Trails Partially Reopen in Lake Lure

Portions of Buffalo Creek Park and the Weed Patch Mountain Trail have reopened following Hurricane Helene restoration work. Lake Lure said in a statement on March 22 that the partial reopening took effect on March 19, allowing access to several trail sections while other areas remain closed for continued improvements.

The town said last year that the National Guard was assisting with the effort, past meeting minutes show. Officials did not mention the troops in the statement, but credited "many volunteers" with helping restore the trails after months of work. An analysis of available public records shows a mix of donations and tax dollars paid for it.

In October 2025 and June 2025, the town told the NC Commerce Department that, "Ongoing work is also taking place at Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain, and the Upper Boulder Trails by the National Guard, Carolina Climbers Coalition, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, EcoForesters, and AmeriCorps. We cannot thank them enough for their time and support! Update 6/17/25: Progress continues to be made on Upper Boulders Trail, and a small section may be opening soon. The Town will receive a grant of $50,000 to assist with restoration."

It is unclear why it took over eight more months for the update and partial opening. Hurricane Helene struck the area on Sept. 27, 2024.

Reopened trail sections

The town said the following areas are now open to the public:

• The right fork of the Buffalo Creek Park Trail connects to Weed Patch Mountain Trail

• Weed Patch Mountain Trail from the Buffalo Creek Park loop to the Gray Rock overlook

• Upper Boulders Trail

Visitors are encouraged to use an updated trail map and remain on clearly marked open routes.

A park shaped by conservation

Located along the rugged slopes above the Hickory Nut Gorge, Buffalo Creek Park spans more than 1,500 protected acres and includes over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

The land was once slated for residential development before being purchased out of bankruptcy by Conserving Carolina.

In 2011, the property was permanently protected through a conservation easement in partnership with the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund, ensuring the forest and watershed would be shielded from development, logging and other environmental impacts.

The town later partnered with Conserving Carolina and the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to acquire an initial 200 acres in 2012. Early trail development followed, including a 3.5-mile loop completed in 2013 with support from the Recreational Trails Program.

Additional trail expansions over the years brought the system to roughly 12 miles. In 2020, the Town of Lake Lure assumed management of the Weed Patch Mountain Trail network.

Expanding recreation opportunities

One of the newest additions, the Upper Boulders Trail, opened in 2023 through a partnership with the Carolina Climbers Coalition and support from the RHI Legacy Foundation and the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority's destination marketing organization (DMO), Rutherford Bound, public records show.

The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail was designed to expand bouldering access and features steep terrain, scenic creeks and mountain views. 

Safety and access

Town officials emphasized that some trail sections remain closed as work continues and urged visitors to follow posted signage.

Buffalo Creek Park includes a public parking area at 2191 Buffalo Creek Road, with additional access options nearby, including areas associated with Chimney Rock State Park.

The park is open from dawn to dusk and offers amenities such as picnic tables, scenic overlooks, and pet-friendly trails.

Officials said the phased reopening reflects ongoing progress and a broader effort to preserve and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Lake Lure and Rumbling Bald area of Rutherford County.