Park Ranger Clay Veasey will be meeting a group of adventurous hikers to the Old Catawba River to search for aquatic plants, animals, insects and birds. The wetland habitat in this area is rich in biodiversity and rarely visited by humans. Meet Ranger Veasey at the Canal Bridge Boat Access on NC 126 at 1:45 p.m. for a 2 p.m. carpool caravan to the site.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Mountain Bike Trails Are Closed
The mountain bike trails are closed today. Be advised that the direction changed at the end of September so pay attention to directional arrows. Call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the most up-to-date information or to report downed trees.
Posted on: Wednesday, November 14, 2018 Beach and Boat Rentals Closed for Season
The swim beach and boat rental concession at the Paddy's Creek Area are closed for the summer season. They will reopen in spring 2019. If you have questions, please call the park office at 828-584-7728.
Posted on: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Temporary Closures at Catawba River Area
The Lake Channel Overlook trail is closed from the campground bathhouse out to the overlook during renovations. Also, the fishing pier and Fox Den Loop Trail will be closed during renovations. Work should be complete by mid-November. Please call the park office at 828-584-7728 with any questions.
Posted on: Tuesday, November 13, 2018Events 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:
Fri, 11/16/2018 - 1:45pm
Start Location:
Canal Bridge Boat Ramp Parking Lot
Before we belly-up to the Thanksgiving spread, let’s get some exercise under our belts. November is a great time to walk through Lake James State Park in search of the park’s furry and feathered residents. The leaves have mostly fallen, but their aroma still hangs in the air as many of park’s animals are easily seen throughout the day. Meet Ranger Jamie Cameron as he leads a hike around the Fox Den Loop to see what animals can be found during Fall. The hike starts from the Catawba River Area breezeway at 9 a.m.
Date of Event:
Thu, 11/22/2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Catawba River Area - Park Office
Let’s work off that second slice of pumpkin pie. November is a great time to walk through Lake James State Park in search of the park’s furry and feathered residents. The leaves have mostly fallen, but their aroma still hangs in the air as many of park’s animals are easily seen throughout the day. Meet Ranger Jamie Cameron as he leads a hike along the Mill’s Creek Trail to see what animals can be found during Fall. The hike starts from the East Picnic Shelter in the Paddy’s Creek Area at 9 a.m.
Date of Event:
Fri, 11/23/2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - East Shelter
Bird migration is in full swing and it’s time to go watch the spectacle. The Paddy’s Creek parking area offers just the right mix of open water, shoreline woods and fields to see lots of species in a morning. Join Ranger Jamie Cameron for an exciting morning. We’ll start at 9 a.m. from the Paddy’s Creek Area bathhouse breezeway. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Date of Event:
Sat, 11/24/2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Bathhouse Breezeway
Autumn colors might still be vibrant for this guided photography hike along the Fox Den Loop. Shutterbugs of all skill levels are welcome to join Park Ranger Jamie Cameron, whose former career as a photojournalist and newspaper editor has equipped him with some helpful tips on composition – whether you shoot with a phone or a large format SLR. We’ll meet at the main office breezeway at the Catawba River Area at 9 a.m.
Date of Event:
Sun, 11/25/2018 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Catawba River Area - Bathhouse Breezeway
Contact:
Lake James State Park
7321 NC Hwy 126
Nebo, NC 28761Phone828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 35.750378
Longitude: -81.892075
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