Lake Lure’s Rainbow Bridge Rebuilt After Helene
LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — A cherished fixture in Lake Lure, the Rainbow Bridge has been rebuilt following its destruction during Hurricane Helene. This beloved footbridge, located in the Flowering Bridge gardens, served as a tribute site for pet owners to remember their lost animals by hanging their collars.
Visitors have returned to see the newly reconstructed bridge, with many expressing heartfelt emotions. South Carolina resident Sara Althiser stated, “It’s emotional because most of us believe that’s where our pets are waiting.” The bridge’s vibrant paint and the numerous collars—both recovered and newly hung—make it a meaningful site for the community.
After the storm, volunteers worked tirelessly, retrieving nearly 470 collars from debris in the area. Since the new bridge’s installation, families have already begun to add new collars, continuing the legacy of remembrance.
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OCT. 9, 2026 – The Rainbow Bridge in Lake Lure washed away during Helene has now been rebuilt. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
For further information on the emotional recovery and the community’s efforts, click here.
