Vacation rentals in Lake James

Nestled in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lake James is a large reservoir and recreation hub known for its glorious boating, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Located in the center of Lake James State Park, its clear waters are fed by the Linville and Catawba Rivers, which span just over 6,800 acres and 150 miles of shoreline.

There’s also plenty to do here outdoors without getting your toes wet: Lake James includes an extensive network of trails, with dozens of miles of paths reserved for hiking and mountain biking. Fragrant forested ridges blanketed in hardwoods, pine, and hemlocks encompass the reservoir, while blooming wildflowers, including passionflower, cardinal flower, pink lady slipper, and Jack-in-the-pulpit, sprinkle color into the dense greenery. If you’re looking to spot critters, this rich landscape is home to diverse wildlife, including rabbits, muskrats, deer, and gray foxes.

Late spring and summer are popular times to visit Lake James, especially if you’ve come here to be on the water. The balmy weather makes conditions great for exploring the many miles of hiking and biking trails that meander through Lake James State Park, and you can expect the gentle scent of blooming wild azalea and rhododendron. During the fall, vibrant autumn colors in shades of gold and orange illuminate the surrounding forested ridges. Fishing is especially popular during this time, when temperatures remain comfortable enough to enjoy outdoor recreation.

Exceptional bird-watching opportunities occur in winter, when many bird species make the site their home. Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s gulls, double-crested cormorants, common loons, and a variety of ducks are just a few species you’ll spot around the lake. Many waterfowl also make their way to the area in the winter, including mallards, wigeons, and buffleheads.

Linville Gorge Wilderness

The Linville Gorge Wilderness stretches across 12,000 acres and is part of the Pisgah National Forest. Here you’ll find premier hiking with exhilarating overlooks at Linville Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Chimneys Hike, and Table Rock Mountain. The wilderness of the Linville Gorge is home to a diversity of flora and fauna, including orchids, wild indigo, sand myrtle, owls, hawks, squirrels, and turkeys.

Paddy’s Creek Trail

Paddy’s Creek Trail is a relatively easy hike that runs along the Lake James shoreline to the mouth of Paddy’s Creek. Meandering through an old-growth forest and a few rolling sections, the mostly flat path provides a fun way to take in the stunning scenery. It also connects to other trails should you be eager to continue your exploration.

Yellow Fork Falls

On the Yellow Fork of Paddy’s Creek, you’ll find a spectacular hidden gem — a picturesque 30-foot waterfall and an enchanting swimming hole brimming with crystal clear water. A dip in the water serves as a fun reward after the 1.8-mile hike it takes to lead you there. The striking horizontal rock formations that line the waterfall create a beautiful cascading effect as the water moves down the rocky base and into the swimming hole.