Lake James

Spanning Two Counties

Located approximately five miles northeast of the city of Marion, North Carolina, Lake James is at the base of the Linville Gorge.

Asheville is under 55 miles away, which has the Asheville Regional Airport. The Mission Hospital McDowell is under 25 miles away.

As the largest reservoir in the state, Lake James encompasses 6,812 acres and has a surface area of approximately 10.2 square miles. It has an elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level and is surrounded by forested ridges and hilly terrain.

The lake 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.

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.

Anglers looking to toss out a line can find largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, muskellunge, walleye, and white bass.

Explore Asheville

Asheville is a great destination for outdoor adventures, science routes, and cultural experiences for you and the family.

Residents and visitors can take a tour to learn the history of the city by trolley or walking. Other options include exploring the shopping scene at the Grove Market or indulging in the culinary creations at Isa’s French Bistro or Jettie Rae’s Oyster House.

The most famous tourist attraction in Asheville would be the Biltmore Estate. Explore the acres of gardens, walking, biking, or hiking trails around the estate. There is also a winery and playground available to visitors.

A Place to Call Home

Whether you are looking for a family home, a full-time retirement home, or a vacation home to enjoy, Lake James is a great location!