As far as outdoor adventure spots go, this North Carolina lake seems to have it all. Whether you are looking to get away for an hour, a weekend, or longer, Lake James has a little of something for everyone to enjoy – including a fantastic North Carolina State Park that offers a few ideal access points for this picturesque lake.
The 6,812-acre lake is located in the South Mountains of the Tar Heel State, and approximately 10 miles northeast of Marion.
The sandy beach found along this lake is a popular spot with locals in warmer months, but once summer begins to fade, the crowds dissipate. Then, the focus shifts from enjoying the warm rays of sunshine in the summer to the cool, brisk days of autumn and the rusty reds, and bright orange and yellow hues of the season.
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There is a variety of ways to enjoy Lake James. Load up the canoe or kayak and spend the day surrounded by water and the splendor of fall colors.
Or bring your hammock and find the perfect spot to immerse yourself right in the middle of a stand of trees and enjoy the rustling sounds of the breeze in the air and the leaves falling around you. Lake James is an ideal way to reconnect with nature, no matter the activity you choose.
For families with small children, we suggest a short adventure along the Holly Discovery Trail. This .7 mile nature loop trail has several interpretive learning stations along the way, and plenty to engage the curiosities of those tagging along.
For more adventure, take one of the other trails in the park. Altogether, Lake James State Park has 25 miles of trails offering a variety of breathtaking views — including trail side peek-a-boo looks at the picturesque lake as well as specific overlooks built for more pointed gawking.
The park even has an outback trail that doles out long-range views of Linville Gorge!
Want to stay more than a morning or an afternoon? This North Carolina State Park has three campgrounds; all offering a different experience. For starters, Paddy's Creek entrance has 33 campsites you can drive into and it's perfect for families.
If you want a more rustic experience, then you can walk into one of the 20 tent campsites that are right on the lake. Or, for even more adventure, load up your canoe and paddle over to the boat-in campground on the Long Arm Penninsula for a truly unique night on the lake.
However you choose to enjoy Lake James this year, try to work it into your plans for the fall season. The optimal time for leaf peeping, according to the 2018 smokymountains.com fall foliage prediction map is from mid-October to November 1st.
Lake James State Park is located at 7321 NC Hwy. 126, Nebo, NC28761. (As a point of reference, that’s 10 miles from Marion, 50 miles from Asheville, 90 miles from Charlotte, and 130 miles from Greensboro.) It’s open year-round and day use hours begin at 7:00 a.m.; closing times and more information can be found at this link on the official website for NC State Parks. Park entrance is free; however, fees are charged for swimming and using park canoes and kayaks.
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