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Bear Season: New Black Bear Marina Development Opens Up Lake James Access This Spring

This summer, there's going to be a lot more to love when you visit Lake James in McDowell County. Black Bear Development, a local real estate development company, is currently completing a massive makeover just across the cove from the Black Bear public access area, one of the most widely used access areas on the Catawba River chain. The new development, named Black Bear Marina and General Store, is scheduled for opening in late spring or early summer of 2005.

Upon completion, the complex will house a deep-water marina with 200 boat slips, a gas island, a lodge and will provide facilities for RV camping, overnight tent camping, 20 rental cabins and 75 permanent year-round camping sites.

Black Bear Marina and General Store is part of Bear Cliff, a 230-acre, environmentally friendly, residential community Black Bear Development is establishing near the western end of Lake James. The 230-acre tract of land was purchased from Crescent Resources, a division of Duke Power, which also closed a deal with the state in January 2005, to add more than 2,900 acres to Lake James State Park.

Land-use stipulations require Black Bear Development to maintain a 60-acre nature conservation area. Visitors will be able to enjoy public access to this 60-acre nature preserve, complete with miles of hiking trails surrounded by local wildlife and spectacular mountain views. The property adjoins the Pisgah National Forest and is located near Linville Gorge, The surrounding countryside also features miles of roads and trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Long-range plans for the area include boat rentals, horseback riding at the Equestrian Center and nature trails with interpretive walks as well.

Black Bear Marina's centerpiece is its lodge, a beautifully designed log cabin constructed from wood specially selected for its antique look. Southwestern decor dominates the lodge's interior, which showcases scenic views of the lake, wooded areas, and the new Black Bear Access area. The lodge's exterior sports a deck complete with relaxing lakeside views, tables and railings well-suited for dining from the lodge's snack bar. A large outdoor fireplace also makes the deck the perfect gathering place on cool North Carolina nights.

Black Bear Marina is a prime staging area for visiting Lake James and Lake James State Park, where you can swim at the park's public beach, canoe, picnic, camp or enjoy a Ranger-guided hike through the area's nature preserve.

Even if you've been to Lake James many times before, the opening of Black Bear Marina will be like discovering one of western North Carolina's leading summer recreation destinations all over again. And if you've never been to Lake James, now you have more ways than ever to leave behind those summer blues with every visit to Black Bear Marina.

For more information about Black Bear Marina, Bear Cliff, or Black Bear Development, please contact:
Dale Lunsford
828-243-6565
http://www.blackbeardevelopment.com

For more Information about Lake James State Park and activities in McDowell County, please contact:
McDowell County Tourism
1-888-233-6111
www.mcdowellnc.org

by Leslie W. Cothren with Burt Dellinger

Comments

- Posted by: Kathy at October 12, 2005 11:52 PM

- Posted by: Richard at October 18, 2005 11:41 AM

- Posted by: Dave at October 18, 2005 04:04 PM

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