Lake Lure will reopen more than 500 days after Helene

04.18.2026 | WFMY

LAKE LURE, N.C. — 570 days after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, a popular tourist spot will reopen! Lake Lure is launching a “soft opening” on Monday, April 20. The lake was closed since the storm so crews could clean up debris and make sure the area is safe.

“We are forever grateful to all those who helped us achieve this important milestone!” the Town of Lake Lure writes on it’s website. “Lake levels are currently approaching full pond, and this initial reopening phase will allow the Town to safely reintroduce public access while continuing to monitor conditions and complete ongoing work.”

The Town also provided these rules for using the Lake during it’s “soft opening.”

1. No Wake Requirement: 

• Until further notice, the entire lake is designated as a NO WAKE ZONE to ensure safe and controlled conditions. This requirement will be closely monitored by Town staff and may be lifted at the discretion of the Town Manager when conditions allow.
• The only exception is for authorized contractors, who may operate at normal speeds as necessary to perform their work efficiently. 

2. Lake Use Regulations Still Apply:  Review the Lake Use Regulations here.

• All existing Town of Lake Lure Lake Use Regulations remain in effect. 
  • All motorized vessels must be properly permitted. Review the Boat Permit Options here.
  • Operators must have the required boater safety certification. Review the requirements here.
  • All users must comply with direction from Town law enforcement.
• Motorized Vessel Restrictions:
  • Public launching from Town-owned ramps is not permitted during Phase One.
  • Authorized contractors are permitted to use Town ramps for launching and retrieving vessels as part of approved work. Review the list of authorized contractors here.
  • Vessels may also be launched from private property where lawful access is available and authorized by the property owner.
  • Once launched, vessels must be operated by the owner or an authorized, properly licensed operator.
• Non-Motorized Use:
  • Non-motorized vessels, fishing, and swimming are permitted. 
  • Non-motorized vessels may be launched at Pool Creek Picnic Park, located at 2724 Memorial Hwy, to the right of the Lake Lure Beach when you are facing the water. You will see the Lakeside Chapel to the right of the ramp.

• All users participate at their own risk due to potential debris and changing conditions.
• No Towing Activities:
  • Water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and similar activities are not permitted during Phase One. 
• Ongoing Hazards:
  • Boaters should use extreme caution. Submerged debris and other hazards may still be present as a result of recent events. 

• Contractor Access and Restrictions
  • Due to limited parking at Town ramp locations, contractors are limited to one trailer at a time per site.
  • Contractors may use Town ramps only for launching and retrieving boats, and for transporting necessary construction-related materials associated with approved work. Loading or unloading rip rap, stone, or similar bulk materials at ramps is not permitted.

Here’s a look at what the Lake was like after the storm showing all the work the Town has done:

Credit: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

The Town says it continue to evaluate the situation as conditions improve and will announce the next phase of reopening at a later date.