Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
Trails
Mountain Bike and State Park Section of Fonta Flora Trails OPEN Today
The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, June 27.
Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails has changed as of April 8, 2022. The Tindo Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction. West Wimba Trail is going in a clockwise direction. East Wimba will be going in a counterclockwise 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.
Paddy's Creek Swim Beach Reopening Tuesday, June 21st
The Paddy's Creek swim beach has reopened after temporarily closing due to high levels of E.Coli found in the lake last Thursday. Test results from samples taken on Monday indicate the swim beach is safe for swimming.
Please contact the park office with questions at lake.james@ncparks.gov or 828-584-7728.
Last updated on: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 High Holiday Visitation Expected
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.
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
►
- 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
►
- open year-round
- 24-hour access
►
►
- May 1 to September 30:
10:00am to 6:00pm
►
Catawba River office
- Monday to Friday:
8:00am to 4:30pm
Paddy's Creek office
- Wednesday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:30pm
List of trails
Taking a hike on the extensive trail system at Lake James State Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. A walk in the spring when the air is scented with sweet wild azalea and rhododendron blossoms or a stroll in the fall when the leaves are ablaze in colors is tonic for the soul.
Lake James has 15 miles of multi-use mountain biking trails with terrain suitable for riders of all skill levels. Cyclists are permitted on these trails specifically—not on hiking trails.
⇒ ATTENTION: BIKE TRAIL USERS
When trails are closed for construction, poor trail conditions due to weather or any other reason, they are closed both for visitor safety AND for the protection of the trail and natural resources. Trails are expensive to construct, maintain and repair. Disregarding trail closures results in:
- Delaying or proloning construction or repair;
- Damaging the trails, resulting in significant costs and further closure time for additional repair;
- Endangering yourself in addition to both state park and EMS staff who would work to get you out of harm's way if you are lost or hurt.
Thank you for respecting our park's natural resources, facilities and fellow park visitors.
Fishing Pier
Location: Catawba River Area
Description:
A short walk down to the Catawba River Area fishing pier.
Surface: paved, boardwalk/bridge
Length:
0.30 miles
one way
0.30 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
Blue square
Blue square
Fox Den Loop
Location: Catawba River Area
Description:
This trail loops through mature forest with a thick canopy. It is an undulating track with a steep staircase up the highest pitch. The trail begins near Catawba River picnic shelter.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
2.25 miles
loop
2.25 miles
loop
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
Orange triangle
Orange triangle
Holly Discovery Trail
Location: Paddy's Creek area
Description:
The trail is a flat, easy trek through riparian forest adjacent to Paddy's Creek. The Lake James State Park TRACK Trail adventures (see kiosk at trailhead parking area) were designed for use on the Holly Discovery Trail, but they can be used anywhere within the park trail system. Be sure to check out the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which can be accessed 150 yards south of the Holly Discovery Trail parking area.
Surface: natural surface, gravel
Length:
0.75 miles
loop
0.75 miles
loop
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
red triangle
red triangle
Homestead Trail
Location: Paddy's Creek Area
Description:
The trail is an excellent connector to the Paddy's Creek Trail for hikers who park in the mountain bike trail system parking lot.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
0.70 miles
one way
0.70 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
Blue triangle and white triangle
Blue triangle and white triangle
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, June 30, 2022 - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 9, 2022 - 1:00pm
Thursday, July 14, 2022 - 2:30pm