Lake Lure Adventure Company Provides Water Thrills with Spectacular Views

Posted 8.20.12

Story and Photos by EMILY FOLEY

After nearly 13 years of running their business, Lake Lure Adventure Company, Mark and Genevieve Helms continue to be astounded at the beauty of the town and the fun provided by the clear, blue water of Lake Lure. Boat and equipment rentals, tours, and experienced guides help visitors to easily incorporate water activities into their Lake Lure vacation, even those who may have less familiarity with water sports (very helpful for the common land dweller).

 Lake Lure Adventure Company provides entertainment to kids as young as six and adults of all ages. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, the lake (located in the Hickory Nut Gorge) attracts an estimated 50,000 visitors each year. Many of those being families with kids attending summer camps, families staying in time shares and rented houses on the water, or folks from nearby in for the day. Lake Lure Adventure Company strives to meet the needs of all those customers.

“The most people who do business with us are families, says Mark. “Mostly moms, dads, and kids are the folks who come for the weekend. Some of the other vacation destination spots can be party or drinking places but this has remained very family oriented.”

Lake Lure Adventure Company’s amenities available for rent or reservation include waterskiing, wakeboarding, guided fishing tours, pontoon rentals, and (for the semi- experienced) wake surfing.

Voted number one in Waterski magazine for waterskiing lakes at vacation sites, Lake Lure is a prime spot for extreme, picturesque views and exhilarating, water sports. The landscape of the area leaves little room for major expansion guaranteeing Lake Lure to remain a haven for nature enthusiasts and folks looking to enjoy the nostalgic touch of the town.

“It’s nice because in a mountain town, there’s no room to build four-lane roads filled with fast food joints and super centers,” Mark says. “It is mostly family-run businesses who help promote each other. The town is almost frozen in the past. We have people who come back after 20 years and are amazed that it still looks the same.”

Lake Lure Adventure Company is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Hours may vary depending on the weather. It is open year-round for reservations. and their dock hours (listed at lakelureadventurecompany.com/rates) run Memorial Day through Labor Day.