Save the Date

The fall of 2021 is shaping up to be jam packed with things to do and see in and around the park. At the time of publication, the list included:

Oct. 2 – Keep McDowell Beautiful Lake James Clean Up

The annual Lake James Clean Up will take place from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers with boats can start from any point on the lake and help out by clearing the shoreline of trash. A large trash dumpster will be in place for offloading your hall at the Hidden Cove Public Boat Access at Lake James State Park. If you don’t have a boat and would like to volunteer, contact Matt Burneisen at Matt_Burneisen@ncsu.edu or call 828-652-8104 for more information.

Oct. 16 – McDowell Moves

The many trails and outdoor amenities of McDowell County will be celebrated during this daylong, countywide event. With guided hikes scheduled across the region, including three at Lake James State Park, there’ll be plenty of options for hikers of all skill levels. To check out the schedule and register for hikes, go to mcdowelltrails.org/mcdowellmoves. Remember, it’s free, fun and easy – it’s not a race!

Oct. 16 – Fonta Flora Barnburner

This 50-kilometer mountain bike race is a test of skill and endurance across the Lake James State Park and Fonta Flora bike trail system. The event will start and finish at the Fonta Flora Brewery Whippoorwill Farm location in Nebo, NC. Proceeds will go toward further development and improvement of trails around the lake. Registration closes at 10 a.m., Oct. 13 or at the 300th registered participant, whichever comes first. Go to raceroster.com/ events/2021/49730/fonta-flora-barnburner-50k-mountainbike-race

Oct. 23 – North Carolina Adventure Race Series, Pisgah 26.2

The NCARS returns to Lake James. This 10-hour adventure race includes legs of cross-country bushwhacking, mountain biking and paddling. You can compete as an individual or as a member of a team with as many as four. For more information, go to adventuresignup.com/Race/Events/NC/ Nebo/Pisgah262AdventureRace