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Lake James State Park: Everything Fun Under The Summer Sun
Which would you rather do? Spend a day at the lake? Or in the mountains? When you visit Lake James State Park, you can enjoy the best of the lake and mountains in just one day. Lake James is a beautiful body of water nestled among some of the most stunning mountain views you'll see anywhere in the state. Located along the Burke and McDowell county lines, Lake James State Park offers you everything under the sun when you're looking for fun and relaxation outdoors.
Like most North Carolina lakes, Lake James is not a natural lake. It was created in the early 1900’s as a power source for Duke Power. Lake James State Park was not established until 1987, making it one of the newest state parks. For years, it was also one of the smallest state parks, encompassing 5 miles of Lake James' 150-mile shoreline and 565 acres of land. But that is changing. Recently, the state completed a deal with Crescent Resources (a division of Duke Power) to acquire nearly 3,000 additional acres for the park. This addition will increase the park to six times its current size, which will allow the park to expand its activities and protect the land from development.
Despite its size, you would be hard pressed to find another state park that packs more activities into its borders than Lake James. The park has two boat launches located just two miles east of the park along NC 126. Take out a powerboat out, sailboat, canoe or kayak to enjoy a day on the water. Canoe rentals are also available Memorial Day through Labor Day.
If you have your fishing license, you may fish the lake for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, robin, catfish, muskellunge, sunfish or perch from a boat, the pier or the shore (you must have a valid North Carolina fishing license and all NC Wildlife Resources Commission regulations apply).
If you enjoy camping, there are 20 backpack campsites located just 150 to 300 yards from the Lake James parking lot. Each campsite provides a firepit, picnic table and tent space. Drinking water, restrooms and showers are located nearby and firewood is available for purchase. Lake James' campsites are available from March 15 through November 30 on a first-come basis.
One of Lake James' most surprising attractions adds an unexpected new twist to the old-fashioned notion of spending a day at the ol' swimmin’ hole. At Lake James you can go to the beach in the mountains — 1,200 feet above sea level. Yes, you read that right. Lake James has its own beach, where every summer swimmers and sunbathers gather to enjoy sand and sun with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. Covered picnic shelters, restrooms and a refreshment stand open June through Labor Day are also available at the beach.
If you need to stretch your legs, try one of Lake James' four scenic trails. You can follow the Lake James shoreline on the Sandy Cliff Overlook Trail and the Fishing Pier Trail, both of which are under a mile long. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, try the 1.5 mile Lake Channel Overlook Trail or the 2.2 mile Fox Den Loop Trail. All of the trails are classified as easy and moderate. I have found all the trails to be relatively easy and mostly enjoyable. Keep your eyes and ears alert on the trails. You are likely to catch a glimpse of the many species of native wildlife and wildflowers that call the Linville Gorge home.
If you enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, sunbathing, hiking or having a picnic, then Lake James State Park is one of the few destinations where you can do it all in just one day. So, if a day of fun in the sun on the lake sounds good, then give me a call. I’m ready to go…
Directions
• Take Exit 90 on I-40 west of Morganton,
• Turn north onto Fairview Road for 0.4 miles to Harmony Grove Road.
• Turn right on Harmony Grove Road for 2.1 miles to US 70.
• Turn left on US 70 west for 0.2 miles to NC 126 east
• Turn right on NC 126 for it 2.7 miles
• Lake James State Park will be on your left
Park Fees:
Campsites:
$15 per day, per site
$10 a day for senior citizens 62 years of age or older.
Firewood:
$2 per bundle.
Picnic shelter reservations:
$85 per day
(Use of the shelter is free of charge
unless reservations are requested)
Canoe rentals:
$5 for the first hour and $3 each additional hour.
by Denise Clay
Comments
Thanks for the tip. Can't wait to go visit.
- Posted by: Kathy at October 13, 2005 12:19 AM
