Site Prep for Visitors Center Progresses

Year-round visitors to the park are no doubt accustomed by now to the big yellow earth movers and red clay tire tracks going up and down Lake James State Park Road at the Paddy’s Creek Area. Others will likely be surprised by all the activity, especially if they haven’t kept up with the news that Lake James State Park is in the process of constructing a new visitors center, set for completion sometime this winter.

Contractors are well on their way toward clearing and grading the site, which sits atop a finger ridge that runs into the Mills Creek arm of Lake James. From that perch, the visitors center will offer scenic views of the Linville Gorge and South Mountains.

Until its completion, park patrons are not permitted in the construction zone, where heavy machinery, and a variety hazards abound.

With a little patience, the grand opening will be on the schedule before we know it, ushering in an exciting new chapter at Lake James State Park.