Masks required indoors
Posted on: Monday, August 23, 2021 - 4:34pm |
Fees/FAQs/Rules
The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, October 22.
Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails has changed as of October 1. The Tindo Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction, and the Wimba Trail is 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: Friday, October 22, 2021As 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, 2021A scammer has been advertising an Octoberfest event at the Paddy's Creek Access for October 23-24. There is no such festival taking place at Lake James State Park.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Monday, October 4, 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
►
►
- 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
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:
