestled in the very heart of Hickory Nut Gorge, just east of Asheville. The Rocky Broad River winds its way through a series of rapids down through the canyon, and the crystal clear water flows through the valley that feeds Lake Lure. The people are warm and welcoming and the climate temperate. Scenic Hickory Nut Gorge and Rutherford County is a beautiful place to visit and an amazing place to live. Below are a few helpful links with information that will assist you while visiting our beautiful area. If you need any other assistance, or would like more information on Smokey Mountain Blue Ridge Real Estate please call or contact us via e-mail, we're here as realtors and friends.

Helpful Local Area Websites

Town of Lake Lure

Chimney Rock Village

Chimney Rock Information

Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Rutherford County Economic Development Commission

Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority

Rutherford Hospital