Visitor Center and Cove Bridge Head into Homestretch

Since its establishment in 1986, Lake James State Park has never undertaken projects of such magnitude as the new visitor center and pedestrian bridge at the Paddy’s Creek Area. Considering their individual merits alone, each of these major construction items would dramatically enhance the visitor experience at the park. Together, the visitor center and bridge will be an iconic attraction for all future day trips to Lake James.

Before opening to the public sometime this fall, each project still has a ways to go before completion.

The visitor center work crews will be busy finishing concrete work around the building, laying asphalt on the entrance road, parking lot and pedestrian trail to the bridge, landscaping, interior paint and installation of exhibits, as well as bathroom fixtures and cabinetry.

The bridge across Mills Creek requires handrails and fencing along the approaches at either end.

As with any project of this scope, the exact date for the grand opening remains elusive. It is reasonable to hope that, without setbacks, the VC and bridge will welcome their first guests during a ceremony in late September or early October.

Stay tuned.