7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761

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 CLOSED

Mountain bike trails are CLOSED today, December 11. If the date is more than 24 hours old, please call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the latest information.

Last updated on: Wednesday, December 11, 2019

New Gate Hours 7 am - 7 pm

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, 2019

Hidden Cove Boat Access Closed

The Hidden Cove Access Area closed for the season on December 1 and will reopen on March 1, 2020. Please contact the park at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.

Last updated on: Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Lake James State Park

Lake James State Park offers a full menu of activities. Along with boating, swimming and fishing in the beautiful, clear waters of the 6,812-acre lake, there are 25 miles of trails, 15 of which are open to mountain biking. Trails vary from the short, educational Holly Discovery Trail with child-friendly activities, to the more adventurous, historic section of the Overmountain Victory Trail. There are three campgrounds. The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many of which offer lake views. The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-to, family-friendly campsites. The remote boat-in campground on the Long Arm Peninsula offers a true outdoor adventure for those willing to paddle or steer their canoes, kayaks or powerboats to their own slice of heaven. Boat ramps at Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge on NC 126 are located between the park’s two day-use areas. And, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Paddy’s Creek Area concession stand from May through September.