Trails
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 10:00am
Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 10:00am
Friday, July 19, 2019 - 10:00am
Mountain Bike Trails are OPEN today
Mountain bike trails are OPEN today, July 17th. The direction of the bike trails has changed. Wimba trails will be going in a counter clockwise direction, and Tindo trails will be going in a clockwise direction. If date is more than 24 hours old, please call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the latest information.
Last updated on: Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Beach and Boat Rental Hours
The beach at Paddy's Creek is open for the season from 10-6 each day. Boats are rented out of the concession stand from 10-4:30. Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are $7.00 per hour.
Last updated on: Wednesday, June 26, 2019Trails
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 to the Catawba River Area fishing pier.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
0.30 miles
one way
0.30 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy
easy
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.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
2.25 miles
loop
2.25 miles
loop
Difficulty:
moderate
moderate
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
easy
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
easy
Blaze:
Blue triangle and white triangle
Blue triangle and white triangle
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