10 Things to Do on Lake James
Lake James, a watery oasis located at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest and the Linville Gorge wilderness area, is quickly becoming a destination for travelers and an epicenter for luxury lakefront real estate. The closest towns are Marion and Morganton, and the lake is also easily accessible from mountain towns like Asheville and Black Mountain, via a quick scenic drive. Its proximity to the Piedmont area also makes it a welcome escape for residents of larger cities like Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.
Whether you are visiting the area for a day or looking to make a more permanent transition, we’ve compiled our list of favorite activities on Lake James so that you can make the most of your time on the lake, however long it might be:
1). Boating
It may go without stating, but boating (and swimming) along Lake James' scenic waters is one of the more popular activities. While it is not uncommon for visitors and residents to launch their own boats at Canal Bridge or Hidden Cove, there are also options to rent through Lake James Boat Rentals or Benfield’s Landing Boat Rentals & Marina and Noah’s Landing. You can catch sights of the scenic Linville Gorge wilderness and surrounding mountains from nearly every angle of this beautiful lake.
2). Canoeing, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding
Would you rather put a little work and recreation into your water-bound adventure? Flatwater canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding can be the perfect way to explore the lake and get a good workout. Bring your pets (or friends) along to help with the paddling.
3). Mountain biking
A newer trail to the Lake James area, The Fonta Flora County Park and Connector trail includes over 19 miles of trail
systems. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Fonta Flora Trail Loop is a worthwhile choice as it winds 3.7 miles through woodlands before opening up with views of Lake James and the surrounding mountains. Elevation gain is a little over 300 feet, so fairly moderate depending on the skill level. This trail is also open for hiking. The nearby Lake James State Park also offers a number of biking trails such as the Wimba and Tindo loop trails.
4). Hiking
In addition to hiking trail options as a part of the Fonta Flora trail, Lake James State Park includes miles and miles of trail systems. We recommend the Lake Channel Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile one-way trail that loops around the lake and offers great views. There are a variety of easy-to-moderate hiking trails at Lake James State Park, offering plenty of kid-friendly options as well. If you are looking to venture out further, the nearby Shortoff Mountain Trail at Linville Gorge offers amazing views of Lake James from high above the lake. This 4.5-mile round trip hike is on the strenuous side and gains over 1300 feet in elevation with an amazing “pay-off.”
5). Swimming
While there is always the option of combining boat outings with swimming, Lake James State Park’s Paddy’s Creek Area offers a great beach area that is open from May 1st to September 30th each year. Adult passes are $6 per day and children are $4 per day.
6). Fonta Flora Brewery
Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm offers an excellent stop for weary travelers, boaters, hikers, and mountain bikers. If you are looking to enjoy an adult beverage after a day of play, this farmhouse brewery is located on over 9 acres of open space and located next to Lake James State Park. They offer a variety of great locally brewed beers, seltzers, and more.
7). Fishing
Lake James boasts 150 miles of shoreline, and the deepest part of the lake is around 120 feet deep. Popular game fish that live in the lake include largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Noah’s Landing offers fishing boat rentals. While you can hire a Lake James Fishing Charter through companies like The Catawba Angler, if you’d like to strike out on your own, there are plenty of areas to do so, just make sure you have your North Carolina fishing license ready to go.
8). Visit downtown Morganton
The east side of Lake James is located in Morganton, and downtown Morganton is a short 20-minute drive from the lake. The town offers open park spaces, restaurants, breweries, and shopping. In addition to locally-owned restaurants in downtown
Morganton like Root & Vine and Treat, venture over to hot spots like Brown Mountain Bottleworks, Sidetracked Brewery, or Fonta Flora Brewery's flagship location.
9). Visit downtown Marion
If you are enjoying the west side of Lake James, downtown Marion offers convenient access to restaurants, breweries, and shopping. We recommend spots like the McDowell Local, Crabby Abby’s, and Burrito Bros for food. Mica Town Brewing Company is also located directly downtown. If you are open to a little further drive west, we recommend a visit to Hillman Beer or Whaley’s Brewery which are excellent spots located directly across from our GreyBeard Realty Old Fort office location.
10. Birdwatching
For avid birdwatchers, Lake James provides an excellent base camp for exploration. The North Carolina Birding Trail has specified viewing sites at Lake James State Park, South Mountain State Park (located south of Morganton), Catawba River Greenway Trail, and the South Mountain Game lands. Waterbirds are frequently spotted along Lake James, including the Belted Kingfisher and Green Heron. It’s also not uncommon to see bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and pileated woodpeckers.