COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 3/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 1:54pm |
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The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, May 6.
Be advised that the directions of Tindo and Wimba trails have changed as of April 7 and are as follows; Tindo Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction, and Wimba Trail is going in a clockwise direction.
This opening 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, May 6, 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. Masks or face coverings, covering both the nose and the mouth, are required inside all buildings.
Staff hope to be able to offer boat rentals near the end of May, weekends only. Please check this website for updates.
Picnic shelters are available for reservations or casual use on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov for information on how to make reservations.
The Catawba River park office and gift shop is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Paddy's Creek park office and gift shop is open Thursday to Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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: Friday, April 30, 2021The Paddy’s Creek Swim Area will reopen to visitors on May 1. The bathrooms and locker rooms will reopen as well, but the indoor and outdoor showers will remain closed pending a septic system repair. The concession stand will reopen later in May.
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.
We hope to be able to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards starting on weekends in late May. Please check back at this website for more details, or contact us at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov.
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
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.
Reservations
Find and book a campsite or picnic shelter online
Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
Notices and alerts
Now hiring
Lake James State Park is now accepting applications for several seasonal positions. Please click the links below to learn more about the positions and how to apply:
Current weather
Park Maps and Brochures:
