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is the hiking and falls reasonable for him?
whats the lake swimming set-up like?
guided boar tour worth it?
He's typically a trooper, but I don't want to get 1/2 way along a trail and/or sign-up for a tour that won't keep him interested.
We have been many times. In fact, I have pictures on my desktop right now of the kids standing on the top of the rock with lake lure in the background spanning several years.
My opinion - the actual hike to the falls might be too much. Last time we were there, there were two trails: one has a ton of stairs, the other has a steep drop. When they were younger, we just took the elevator to the top of the rock and skipped taking the youngest on a hike. Going by pictures taken at the falls at the end of the hike, 6 was the youngest any made the trek.
is the hiking and falls reasonable for him?
whats the lake swimming set-up like?
guided boar tour worth it?
He's typically a trooper, but I don't want to get 1/2 way along a trail and/or sign-up for a tour that won't keep him interested.
Hi Mikey, glad you are considering this awesome day trip - one of my faves!
With a 3 year old you want the Hickory Nut Falls Trail As long as you can carry him over a few spots, or if he gets tired, you'd be fine. Once we even took a stroller on that trail - used it about half the time, when my "baby" was 15 months old. GEEZ, can't believe I just remembered that, as he's turning 21 next week!
When your son is older do go back and do the Skyline-Cliffs Trail - IT IS AWESOME and one of my faves, but a bit too harrowing with kids under 7. In fact, there have been a couple of tragedies there over the years with toddlers
However, do take the neat elevator ride up to the top and see the viewing area. The elevator opens up into the gift shop - so be prepared for all the eye candy, lol - but that is part of the fun for the kids
As far as Lake Lure, there is a wonderful swimming area there with lifeguards and a little beach - you'd really enjoy it
Here is a pic for you of the beach and swimming area. It was taken during the winter, but you can still see how nice it is!
Last edited by lovesMountains; 07-16-2010 at 10:21 AM..
Reason: to add pic
Hi Mikey, glad you are considering this awesome day trip - one of my faves!
With a 3 year old you want the Hickory Nut Falls Trail As long as you can carry him over a few spots, or if he gets tired, you'd be fine. Once we even took a stroller on that trail - used it about half the time, when my "baby" was 15 months old. GEEZ, can't believe I just remembered that, as he's turning 21 next week!
When your son is older do go back and do the Skyline-Cliffs Trail - IT IS AWESOME and one of my faves, but a bit too harrowing with kids under 7. In fact, there have been a couple of tragedies there over the years with toddlers
However, do take the neat elevator ride up to the top and see the viewing area. The elevator opens up into the gift shop - so be prepared for all the eye candy, lol - but that is part of the fun for the kids
As far as Lake Lure, there is a wonderful swimming area there with lifeguards and a little beach - you'd really enjoy it
Here is a pic for you of the beach and swimming area. It was taken during the winter, but you can still see how nice it is!
That is awesome - thanks... What about the lake "guided tour" boat rides? Worth it?
Hanging Rock State Park. There is a lake with a beach and some trails. I only went once briefly so I really cant tell you much about it. I was with my cousin who is disabled and can not get around easily. Maybe someone on here can tell you more. N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation: - Welcome to Hanging Rock State Park
We have also gone to Lake Lure with young children. There is a lot to do. The view from Chimney Rock is beautiful. My kids love the beach and the boat ride. Then we go to Larkin on the Lake for dinner and look at the fish and turtles by the docks while we wait for our dinner.
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As long as you can carry him over a few spots, or if he gets tired, you'd be fine. Once we even took a stroller on that trail - used it about half the time, when my "baby" was 15 months old. GEEZ, can't believe I just remembered that, as he's turning 21 next week! 
