Lake James State Park and the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club will be co-hosting the Annual Statewide Star Party. The fun will start out by exploring our closest star, the Sun, just before it sets. As the sun sets and the moon and stars brighten we’ll turn our telescopes and binoculars on the night sky. Learn how to view the sun safely, learn some basic star gazing tips, and take home your own star chart. There will be telescopes and binoculars set up for viewing the night sky, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs are also recommended. We will meet in the upper parking lot of the Paddy’s Creek Area at 7:00 p.m. In the event of rain or clouds an “indoor” presentation will take place in the East Picnic Shelter.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Mountain Bike Trails are OPEN today.
The mountain bike trails at Lake James State Park are OPEN. Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails have changed. Tindo trail is going in a counter clockwise direction and Wimba trail is going in a clockwise direction. The direction of these trails will stay like this until the beginning of July. 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.
Posted on: Thursday, April 19, 2018 - 8:51amEvents and Programs
Lake James State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Date of Event:
Sat, 04/21/2018 - 7:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Upper Parking Lot
Lake James State Park and the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club will be co-hosting the Annual Statewide Star Party. The fun will start out by exploring our closest star, the Sun, just before it sets. As the sun sets and the moon and stars brighten we’ll turn our telescopes and binoculars on the night sky. Learn how to view the sun safely, learn some basic star gazing tips, and take home your own star chart. There will be telescopes and binoculars set up for viewing the night sky, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs are also recommended. We will meet in the upper parking lot of the Paddy’s Creek Area at 7 p.m. In the event of rain or clouds an “indoor” presentation will take place in the East Picnic Shelter.
Date of Event:
Sat, 04/21/2018 - 7:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Concession Stand Parking Lot
Lake James hosts many species of waterfowl during their return migration north, as well as the critters that stay here year-round. Ranger Earl Weaver will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for loons, otters, eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be blustery, so be sure to dress warmly if you are one of the eight lucky participants. Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park office at 828-584-7728 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area East Picnic Shelter at 9:45 a.m. for a briefing and prompt departure at 10 o’clock.
Date of Event:
Sun, 04/22/2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - East Shelter
Earth Day! What better way to celebrate our wonderful planet than by searching for slimy amphibians? The wonderful world of salamanders will be on display as Park Ranger Kevin Bischof leads a hike to different types of salamander habitat in search of these small, elusive amphibians. Meet at the Holly Discovery Trail parking area and come prepared to journey through woodlands, seeps, streams and pools. Bring appropriate footwear and keep in mind some of these areas may be a little muddy, so keep the new sneakers at home. The hike will begin promptly at 1 p.m.
Date of Event:
Sun, 04/22/2018 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Holly Discovery Trailhead
Earth Day! What better way to celebrate our wonderful planet than by searching for slimy amphibians? The wonderful world of salamanders will be on display as Park Ranger Kevin Bischof leads a hike into different types of salamander habitat in search of these small, elusive amphibians. Meet at the Holly Discovery Trail parking area and come prepared to journey through woodlands, seeps, streams and pools. Bring appropriate footwear and keep in mind some of these areas may be a little muddy, so leave the new sneakers at home. The hike will begin promptly at 1 p.m.
Date of Event:
Sun, 04/22/2018 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Holly Discovery Trailhead
Contact:
Lake James State Park
7321 NC Hwy 126
Nebo, NC 28761Phone828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 35.750378
Longitude: -81.892075
Park Hours:
Day-use areas at Paddy's Creek and Catawba River:
December - February: 7am - 7pm
March, April & October: 7am - 9pm
May - September: 7am - 10pm
November: 7am - 8pm
Hidden Cove Boat Access Hours:
December - February: closed
March, April, & October: 7am - 8pm
May - September: 7am - 9pm
November: 7am - 7pm
All areas closed Christmas Day
Swim Area
10am - 6pm
May 1 through September 30