About Lake James

Location

Located approximately 5 miles northeast of the city of Marion, North Carolina on NC 126, Lake James is at the base of the Linville Gorge. It is part of the North Carolina Park System and is surrounded by the Lake James State Park.

History and Topography

Named for the founder of Duke Power and the benefactor of Duke University, James Buchanan Duke, Lake James was the result of a hydro-electric project developed by Duke Power between the years 1916-1923.

As the largest reservoir in the state, Lake James encompasses some 1,262 acres and has a surface area of approximately 10.2 square miles. The lake actually overlaps two counties, Burke County and McDowell County. Lake James lies behind a series of dams across the Catawba River and its tributaries Paddy Creek and the Linville River. The dams help to control the water level in the reservoir. Lake James depth at the Catawba Dam site is approximately 150 feet with a lake level variance of up to 5 feet. It has an elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level and is surrounded by forested ridges and hilly terrain.

Visual Appeal

With its view of the Appalachian Mountain Range (Blue Ridge Mountains) in the background, the lake is picturesque. In fact, Lake James has served as a backdrop for the movie industry. In the early 1990s the lake was utilized in the movie "The Last of the Mohicans" as a stand in for Lake George in New York. Movie crews actually constructed a fort on the shore to replicate the New York lake location.

Access to Recreation

As the focal point of Lake James State Park, Lake James offers a variety of recreational amenities. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, swimming, boating and fishing are all popular. There are two boat ramps available to access the lake, one at Hidden Cove and the other at Canal Bridge. The Canal Bridge ramp is open 24/7. Other recreational activities in the area include golf at the Marion Lake Club.

Potential for Development

Lake James has more than 150 miles of shoreline, much of it lined with acres of protected forest. Although new residential communities are in evidence, the environmental impact of such development is of paramount concern to state and local organizations. In fact, the Foothills Conservancy has sought to prevent privatization of the lake by convincing the State to acquire some 30 miles of shoreline. Working within the parameters set by the State, developers seek to create communities with the least impact on the surrounding natural environment of Lake James.

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