The waters and shoreline of Lake James is bursting with life and there’s no better way to explore than by boat. Park Ranger Earl Weaver will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for loons, ospreys, eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be blustery or it could be sultry, so be sure to watch the forecast and dress appropriately for the day (remember it’s always cooler out on the water) 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 10 a.m. departure.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Mountain Bike Trails are OPEN today
Mountain bike trails are OPEN today, If date is more than 24 hours old, call the park office at 828-584-7728 for latest information.
Last updated on: Sunday, May 19, 2019 Swim Beach Open Starting May 1
The swim beach at the Paddy's Creek Access reopened for the season on May 1. Lifeguards will be on duty starting May 25.
The concession stand and boat rentals will be available on Saturdays and Sundays only until Memorial Day weekend.
Please call the park office at 828-584-7728 for additional information.
Last updated on: Saturday, May 18, 2019Events 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:
Mon, 05/20/2019 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter
Lake James State Park Superintendent Nora Coffey will be co-hosting with the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club for a night of star gazing. Learn some basic star gazing tips and experience the night sky like you’ve never seen it. 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 East Picnic Shelter at the Paddy’s Creek Area at 8:30 p.m. Register by calling the park office at 828-584-7728.
Date of Event:
Sat, 06/01/2019 - 8:30pm to 10:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter
The waters and shoreline of Lake James is bursting with life and there’s no better way to explore than by boat. Park Ranger Clay Veasey will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for ospreys, eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be blustery or it could be sultry, so be sure to watch the forecast and dress appropriately for the day (remember it’s always cooler out on the water) 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 10 a.m. departure.
Date of Event:
Tue, 06/11/2019 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter
Over the last 8 years the staff at Lake James State Park has been diligent in landscaping with native plants that are attractive to insect pollinators. Those efforts have paid off and the pollinator gardens around the day-use portion of the Paddy’s Creek Area are a showplace for butterflies, bees and a host of other insects that are critical to the health of our flowering and fruiting plant communities. Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will lead this tour of the gardens – discussing the different plants and how they are utilized by the insect community. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area bathhouse breezeway at 9:30 a.m.
Date of Event:
Sun, 06/16/2019 - 9:30am to 10:30am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, bathhouse breezeway
The waters and shoreline of Lake James is bursting with life and there’s no better way to explore than by boat. Park Ranger Earl Weaver will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for ospreys, eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be blustery or it could be sultry, so be sure to watch the forecast and dress appropriately for the day (remember it’s always cooler out on the water) 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 10 a.m. departure.
Date of Event:
Wed, 06/19/2019 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.750378, -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