Lake James

About Lake James

Lake James is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North Carolina, USA, with a 150-mile coastline nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lake James is part of a chain of lakes along the Catawba River, which is located at an altitude of 1200 feet above sea level. Duke Power built three dams in 1916 and 1923 to create the lake on Catawsba, Linville and Paddy Creek. Lake James became an important source of hydropower to supply the surrounding North Carolina region and the rest of the United States. The development of this lake was the result of two large dams, the first by Duke and the second by the US government.

When visiting Lake James, boating is high on your list, but the lake has no speed or horsepower limit, so you can choose whether you want to whizz around in a motorboat, test the wind in your sailboat, enjoy the view from a pontoon boat or take time out in a canoe.

Duke Power owns five public recreational facilities, including Lake James State Park, James River Trail and Blue Ridge Trail.

LakeJames State Park acts like a hidden park leased by the utility company, with its own paths, picnic areas, playgrounds and other amenities.

In addition, four commercial marinas provide access to public boats, and the James River Trail and Blue Ridge Trail are jointly managed by Duke Power and the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

The average water deviation in Lake James is about 1.5 meters, but during droughts the water level can drop by up to 20 meters.
The maximum slope is 17 feet, and the central part of the lake is located at an altitude of about 1,500 feet above sea level. Lake James borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and South Carolina. Campers have access to a number of campsites in the area as well as a variety of picnic areas and other amenities.

Running water, toilets and hot showers are available, and while some campsites are a bit rustic, sleeping under the stars with the water splashing along the shore certainly makes up for the lack of bedroom walls. Lake James offers many opportunities for sport fishing, with warm surface water and cool depths fed by cool mountain rivers. Whitemouth and perch fish are the most sought after, although record catches have been achieved with whitemouth and small mouthfish.

Lake James and surrounding acres are well suited to the whims of hikers, and nature lovers can enjoy inconspicuous trails that offer views of nature, with small animals lining the paths and large animals adorning the forest all around. Depending on the season, you can enjoy blooming magnolias, trees whose branches colour autumn, or snow-covered branches. Hiking trails lead through the area and the surrounding acres of Lake James are well suited for the whims of the hiker.

After a morning of swimming, you can enjoy a peaceful picnic, chat with nature or swim in the lake. Nothing is more relaxing than a hot tub, and toilets are available nearby, so this is the perfect place to throw in a towel.

Lake James is not the largest lake in North Carolina, but it certainly offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The lake is quiet, quiet and the ideal place to escape from everyday life, but it still offers amenities. So pack your bags and get ready for a truly relaxing holiday, as Lake James not only offers conveniences, but is also quiet.