Lake JamesFact Sheet |
Fact Sheet for Lake James State Park (SP) in North Carolina. Published by North Carolina State Parks.
featured in
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Lake James
TRAILS
State Park
Paddy’s Creek Area Hiking Trails
Holly Discovery Trail
▲ red
easy
0.75 mile
Overmountain Victory Trail
▲ white
moderate
2.0 miles
Paddy’s Creek Trail
▲ orange
moderate
1.0 mile
ON THE WATER
Homestead Trail
▲▲ blue/white
easy
0.5 mile
Mill’s Creek Trail
▲ blue
moderate
3.6 miles
Swimming is permitted in the Paddy’s Creek Area within the
designated swimming area. The swimming area is open May 1
through Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. A fee is charged for adults
and children.
Paddy’s Creek Area Biking Trails
Upper Tindo Loop
● blue
easy
1.4 miles
Lower Tindo Loop
● blue
easy
1.4 miles
Boating: Stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks may be rented
for a fee from the concession stand in the Paddy’s Creek Area, which is
open seasonally. Two boat ramps, Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge, offer
boater access to Lake James. The Hidden Cove boat ramp is operated
according to park hours and must be vacated by closing time and is
closed during the winter months. The boat ramp at Canal Bridge is
open 24 hours a day, throughout the year.
West Wimba Loop
● orange
moderate
6.0 miles
East Wimba Loop
● red
moderate
4.4 miles
moderate
6.8 miles
easy
0.3 mile
ACTIVITIES
PARK INFORMATION
Lake James State Park
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
Office: 828-584-7728
GPS: 35.0378, -81.892075
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Please visit the North Carolina State Parks website
or contact the park office for the most current
information about seasonal hours, activities, alerts,
camping fees, programs, rules and weather.
AT A GLANCE
Fishing: The cool flow into the depths of Lake James, creating a
perfect environment for the many game fish that swim here. Cast your
line in the cool mountain waters of the Linville and Catawba rivers to
catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, white bass, crappie,
bluegill, redbreast sunfish, muskellunge, carp and perch. A fishing
license is required, and all anglers must adhere to the regulations of the
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
CAMPING
Established: 1987
Landmark: Paddy’s Creek bridge, a wooden, arched
bridge with great views of the sunrise
You can find...bald eagles: Lake James hosts a
healthy population of eagles throughout the year,
including a nest site that has been active for more
than a decade.
Trails: 14 trails
›› 1 Kids TRACK trail – Overmountain Victory Trail
›› 32.6 miles of hiking
›› 20 miles of biking
Accesses: Paddy’s Creek, Catawba River and Fonta
Flora State Trail
Lake James State Park offers three tent camping areas. The Catawba
River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many of which offer lake views.
The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-to campsites. The remote boatin campground on the Long Arm Peninsula offers a true outdoor
adventure for those willing to paddle or steer their canoes, kayaks or
powerboats to their own slice of heaven. Visit the website or contact
the park office for more information about amenities, facilities, and
accessible campsites.
PICNICKING
You bring the food and we’ll supply the atmosphere. There are picnic
areas available on a first-come, first-served basis at both the Catawba
River and Paddy’s Creek areas of Lake James State Park. Picnic sites
include tables, outdoor grills and trash and recycling receptacles.
Drinking water and restrooms are located within a short walk of all
picnic sites. Three large picnic shelters can accommodate up to 100
people and are available by reservation or first-come, first-serve.
Fonta Flora State Trail
red-orange
Catawba River Area Hiking Trails
Fishing Pier
■ blue
Fox Den Loop
▲ orange
moderate
2.25 miles
Lake Channel Overlook
◆ red
moderate
1.5 miles
Sandy Cliff Overlook
● white
easy
0.5 mile
FLORA AND FAUNA
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Deer
Flying squirrel
Red fox
Rabbit
Muskrat
Mink
Eastern box turtle
Red salamander
Tree frogs
Fence lizard
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Green heron
Belted kingfisher
Pileated wookdpecker
Bald eagle
Pink lady slipper
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Passion flower
Indian pipe
Mountain laurel
Flame azalea