Lake James State Park

Swim from a sandy lake beach, ride mountain bike loops and camp at paddle-in sites on a big Blue Ridge foothills lake east of Asheville.

Paddy's Creek Access and Visitor Center, 2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo, NC 28761 · Nebo, NC

About Lake James State Park

Lake James State Park covers 3,743 acres on the shore of 6,510-acre Lake James, about 50 miles northeast of Asheville. The Paddy's Creek access has the visitor center, a seasonal swim beach, 22 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of bike trails; the Catawba River access adds 4.5 miles of trails and the historic Overmountain Victory Trail. Both areas have lakeside campsites, and some can be reached only by boat. Day use is free; you pay for swim passes, boat rentals and camping. Some bike trails are still closed after damage from Hurricane Helene, so check trail status before you go.

#state park
#lake
#swimming
#mountain biking
#camping

What's around here?

The closest stops to Lake James State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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Museum of North Carolina Minerals
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Attractions
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32 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions