Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
Fees/FAQs/Rules

The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, August 13.
Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails has changed as of July 11, 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.
The boat rental concession at the Paddy's Creek day-use area will be open Wednesday through Sunday, August 10-14, subject to staff availability. At this time only canoes will be available for rent. We appreciate your understanding on this matter.
Please contact the park office at 828-544-6800 or lake.james@ncparks. gov for daily rental status.
The Paddy’s Creek Swim Area is open for the season from 10 am - 6pm daily. Concession stand operation and boat rentals have resumed for the season-- please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with questions on hours and fees.
Contact the park
828-544-6800
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Paddy's Creek access and park office
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7503, -81.8920
Catawba River access
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 - closed
Paddy's Creek office
- Daily:
9:30am to 6:00pm
Additional information
There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park. In addition to park-specific rules, please read the systemwide Park Rules for all North Carolina State Parks.
Swimming Area
Restrooms, picnic tables and shelters and a concession stand are nearby.
Adults (age 13 and over): $6/day
Children (3-12): $4/day
The swimming area is available May 1 through September 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day.
Canoes and Kayaks
Canoes and kayaks are available for rental near the concession stand in the Paddy's Creek area. Canoes accommodate 2 to 3 people and kayaks accommodate 1 to 2. The minimum age to rent is 16.
They are available Friday through Sunday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates are subject to change; call park office for current information.
Fees are $10 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. Boats may be rented for a full day or to access a reserved paddle-in campsite at Long Arm for $45.
Permits
Event permits. Some events—such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc.—may require a Special Activity Permit. If you're unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, call the park office beforehand. You can download a Special Activity Permit application or obtain one from the park office.
Research and collection permits. A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.
A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks.
Park Maps and Brochures: