The water doesn’t get any cleaner than crystal clear mountain streams whose source is a federally protected wilderness area. No development of any kind is allowed in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area near Morganton in Burke County.
Lake James is primarily fed from the Linville River which comes straight out of the Linville Gorge and infuses fresh clean water into the lake by the tens of thousands of gallons per minute. Swimmers, fishermen and boaters are all amazed at the water clarity.
The 600-foot sandy, swim beach at Lake James State Park is a fantastic place to spend the day with lakefront picnic spots, a bath house/changing area and lifeguards protecting the swimmers. There is a small fee for swimming. Also available are canoe and kayak rentals and a fishing pier that is handicap accessible.
The remote boat-in campground on the Long Arm Peninsula offers a true outdoor adventure for those willing to paddle or steer their canoes, kayaks or powerboats to their own slice of heaven. Boat ramps at Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge on NC 126 are located between the park’s two day-use areas.
Lake James State Park www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park 828-584-7728