LAKE JAMES STATE PARK
Lake James State Park is a North Carolina state park in Burke and McDowell Counties, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Nebo, North Carolina, it covers 3,743 acres and borders 6,510-acre Lake James.
Lake James is one of the most recent additions to the North Carolina State Parks system. A result of strong local support and the efforts of area legislative delegations, the park was established in 1987 by the North Carolina General Assembly. Funds were appropriated for the purchase of 565 acres of land and for the initial phase of facility development. Lake James was the first park in the state's history to receive funds for development and operation upon its acquisition.
Steep, forested ridges covered with mixed hardwoods, pines and hemlocks dominate the landscape. Wildflowers are abundant, and the clear waters of Lake James reflect different types of vegetation in each season.
Wildflowers commonly seen in the park include pink lady slipper, Jack-in-the-pulpit, passion flower, Indian pipe and cardinal flower. Mountain laurel, rhododendron and flame azalea are also abundant in the hilly terrain.
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between the towns of Marion and Morganton, Lake James is 1,200 feet above sea level. The lake was created between 1916 and 1923 with the construction of dams across the Catawba River and two tributaries, Paddy Creek and Linville River. These impoundments were connected by a broad canal to form a 6,812-acre body of water. Named for James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company, Lake James has been a hydroelectric unit for the power company since the early 1900s.
- T Walker
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Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shore, pier or by boat. The lake is home to largemouth bass and walleye.
Catfish are also abundant in these waters along with crappie and bluegill. Fishing equipment rentals are available on-site.
Boat ramps provide easy access for personal watercrafts while paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes are offered for rent as well.
Fishing licenses must be obtained before casting a line into this freshwater haven teeming with diverse aquatic life.
Lake James State Park is located near Marion, Morganton and Spruce Pine
Lake James State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills, some near the lake or in shaded areas.
East Wimba Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of intermediate or advanced skill levels.
Fishing Pier - Catawba River Area. A short walk down to the Catawba River Area fishing pier.
Fox Den Loop - Catawba River Area. 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.
Holly Discovery Trail - Paddy's Creek area. The trail is a flat, easy trek through riparian forest adjacent to Paddy's Creek. The Lake James State Park TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Holly Discovery Trail, but they can be used anywhere within the park trail system.
Homestead Trail - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is an excellent connector to the Paddy's Creek Trail for hikers who park in the mountain bike trail system parking lot.
Lake Channel Overlook - Catawba River Area. The trail is an easy hike to a scenic overlook of Lake James and Linville Gorge.
Lower Tindo Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of beginner or intermediate skill levels.
Mill's Creek Trail - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail offers an undulating track through forested ridges adjacent to the lake with some scenic vistas along the way.
Overmountain Victory Trail - Paddy's Creek area. The trail follows the shoreline of Lake James and Paddy's Creek through rolling terrain. Almost all of the trail is shaded under a mature, forest canopy. Park at the Holly Discovery Trail lot and walk back past the Paddy's Creek Bridge to access the trailhead.
Paddy's Creek Trail - Paddy's Creek area. The trail runs along the shoreline of Lake James to the mouth of Paddy's Creek. It is mostly flat with a few rolling sections. This trail runs through mature forest.
Sandy Cliff Overlook - Catawba River Area. The trail is an easy hike to a scenic overlook of Lake James and Linville Gorge.
Upper Tindo Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of beginner or intermediate skill levels.
West Wimba Loop - Paddy's Creek Area. The trail is appropriate for mountain bikers of intermediate or advanced skill levels.
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Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including warblers and ospreys. There are several trails for birding enthusiasts to explore. The park's diverse habitats attract different types of birds throughout the year. Bird checklists are available at the visitor center.
Finley's Produce
3821 US-221 North
Marion, NC
+18283850082
Table Rock Fish Hatchery
3419 Fish Hatchery Ave
Morganton, NC
+18284373977
Catawba River Outdoors
2334 US 221 Business N
Marion, NC
+18284426048
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