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Mountains - Western Region
Lake James State Park
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Lake James State Park © bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0
Lake James State Park © bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0
Lake James State Park © bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0
Lake James State Park © bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0
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LAKE JAMES STATE PARK
LAKE JAMES STATE PARK
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, North Carolina   28761
(lat:35.7283 lon:-81.9019) map location

Phone: 828-584-7728
Lake James State Park is a North Carolina state park in Burke and McDowell Counties, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Nebo, North Carolina, it covers 3,743 acres and borders 6,510-acre Lake James.

Lake James is one of the most recent additions to the North Carolina State Parks system. A result of strong local support and the efforts of area legislative delegations, the park was established in 1987 by the North Carolina General Assembly. Funds were appropriated for the purchase of 565 acres of land and for the initial phase of facility development. Lake James was the first park in the state's history to receive funds for development and operation upon its acquisition.
Nature of the Area
Steep, forested ridges covered with mixed hardwoods, pines and hemlocks dominate the landscape. Wildflowers are abundant, and the clear waters of Lake James reflect different types of vegetation in each season.

Wildflowers commonly seen in the park include pink lady slipper, Jack-in-the-pulpit, passion flower, Indian pipe and cardinal flower. Mountain laurel, rhododendron and flame azalea are also abundant in the hilly terrain.
History of the Area
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between the towns of Marion and Morganton, Lake James is 1,200 feet above sea level. The lake was created between 1916 and 1923 with the construction of dams across the Catawba River and two tributaries, Paddy Creek and Linville River. These impoundments were connected by a broad canal to form a 6,812-acre body of water. Named for James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company, Lake James has been a hydroelectric unit for the power company since the early 1900s.
Swimming
1. Lake James State Park offers two public swimming areas: Paddy's Creek and the Catawba River area.
2. The park provides lifeguard services at both locations during summer months for safety.
3. Swimming is allowed from dawn to dusk, with no night-time swimming permitted due to safety reasons.
4. Both swim beaches have sandy shores ideal for sunbathing or building sandcastles before a dip in the lake.
5. There are designated picnic spots near these beach areas where visitors can enjoy meals between swims.

6. Paddleboarding and kayaking options also exist if you want more than just traditional swimming experiences.

7. The water quality of Lake James is regularly tested ensuring it's safe for swimmers all season long.

8. Swimming lessons aren't offered within this state park; however, private instructors often use its facilities.


9. There are accessible restrooms located nearby each of the swim sites providing convenience after your aquatic activities.



10. While there isn't any fee specifically charged for swimming, regular parking fees apply.





Boating
Boating enthusiasts have a variety of options available. The park offers two public boat ramps, one at the Paddy's Creek Area and another near Canal Bridge on NC 126. There are also canoe rentals available from April through October for those who prefer paddling around the lake themselves. For visitors with their own canoes or kayaks, there is an easy-access launch site in both Catawba River Area and Hidden Cove Access Point.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shore, pier or by boat. The lake is home to largemouth bass and walleye.

Catfish are also abundant in these waters along with crappie and bluegill. Fishing equipment rentals are available on-site.

Boat ramps provide easy access for personal watercrafts while paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes are offered for rent as well.

Fishing licenses must be obtained before casting a line into this freshwater haven teeming with diverse aquatic life.


Location
Lake James State Park is located near Marion, Morganton and Spruce Pine

Picnicking
Lake James State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills, some near the lake or in shaded areas.
Bicycling
Exercise caution while exploring the park's 15 miles of biking trails, which vary in difficulty. Helmets are highly recommended.

The Overmountain Victory Trail offers a moderate ride with scenic views but requires careful navigation due to its rocky terrain.

For advanced riders seeking a challenge, Tindo and Wimba Trails provide steep climbs and rapid descents; proceed with care on these paths.

Remember that all bikers must yield to hikers on shared pathways for everyone's safety within this recreational area.

During wet conditions or after heavy rains, some routes may be temporarily closed - check updates before planning your trip.

Ensure you're prepared: carry water bottles as there aren't many refill stations along the bike tracks here.

Lastly, respect wildlife by keeping distance when encountered during rides through this beautiful natural environment.
Trails
East Wimba Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of intermediate or advanced skill levels.

Fishing Pier - Catawba River Area. A short walk down to the Catawba River Area fishing pier.

Fox Den Loop - Catawba River Area. This trail loops through mature forest with a thick canopy. It is an undulating track with a steep staircase up the highest pitch. The trail begins near Catawba River picnic shelter.

Holly Discovery Trail - Paddy's Creek area. The trail is a flat, easy trek through riparian forest adjacent to Paddy's Creek. The Lake James State Park TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Holly Discovery Trail, but they can be used anywhere within the park trail system.

Homestead Trail - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is an excellent connector to the Paddy's Creek Trail for hikers who park in the mountain bike trail system parking lot.

Lake Channel Overlook - Catawba River Area. The trail is an easy hike to a scenic overlook of Lake James and Linville Gorge.

Lower Tindo Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of beginner or intermediate skill levels.

Mill's Creek Trail - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail offers an undulating track through forested ridges adjacent to the lake with some scenic vistas along the way.

Overmountain Victory Trail - Paddy's Creek area. The trail follows the shoreline of Lake James and Paddy's Creek through rolling terrain. Almost all of the trail is shaded under a mature, forest canopy. Park at the Holly Discovery Trail lot and walk back past the Paddy's Creek Bridge to access the trailhead.

Paddy's Creek Trail - Paddy's Creek area. The trail runs along the shoreline of Lake James to the mouth of Paddy's Creek. It is mostly flat with a few rolling sections. This trail runs through mature forest.

Sandy Cliff Overlook - Catawba River Area. The trail is an easy hike to a scenic overlook of Lake James and Linville Gorge.

Upper Tindo Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of beginner or intermediate skill levels.

West Wimba Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of intermediate or advanced skill levels.

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Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including warblers and ospreys. There are several trails for birding enthusiasts to explore. The park's diverse habitats attract different types of birds throughout the year. Bird checklists are available at the visitor center.

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Area Campgrounds
Mountain Stream RV Park
6954 Buck Creek Road
Marion, NC
828-724-9013
Optimistic RV Resort
6618 Highway 181 North
Morganton, NC
828-438-0550
Bear Den Family Campground
600 Bear Den Mountain Road
Spruce Pine, NC
828-765-2888
Spruce Pine Campground
260 Spruce Pine Campground Road
Spruce Pine, NC
828-765-7007
Lake James Camping Resort & Marina
5786 Benfield Landing Road
Nebo, NC
828-584-0190
Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Hidden Creek
1210 Deacon Drive
Marion, NC
828-652-7208
Barefoot Landing RV Resort
188 Uptons Landing Road
Marion, NC
828-829-5005
Nearby Hotels
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North Carolina
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North Carolina State Parks

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