COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 5/28/2021)
Posted on: Friday, May 28, 2021 - 10:04am |
New URL for the webstore
Posted on: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 - 10:58am |
History
The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, June 24.
This closing does NOT cover sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail located off State Park Property. For Burke County Fonta Flora State Trail status please visit: www.burkenc.org/1258/Fonta-Flora-State-Trail.
***MORE IMPORTANT INFO BELOW***
This includes the section of Fonta Flora State Trail that starts at the Linville River and ventures out onto the Long Arm Peninsula.
When trailhead parking lots are closed it means the associated trail is closed to ALL use (hikers and bikers) due to wet trail conditions or other hazards.
Ignoring such 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.
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: Thursday, June 24, 2021Near or above capacity crowds are expected Fourth of July weekend. This may mean long lines for facilities and boat rentals and unavailability of campsites and picnic tables. Likewise, if the park reaches capacity, the front gate may be closed, and visitors will be asked to make alternate plans.
Please arrive early and keep your party together to increase chances of admittance and decrease possibility of being separated.
Last updated on: Wednesday, June 16, 2021Unless 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 reopened to visitors on May 1. The bathrooms and locker rooms reopened as well, but the indoor and outdoor showers will remain closed pending a septic system repair. The concession stand has reopened on weekends and some weekdays; the hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Lifeguards are not yet on duty. Once they are, the fee to swim will be $6.00 for adults (age 13 and up) and $4.00 for children.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available to rent on weekends. Boats are first-come, first-serve with a two-hour minimum at $10.00 per hour.
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 Thursday to Monday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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.**
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
- Friday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:00pm
History highlights
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between the towns of Marion and Morganton, Lake James is 1,200 feet above sea level. The lake was created between 1916 and 1923 with the construction of dams across the Catawba River and two tributaries, Paddy Creek and Linville River. These impoundments were connected by a broad canal to form a 6,812-acre body of water. Named for James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company, Lake James has been a hydroelectric unit for the power company since the early 1900s.
Lake James is one of the most recent additions to the North Carolina State Parks system. A result of strong local support and the efforts of area legislative delegations, the park was established in 1987 by the North Carolina General Assembly. Funds were appropriated for the purchase of 565 acres of land and for the initial phase of facility development. Lake James was the first park in the state's history to receive funds for development and operation upon its acquisition.
Park Maps and Brochures:
