It’s been several months since Lake James State Park conducted prescribed burns at the Catawba River Area, four years after the first prescribed fire in the park’s 30-year history took place in February, 2014. Following decades of well-intentioned but ill-advised fire suppression, it’s a great time to revisit the site to weigh the consequences, both good and bad. Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will lead the way on this moderate, 2.25-mile hike in search of plants and animals that were affected by the fire. Meet at the Catawba River Area breezeway at 10 a.m.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
All Mountain Biking Trails are OPEN today
All mountain bike trails at Lake James State Park are OPEN today.
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: Friday, June 22, 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:
Thu, 06/28/2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Catawba River Area - Park Office
For generations, the Catawba River has shaped the economic vitality of the region and remains a public commons of immeasurable recreational value. Catawba RiverFest will promote a greater appreciation of this vital waterway. The day-long event will highlight a variety of conservation groups and their ongoing projects working to improve the quality of life for people and animals along the river. Join us at the Paddy's Creek Area from 10am - 3pm. Admission is Free. Enjoy music, food, educational exhibits, a live raptor release at approximately 10:30am, nature hikes, and try out canoes and kayaks for free.
Date of Event:
Sat, 09/15/2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Swimbeach
Take a Child Outside Week, or TACO Week has been a staple at Lake James for several years. This national event strives to bring kids outside through educational programing. The park will be hosting numerous ranger led activities focused around kids and getting them into the woods. Please keep an eye out for an updated program calendar as TACO Week draws closer. We hope to see you and your kids at the park.
Date of Event:
Mon, 09/24/2018 - 10:00am to Sun, 09/30/2018 - 5:00pm
Start Location:
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