I first went when I was 12 and again last year being 22 and I still laughed my butt off and screamed while being submerged. The water is so incredibly cold, but very much worth it on a hot, sunny day. Wear water shoes. If you go down 4 people at a time you will get stuck and everyone will cheer for you. It's awesome.
Amazing place to visit. I've done this hike several times and I am never disappointed, not to mention the small town at the base is fun to shop in and grab a bite to eat. Make sure you bring a lot of water in the summer and sunscreen. There's a cafe at the top that is a little pricey, because they know how badly you're aching legs want fries, but you should pack a lunch and eat at the top! Much more worth it.
I've spent every summer here for the majority of my life and I am never disappointed. There's so much to do. You can take out a boat and go tubing, rent kayaks and canoes, hang out with an ice cream on the beach, fling yourself into the lake via waterslide: it's endless! There's also a secret spot to rope swing. Lake Lure is where parts of Dirty Dancing was filmed, too!!