Lake Lure or Mt Mitchell area in NC tri thoughts and realtor search

Triathlon Forum
1

We are looking to relocate south and are very interested in the Mt Mitchell and Lake Lure (Bald Mtn Lake) areas of NC, leaning toward Lake Lure. Would love to get any feedback on the areas people may have from a triathlete/runner perspective. We will also be heading down this fall to check the area out again so would be great if anyone is, or knows, a realtor near Lake Lure. Thanks.

2

beautiful area much more MTB than tri. in the local area.

https://www.blueridgeadventures.net/

3

In the process of relocating as well to the general area - although closer to Greenville/Travelers Rest area. Mt. Mitchell area is definitely one of my favorite spots on the east coast, but will agree with most of that area being MTB. Any specific aspects that drew you to those areas specifically?

4

Oh man, I’m so jealous, love the Western NC area! Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are some of the coolest stops that I’ve been. I live in Charlotte, but love going out to those areas to go ride- a group of us just hammered up Mt Mitchell from Marion last Sunday!

Couple thoughts on tris:

  1. There’s a number of tris within a few hours in normal time, organized by the NC and SC Triathlon Series. There’s one nearby in lake James, and another pretty close just southwest of Asheville which have all distances from sprint to 70.3. Those races are generally well run, decently attended for local races, and are pretty reasonable in terms of fees. In other disciplines, there’s a number of nearby Gran Fondos (Assault on Mount Mitchell, Blood Sweat and Gears, Gran Fondo Asheville which is GF national champs, Boone Gran Fondo, Haute Route Asheville, Bookwalter Binge, and the new Belgian Waffle ride in Asheville).

  2. There’s not too many tri clubs or organizations per say in those areas but there are definitely triathletes who live there. There’s a ton of road and MTB cyclists, especially in Asheville/Hendersonville/Brevard which aren’t too far away from you. Road riding in either area is stellar: fantastic roads with paved or gravel options, generally low traffic aside from the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak season, and respectful drivers.

  3. Not sure what your budget is, but I would add Lake James in Marion to the list of places to look. Lake james is larger than Lake Lure and not as touristy in the summer, since there’s less public access and mostly just residential homes on the lake. Great location to open water swim, kayak, jet ski, etc. You also have Lake James state park right there, which has a nice network of trails, campsites, and activities for the whole family). Lake James is probably a little cheaper than Lake Lure, but it depends where you are and what kind of property you’re looking at for each. Downside is that Lake Lure and Chimney Rock have more restaurants and shops than Marion, and you’re closer to those on Lake Lure than Lake James is to Marion.