Trails
Park Maps and Brochures:
Mountain Bike Trails are OPEN today
The mountain bike trails are OPEN today. The direction of the mountain bike trails has changed as of January 1.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 for further information.
Last updated on: Tuesday, January 15, 2019 Hidden Cove Boat Access is CLOSED for the season.
The Hidden Cove Access Area is closed for the season and will reopen on March 1, 2019. Please contact the park at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Tuesday, January 15, 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.
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
Surface: Natural surface
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
Surface: Natural surface
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
Surface: Natural surface
Contact:
Lake James State Park
7321 NC Hwy 126
Nebo, NC 28761Phone828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 35.750378
Longitude: -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