After Helene setbacks, Lake James plans summer rebound Lakes James State Park is looking for a more normal summer as the impact of Helene fades into the past.

LAKE JAMES NEWS: “Park Superintendent Nora Coffey says she believes the swim beach will be ready for a May 1 opening, but that the beach operation may not be quite ‘back to normal’ due to uncertainty over state funding.”

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#McDowellCountyNC #LakeJames #WNC

Land and Lakes Relay will bring 38 teams of runners through McDowell County next weekend “This event happens because of the joy of running and love for the event shown by our participants who enjoy spending a day with their friends running in some of

NEXT WEEKEND: “Relay takes the teams of 4-6 ppl from Warren Wilson College campus in Swannanoa through Black Mountain, #OldFort, #Marion & other parts of #McDowell & Burke counties before reaching finish line at Fonta Flora Brewing's Whippoorwill Farm at #LakeJames.”
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More than 830 acres south of Blue Ridge Parkway bought to be protected in McDowell County "This is a remarkable opportunity to save a landscape that supports wildlife, recreation, and the local economy," said Andrew Kota, executive director at FCNC.

“Located between Marion and Spruce Pine, Gillespie Gap will eventually offer direct public access from N.C. 226, supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism activity.”

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#MarionNC #SprucePineNC #McDowellCountyNC #LakeJames #WNC

Near sunset over Lake James, the silhouette of a bald eagle may be seen flying home with a new stick for its nest.

A tuft of Cauliflower Mushroom I came across while hiking, looks a little dried out.

Looking westerly at Lake James, with what I believe to be Bald Knob and Dobson Knob seen in the distance.

What appears to be a bald eagle flying with a big stick for its nest. Taken with a wide angle lens, so even though I saw it coming, I couldn't get a better zoom on it than this (cropped).

Fonta Flora Trail Loop
Morganton, NC

Easy. 4.3 mi loop
410 ft elevation gain
Hiked 10/4/25

Flickr Album flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwJWt

#WNC #NorthCarolina #LakeJames #hiking #photography