Between Asheville And Hickory Is North Carolina's Crystal-Clear Blue Ridge Lake For Fishing And Camping
Nestled between [[Asheville]] and [[Hickory]] in the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]], [[Lake James]] is a 6,800-acre reservoir created for hydroelectric power that now draws visitors for fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. The lake’s clear turquoise water, fed by mountain rivers, supports healthy largemouth and smallmouth bass populations and is monitored for high water quality. Much of the shoreline is preserved within [[Lake James State Park]], a 3,500-acre reserve with a sandy beach, fishing piers, paddle and kayak rentals, scenic cruises, and more than 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. Campgrounds range from drive-up sites at [[Paddy's Creek]] and the [[Catawba River]] to backcountry tent sites on [[Long Arm Peninsula]] accessible only by canoe or kayak, making [[Lake James]] suitable for both family outings and wilderness-style trips.