Fees/FAQs/Rules
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.750378, -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
Mountain bike trails, including the Linville River Fonta Flora access, are open today, January 20 Please note that the directions have changed. The Wimba Trail is now counterclockwise, and the Tindo Trail is now clockwise.
If the date is more than 24 hours old, please call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the latest information.
The Hidden Cove Access Area closed for the season on December 1 and will reopen on March 1, 2020. The Canal Bridge Access remains open with 24 hours daily, throughout the year. Please contact the park at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
New gate hours are now in effect for December 1 through February 29. The park opens at 7 am, and gates close at 7 pm. The park will be closed on Christmas Day.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Tuesday, December 3, 2019Additional 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 2-3 people and kayaks accommodate 1. Minimum age to rent is 16.
They are available Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dates are subject to change; call park office for current information.
Fees are $7 per hour.
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:
