Come and learn a essential skill that is being replaced with satellites, smart phones, and GPS. Orienteering is a skill developed in the 19th century for traveling through unknown lands with only a map and compass, but navigation has been around for much longer. This program will teach children how to read a basic map, how to use a compass, and set them forth on a short orienteering course to test their new found skills. This program is set up for children ages 8-14 and parental supervision is required on the short orienteering course.
Closures and policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 - 11:37am |
Events and Programs
Mountain Bike Trails CLOSED
The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are CLOSED today, January 27.
Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails has changed as of January 3, 2022. The Tindo Trail is going in a clockwise direction. West Wimba Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction. East Wimba will be going in a clockwise direction. Ignoring 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.
For information about Burke County portions of the Fonta Flora State Trail, please visit their website at https://www.burkenc.org/1258/Fonta-Flora-State-Trail.
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.
Last updated on: Thursday, January 27, 2022 Hidden Cove Boat Access is CLOSED for the season
The Hidden Cove Access Area is closed for the season and will reopen on March 1, 2022. Please contact the park at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Current status of facilities at Lake James State Park
As of August 20, 2021, face masks are required inside facilities at state parks regardless of vaccination status.
Unless otherwise indicated, all campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, and restrooms are open. Please maintain a social distance of six feet, regardless of the behavior of others.
The Paddy’s Creek Swim Area is closed for the season. It will reopen May 1, 2022. The concession stand and boat rental concession are also closed for the season and will open sometime in May 2022
Picnic shelters are available for reservations or casual use on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park office for information on how to make reservations.
The Catawba River park office and gift shop is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Paddy's Creek park office and gift shop is open Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Hours are subject to change on short notice.
Groups larger than 200 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: Wednesday, October 20, 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
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- 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
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- open year-round
- 24-hour access
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►
- May 1 to September 30:
10:00am to 6:00pm
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Catawba River office
- Monday to Friday:
8:00am to 4:30pm
Paddy's Creek office
- Wednsday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:30pm
Scheduled events
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:
Sun, 01/30/2022 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Paddys Creek Day Use Area Office
Ranger Veasey will be leading the rarest program of the year: the infamous and often spoke of, but never seen Triple Cemetery Hike. This hike will go through the three cemeteries at the Paddys Creek Day Use Area and begins at 10 am.
Date of Event:
Thu, 02/03/2022 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Paddys Creek Day Use Area bath House Breezeway
POSTPONED- NEW DATE TBD-Hear Ye Hear Ye! Ranger Brian is calling all junior rangers ages 1 to 5 to a new program adequetly titled Rangr Brian's Bear Bonanza! Plan for a fun filled half hour program all about Bears. We will sing, play instruments, color, and maybe even go on a bear hunt*!
*No animals will be harmed during this educational and exiciting program*
Date of Event:
Fri, 02/04/2022 - 9:00am
Start Location:
New Visitor Center
Do you like birds? Do you like mid winter? Then do we have a program for you! Join Ranger Cameron, the state park's ornithologist, on a hike to discover our local aviarian friends.
Date of Event:
Sat, 02/05/2022 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Paddys Creek Day Use Area Office
Few things can beat a cold morning by eating a large plate of pancakes covered with Birch syrup. That was not a typo; birch syrup is a delicious and viable option and this program will be discussing the other syrups that can be made from trees that are lesser known such as black walnut, sycamore, or shag bark hickory. We will also cover how to tap trees correctly, gather sap, and how to process it into syrup. This program will meet at the Paddys Creek Day Use Area office at 11 am.
Date of Event:
Mon, 02/07/2022 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Paddys Creek Day Use Area Office
Park Maps and Brochures:
