Explore Lake James: Large lakes with expansive mountain views are hard to come by in the Asheville area. However, just 40 miles east is the 6500 acre Lake James with 150 miles of shoreline and sweet views of the Black Mountain Range and the nearby Linville Gorge. Your best bet for recreation is the Lake James State Park which currently covers 3600 acres open for public use. New improvements continue to be unrolled, including additional trails linking to the nearby Fonta Flora Trail for 25+ additional miles of multi use trails. We like Lake James State Park as an ideal starting point for kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, running, camping, or swimming. Enjoy the beautiful forest wildflowers, abundant wildlife and enjoy a picnic at the end of the day.
For a post-adventure beer, be sure to check out the nearby Fonta Flora Brewery located just north of the state park on NC 126. The nearby Fonta Flora Trail also offers great hiking, biking and family recreation opportunities and is located just a few miles further on NC 126.
Directions from Asheville: Travel approx. 37 miles on I-40 E to the Nebo/Lake James exit (Exit 90). Head north for .5 mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Rd./State Road 1747 and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and continue until you cross a bridge over Lake James. The park entrance is .5 miles further ahead on the right.
