Lake James State Park » Ecology
The swim beach at Paddy's Creek Area is now open daily from 10am until 6pm. There is a swim fee when lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguards will be on duty starting Saturday, May 25th. Swimming fees are as follows: Adults (age 13 and up) $5; children (ages 3-12) $4; children 2 years and under are free. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from the concession stand at Paddy's Creek daily from 10am until 5:30pm and the rental fee is $5/first hour and $3 each additional hour. For more informaiton on the swimming area operations please call the park office at 828-584-7728.
The Campground Host site is completed and Lake James State Park is looking for interested folks. The Campground Host is a volunteer position without pay. Electricity, water, sewer and long term site rental are provided in exchange for campground host duties. Contact the park office for more information.
Updated: 2013-05-21 16:07:01
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.
Deer, flying squirrel, red and gray fox, rabbit, muskrat and mink all reside at Lake James State Park.
Waterfowl—including green heron, belted kingfisher, mallard and Canada goose—enjoy the park's large body
of water. The skies are also home to pileated woodpeckers, hawks and owls. Reptiles include eastern box
turtle and fence lizard, while amphibians—including northern red salamanders, eastern red-spotted newts
and tree frogs—frequently may be found along park trails.