COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 3/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 1:54pm |
Directions
The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, April 20.
Be advised that the directions of Tindo and Wimba trails have changed as of April 7 and are as follows; Tindo Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction, and Wimba Trail is going in a clockwise direction.
This opening does NOT cover sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail located off State Park Property. For Burke County Fonta Flora State Trail status please visit: www.burkenc.org/1258/Fonta-Flora-State-Trail.
***MORE IMPORTANT INFO BELOW***
This includes the section of Fonta Flora State Trail that starts at the Linville River and ventures out onto the Long Arm Peninsula.
When trailhead parking lots are closed it means the associated trail is closed to ALL use (hikers and bikers) due to wet trail conditions or other hazards.
Ignoring such closures will cause permanent damage to the trail system and could lead to a citation and fine. Your cooperation ensures we can keep the trail system healthy and functioning for YOUR benefit and safety.
If the time stamp on this alert is more than 24 hours old, please feel free to call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the most up-to-date information.
A footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail. This section leads from Paddy's Creek to Canal Bridge.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Thursday, April 8, 2021Unless otherwise indicated, all campgrounds, trails, boat ramps, fishing piers, and restrooms are open.
Swim beaches, boat rentals, and concession stand are closed until further notice.
Picnic shelters are available for casual use on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Catawba River park office and gift shop is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Paddy's Creek park office and gift shop is open Thursday to Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter the park offices and other buildings.
Groups larger than 50 people are not permitted. When park rangers feel that the park has reached a safe capacity, the entrance gates may be closed. Entry and/or re-entry to the park is not guaranteed, except for campground reservation holders.
**The information on this alert is the current status of the park. This alert is updated only when the status changes.**
Last updated on: Sunday, January 31, 2021
Contact the park
828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Paddy's Creek access
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7503, -81.8920
Catawba River access
and park office
2785 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7287, -81.9011
Mailing address
P.O Box 340
Nebo, NC 28761
Hidden Cove boat ramp
3381 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7301, -81.8908
Canal Bridge boat ramp
9182 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7394, -81.8863
Hours
►
- December to February:
7:00am to 7:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- open year-round
- 24-hour access
►
►
- May 1 to September 30:
10:00am to 6:00pm
►
Catawba River office
- Monday to Friday:
8:00am to 4:30pm
Paddy's Creek office
- Friday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:00pm
Area information
Lake James State Park is located in Burke and McDowell counties, five miles northeast of Marion on NC 126.
To get to the Paddy's Creek Area of Lake James State Park:
Traveling east on I-40: From I-40, take the Nebo/Lake James exit (exit 90) and head north. After a half mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 4.8 miles on the right.
Traveling west on I-40: From I-40, take the Dysartsville/Lake James exit (exit 94) and head north for 0.5 mile to a stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 and follow it for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Benfield's Landing Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 0.7 miles on the right.
To get to the Catawba River Area of Lake James State Park:
Traveling east on I-40: From I-40, take the Nebo/Lake James exit (exit 90) and head north. After a half mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 2.3 miles on the left.
Traveling west on I-40: From I-40, take the Dysartsville/Lake James exit (exit 94) and head north for 0.5 mile to a stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 and follow it for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Benfield's Landing Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stop sign. Turn left onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 1.7 miles on the right.
Get directions from Google.
Park Maps and Brochures:
