Lake James Boat Ramps: Open Or Closed?

Lake James in Burke County, North Carolina, is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers four public boat ramps, two of which are managed by the Lake James State Park, which leases the boat access locations from Duke Power. These two boat ramps are located at Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge. The other two boat ramps are named Black Bear and Linville and are managed by Duke Power and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. All four boat ramps provide public access to Lake James, making it a convenient spot for boaters and anglers alike.

Lake James State Park has four public boat ramps

Lake James State Park in Burke and McDowell counties, North Carolina, has four public boat ramps. The park, which includes the 6,510-acre lake and the surrounding woodlands, is one of the area's top boating destinations.

The four public boat ramps are:

• Canal Bridge Boat Ramp: Located in Burke County, 50 miles east of Asheville, this boat ramp is open 24 hours a day. It offers easy put-in access to paddle-in campsites on the Long Arm peninsula (reservations are required).
• Hidden Cove Boat Ramp: This ramp is located in McDowell County, 50 miles east of Asheville. It is open seasonally.
• Black Bear Boat Access Ramp: This ramp is universally accessible and offers fishing opportunities for various species. It is located at 6114 Lake James Road, Marion, NC.
• Linville Boat Access: Managed cooperatively by Duke Power and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, this ramp provides access to Lake James for boating activities.

In addition to these four public boat ramps, Lake James also has two commercial marinas that provide public boat access. The park offers a variety of water-related activities, including canoeing, kayaking, motor boating, and fishing.

Canal Bridge Boat Ramp is open 24 hours a day

If you're looking to take a boat out on Lake James any time soon, you're in luck! The Canal Bridge Boat Ramp is open 24 hours a day, all year round. This means you can enjoy sailing on the lake's clear waters at any time of day, taking in the beautiful mountain views as you go.

Lake James is a 6,510-acre lake nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It was created by Duke Power between 1916 and 1923 through the construction of three dams: Catawba, Linville, and Paddy Creek. The lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing, with no speed or horsepower limits, making it a great spot for powerboating, sailing, or canoeing.

The Canal Bridge Boat Ramp is one of two boat ramps at the Catawba River Area, with the other being the Hidden Cove boat ramp, which is open seasonally. The Canal Bridge Boat Ramp is leased by Lake James State Park from Duke Power, along with the Hidden Cove boat ramp. The state park also offers two other boat access locations: Black Bear and Linville. These, along with the Bridgewater fishing/canoe area, are managed by Duke Power and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The Canal Bridge Boat Ramp is located in Burke County, 50 miles east of Asheville, and provides easy put-in access to paddle-in campsites on the Long Arm peninsula (reservations are required). So, if you're looking for a place to launch your boat and enjoy some time on the water, the Canal Bridge Boat Ramp is a convenient and accessible option, open around the clock for your convenience.

The Hidden Cove boat ramp is open seasonally

If you're looking to get out on the water at Lake James State Park, you're in luck! The park offers a range of boating options, including powerboating, sailing, pontooning, and canoeing. Lake James has become a premier recreation destination in the area, and with good reason.

The park has two main sections: Paddy's Creek Access and Catawba River Access. Paddy's Creek is the larger of the two, with three parking lots, two inland, and one near the lake. Catawba River has two parking designations, both near the lake access.

There are two boat ramps at the Catawba River Area: Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge. The Hidden Cove boat ramp is open seasonally, while Canal Bridge is open 24 hours a day, year-round. So, you can enjoy sailing on the clear waters of Lake James any time of year!

The Hidden Cove boat ramp is located in McDowell County, 50 miles east of Asheville, and can be found at 3381 N.C. 126 Nebo, NC 28761. This boat ramp is one of two boat access locations leased by Lake James State Park from Duke Power, the company that owns the lake. The other location is Canal Bridge. Duke Power also owns three other public recreational access locations, including four boat ramps and one fishing and canoe access area.

So, whether you're looking to get out on the lake during the busy summer season or prefer a quieter winter excursion, the Hidden Cove boat ramp has you covered! Just be sure to check the park's website for the most up-to-date information on facility openings and closures.

Black Bear Boat Access Ramp is universally accessible

Lake James, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, is a 6,510-acre lake with 150 shoreline miles. The lake, formed by three dams constructed between 1916 and 1923, has become a premier recreation destination, offering a range of boating activities.

Duke Power owns five public recreational access locations, including four boat ramps. Two of these boat ramps, Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge, are leased by Lake James State Park. The other two boat ramps, Black Bear and Linville, are cooperatively managed by Duke Power and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The Black Bear Boat Access Ramp is universally accessible, providing an opportunity for various water activities. This ramp offers access to a diverse range of fish species, including Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Walleye, and White Bass.

To reach the Black Bear Boat Access Ramp, follow these directions: From US Hwy. 221, turn onto Business 221 and take an immediate left onto Hankins Road. Continue on Hankins Road until you reach its end, where it intersects with Lake James Road. Turn left onto Lake James Road and keep an eye out for the signs on your right that will direct you to the Black Bear Boat Access Ramp.

The Black Bear Boat Ramp provides easy access to the lake, making it convenient for visitors to launch their boats and enjoy a day of boating, fishing, or exploring the lake's natural beauty. This universally accessible ramp ensures that everyone can take advantage of the recreational opportunities that Lake James has to offer.

Lake James has no speed or horsepower limit

Lake James, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, is a sprawling 6,510-acre lake with 150 shoreline miles. With no speed or horsepower limit, Lake James offers a diverse range of boating experiences. Whether you're an adrenaline seeker or a relaxed explorer, the lake caters to all.

For those seeking a thrilling ride, powerboats can reach exhilarating speeds on the open water. The lake's vast expanse provides the perfect playground for high-speed thrills. On the other hand, if you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can test the winds in a sailboat, taking in the stunning mountain views as you glide across the lake.

The lake's four commercial marinas provide public boat access, making it convenient for visitors to launch their vessels. Additionally, Duke Power, the company that constructed the lake, owns five public recreational access locations, including four boat ramps. Two of these boat ramps, Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge, are leased by the Lake James State Park. The park itself spans 3,743 acres and offers a plethora of water-based activities on the lake.

The absence of speed or horsepower restrictions on Lake James means that visitors have the freedom to choose their preferred mode of exploration. For a tranquil and intimate experience with the lake, you can opt for a canoe or kayak, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, for larger groups or a more relaxed outing, pontoon boats are an ideal choice, providing a comfortable platform to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Lake James, with its no-speed-limit policy, caters to a wide range of boating enthusiasts, from those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience to those preferring a more relaxed day on the water. The lake's accessibility and diverse boating options have contributed to its growing popularity as a premier recreation destination in the region.

Frequently asked questions