Tucked into the rolling hill country at the base of mighty Linville Gorge is Lake James, a sprawling 6,812-acre reservoir with more than 150 miles of shoreline.
Lake James State Park offers two access areas: Catawba River and Paddy's Creek. Both sections offer lake access, trails, picnic areas, and more. The
Paddy's Creek section also offers mountain biking.
Park Website: www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park
WHERE: Nebo, NC
DIRECTIONS: See the state park website for specific directions to Catawba River and Paddys Creek accesses.
Keep your maps in a plastic bag to protect them from the rain and know how to use them. GPS units are great, but they are not substitutes for knowing how to use a map and compass.
