Lake James hosts many species of waterfowl during their return migration north, as well as the critters that stay here year-round. Ranger Clay Veasey will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for loons, otters, bald 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 for a briefing and prompt departure at 10 a.m.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Campground Closures March 19 & 20
Due to favorable conditions, Lake James State Park will close the Catawba River and Paddy's Creek campgrounds Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20. The mountain biking trails will be closed on March 20 as well. These facilities will be closed in preparation for prescribed fire operations.
The park plans to open all facilities on Thursday, March 21. Please contact the park office at 828-528-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Mountain Bike Trails are OPEN today
The mountain bike trails are OPEN today.
If the date stamp on this alert is more than one day old, please feel free to call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the most up-to-date information.
Events 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, 03/22/2019 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picninc Shelter
The weather is warming, the birds are singing and the trees are beginning to bud – it’s time for a little spring cleaning at Lake James. Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society will partner with the state park once again for the annual shoreline clean-up. It will be all hands on deck to get the lake ready for the busy spring and summer season. With water levels low, now is the time to remove as much trash as possible from the exposed shoreline. Volunteers are needed, but volunteers with boats (pontoon boats especially) will be at a premium. Team leaders will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Paddy’s Creek Area law enforcement boat ramp for a briefing. Volunteers should arrive by 9 a.m. The teams will reconvene at the East Picnic Shelter at 2 p.m. for a picnic lunch. Students note: participants will receive a Letter of Community Service upon request. Anyone interesting in lending a helping hand should check out the Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society on Facebook or call John Steine at 828-584-6948 or Howard Morgan at 828-584-0876.
Date of Event:
Sat, 03/23/2019 - 9:00am to 3:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter
NC State Parks has joined the initiative to get women and girls on trails across North America by offering “Sister Treks”. With March being Women’s History Month Park Superintendent Nora Coffey will be leading a 1.5-mile hike to honor notable women throughout history who have left a mark on our region and our environment. Meet at the Holly Discovery Trail parking lot (near the Paddy’s Creek Bridge) in the Paddy’s Creek Area at 10 a.m.
Date of Event:
Sun, 03/24/2019 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, Holly Discovery Trailhead
Park Ranger Earl Weaver 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 Weaver at the Canal Bridge Boat Access on NC 126 at 1:45 p.m. for a 2 o’clock carpool caravan to the site.
Date of Event:
Sun, 03/24/2019 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Start Location:
Canal Bridge Boat Access, NC Hwy 126
Lake James hosts many species of waterfowl during their return migration north, as well as the critters that stay here year-round. RangerEarl Weaver will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for loons, otters, bald eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be warm or blustery, so be sure to dress sensibly if you are one of the eight unlucky 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 1:45 for a briefing and prompt departure at 2 p.m. This is NOT an April Fools joke!
Date of Event:
Mon, 04/01/2019 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area, East Picnic Shelter
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