Guidebook for Lake James
Sightseeing
Suggested places to see during your stay...
Authorized in 2015, the Fonta Flora State Trail will connect Morganton to Asheville with a hiking and biking trail. Included in the trail is a loop around Lake James. The trail will traverse Lake James State Park.
https://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/fonta-flora-state-trail
https://trails.nc.gov/documents/fonta-flora-state-trail-master-plan
31 locals recommend
Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
126 NC-126Authorized in 2015, the Fonta Flora State Trail will connect Morganton to Asheville with a hiking and biking trail. Included in the trail is a loop around Lake James. The trail will traverse Lake James State Park.
https://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/fonta-flora-state-trail
https://trails.nc.gov/documents/fonta-flora-state-trail-master-plan
Has beach and swimming area with canoe rental and an awesome view of the mountains.
93 locals recommend
Lake James State Park
7321 NC-126Has beach and swimming area with canoe rental and an awesome view of the mountains.
Toms Creek Falls Trail
1250 Huskins Branch RdShort hike to a scenic waterfall.
Public Fishing area (Hatchery Supported)
Food and Drink
Places to get good eats and drinks...
Beautifully restored old farm land with very tasty beer.
Only 3 miles away!
58 locals recommend
Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm
6751 NC-126Beautifully restored old farm land with very tasty beer.
Only 3 miles away!
Average food but beautiful outdoor deck overlooking the lake and marina. Come for lunch and drinks.
12 locals recommend
Bear Creek Marina
608 Marina DrAverage food but beautiful outdoor deck overlooking the lake and marina. Come for lunch and drinks.
Crabby Abby's
105 S Main StGreat food and excellent atmosphere in Marion.
Homer's Soda Shop
113 E Union StFun and trendy little place.
Great selection of assorted beverages and often have live music.
31 locals recommend
Brown Mountain Bottleworks
115 E Union StGreat selection of assorted beverages and often have live music.
Spillway Bridge & Co.
93 S Main StAwesome rock and blues club. Great drink selection.
Silver Fork Winery
5000 Patton RdGreat wine and beautiful views.
Mica Town Brewing
25 Brown DrFun place for beer.
Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery
3221 North Carolina 126Had a good steak sammich there.
Mica Town Brewing Nebo Location
311 NC 126Second closest brewery to the cabin!
Town Tavern of Morganton
A good variety of your average pub food.
After 5 Pub & Grill
Good wings and boom-boom shrimp.
Public boat launches
Free places to launch your little dinghy...
Hidden Cove Public Boat Access
3657 NC-126Good place to put a kayak or canoe in the lake.
Canal Bridge Boat Ramp
James AvenueBusy public boat launch site
Provisions and rentals
Where to get supplies and boat rentals
Food, drinks, supplies, fishing gear, bait and pontoon rentals. Your one-stop shop within walking distance of the cabin.
Lake James Neighborhood Store
9066 Benfields Landing RdFood, drinks, supplies, fishing gear, bait and pontoon rentals. Your one-stop shop within walking distance of the cabin.
Mimosa Boat Landing
2260 N Powerhouse RdBoat rentals
Lake James Marina
9066 NC-126Have a small store with basic supplies.