Trails
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, June 29, 2017 - 9:00am
Monday, September 11, 2017 - 10:00am
Sunday, September 24, 2017 - 8:00am
Volunteer Campground Hosts needed
Serve as “live-in” host at park campground. Register campers, provide information and explain rules and regulations. Perform light maintenance work around the campground such as picking up litter, cleaning and stocking toilet facilities, cleaning campsites and selling firewood. This position requires working weekends, holidays and evening hours. Your campsite, with full RV hook-ups, provided free of charge while you volunteer. For more information contact Ranger Jamie Cameron at 828-584-7728.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - 7:44am Swim beach OPEN
The swim beach is open for the season from 10 am until 6 pm. There will be a fee when lifeguards are on duty $5 for ages 13 and up; $4 for ages 3-12.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Concession Stand will be open 7 days a week from 10 am until 6 pm. Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be available from 10 am until 4:30 pm. Boat rental fees are $5.00 per hour.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - 7:45am Bike Trails are CLOSED today.
The mountain bike trails at Lake James are CLOSED today due to wet conditions. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date trail status.
Posted on: Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 8:12am
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.
East Wimba Loop
Location: Paddy's Creek Area
Description: The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of intermediate or advanced skill levels.
Point of Interest: This is a multi-use, mountain biking trail
Length:
4.40 miles
Round Trip
4.40 miles
Round Trip
Difficulty:
Moderate
Moderate
Blaze:
Red circle
Red circle
Fishing Pier
Location: Catawba River Area
Description: A short walk to the Catawba River Area fishing pier.
Point of Interest:
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.
Point of Interest:
Length:
2.25 miles
Round Trip
2.25 miles
Round Trip
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.
Point of Interest: Along the trail, young hikers can enjoy 18 interactive educational activity stations. The HDT is a national award-winning trail
Length:
0.75 miles
Round Trip
0.75 miles
Round Trip
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.
Point of Interest:
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
Contact:
Lake James State Park
6883 NC Hwy 126
Nebo, NC 28761Phone828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 35.750378
Longitude: -81.892075
Park Hours:
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