COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 3:13pm |
Trails
Mountain Bike and Fonta Flora Trails OPEN Today
The mountain bike trails and Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, November 24.
***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.
Be advised that the directions of Tindo and Wimba trails have changed as of October 2 and are as follows; Tindo Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction, and Wimba Trail is going in a clockwise direction.
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.
Footbridge Closed for Repairs on OVT
A footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail. This section leads from Paddy's Creek to Canal Bridge.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Current status of facilities at Lake James State Park
Unless otherwise indicated, all campgrounds, trails, boat ramps, fishing piers, and restrooms are open.
Swim beaches, boat rentals, and concession stand are closed until further notice.
Picnic shelters are available for casual use on a first-come, first-served basis.
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. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter the park offices and other buildings.
Groups larger than 50 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: Thursday, September 24, 2020
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
- Friday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:00pm
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 to the Catawba River Area fishing pier.
Surface: natural surface
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.
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:
