In western North Carolina, Lake James State Park extends along NC-126 between the towns of Marion and Morganton. At approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, its pristine lake and lush wooded acres refresh locals and visitors alike.
Investment properties around Lake James State Park, waterfront homes for sale at Lake James, cedar-sided homes and log homes near Lake James State Park provide weekend retreats and permanent homes that are easily accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Houses for sale in Water Glyn, real estate in Mallard Point and Laurel Point and Laurel Ridge as well as homes for sale in East Shores, real estate in Dry Creek and Southpointe properties are valuable to families as second homes and vacation destinations. Try the Arbor Community for heavenly landscaped lots! Many areas offer gated communities, clubhouses, pools and docks. Properties for sale here in Burke and McDowell counties and in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are an exquisite backdrop for the magnificent waters and fantastic sunsets. The newest communities of 1780 and Old Wildlife are now selling, plus memberships in Camp Lake James are available as well.
Named for James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company, Lake James has been a hydroelectric unit for the power company since the early 1900s. The lake was created between 1916 and 1923 with the construction of dams across the Catawba River and two main tributaries, the Catawba River and the Linville River. In the early 1900’s, the power company acquired many thousands of acres through government-enabled imminent domain, enabling today’s public use of Lake James. Recent acquisitions of large tracts of waterfront lands herald a brand new Lake James State Park.
Ken Harris, chairman of the Lake James State Park Advisory Committee, expresses his joy at the creation of the new Lake James State Park, “After many years of arduous grassroots efforts, Duke Energy saw its way to make over 3,000 acres available to the State of North Carolina for this park expansion—the largest, most significant land purchase by the state of North Carolina since the creation of the Mount Mitchell State Park many decades ago. Thanks to the heroic efforts of people like Paul Braun of Morganton, the public is now guaranteed access to these waters and the wildlife and much of the natural habitat will remain intact and protected.” Many hundreds of local citizens fought to help acquire these lands. “It’s only fair that these lands—taken in the public interest—be returned to the public for its own benefit,” says Harris. “This new park will stand as a monument to the spirit of the people—that our freedom allows us to unite and fight for what is right.”
Boating, camping, education and events, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming and hunting encourage family and community get-togethers in the great outdoors.
The hardy enjoy the lakefront campsites. Hidden Cove, Canal Bridge and other private ramps offer boat access. Cool, deep waters and warm surface waters provide lots of points and coves to challenge any fisherman. Early morning and late afternoon anglers are out casting for largemouth bass. But white bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, bream, sunfish and perch have nourished many a camper, too. “Lake James is a wildcard fishery,” states Ken Harris, who is also a longtime officer for The Lake James Environmental Association. “Although it is officially classified as a warm-water fishery, James’ deep waters also provide a cool-water fishery. Smallmouth bass, muskie and walleye thrive here. There are also lake trout and steelhead trout—if you can find them.”
Steep, forested ridges covered with mixed hardwoods, pines and hemlocks dominate the landscape. Wildflowers such as pink lady slipper, passionflower, Indian pipe and mountain laurel are just a handful of varieties beautifying the hills and dales. Yes, spring hiking is replete with blooms but in autumn crunchy leaves and forging chipmunks add a twinkle to the path. Majestic white pines and magnolias provide shade for picnic sites and a large picnic shelter can be used for group gatherings. Swimmers and sunbathers are delighted with the soft sandy beach on shore.
Deer, flying squirrel, red and gray fox, rabbit, muskrat and mink make this their home and green heron, belted kingfisher, mallard and Canada goose enjoy the park's large body of water. Turn an ear and listen for the threatened pileated woodpeckers, hawks, owls and frogs and watch out for that rock. It may be a box turtle!
“The most significant resident near Lake James State Park is the endangered American Bald Eagle,” says Harris. “Just a few years ago we found the first known nesting pair of wild bald eagles in Western North Carolina in over 40 years. These eagles are thriving, fledging two to three eaglets per year. I had never seen a bald eagle in all my years, and to see these magnificent birds living on this lake was inspirational to us all.”
From fishing lessons to astronomy programs, from off-trail hikes to kite workshops, the park sponsors a variety of events for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Try the Pine Beetle Hike, the Sunset Hike or the Predators of the Air presentation. Junior high educational materials are available for science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts.
Design by IMC Articles by Harris Realty © Copyright 2006
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