Overview: Join Catawba Riverkeeper for a guided kayak eco-tour exploring the beautiful Lake James in Nebo, NC. This relaxed, out-and-back paddle begins at the Paddy's Creek Area of Lake James State Park.
Lake James is the first reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree River system and covers 6,812 acres in Burke and McDowell counties. On this eco-tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore several coves of the lake with Catawba Riverkeeper staff scientists while soaking in some gorgeous sites. Along the way, you'll learn about the health of the watershed, restoration projects in the region, and the work that's been done to help our vital water resources recover since Hurricane Helene.
Whether you’re new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Lake James from the water while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and progress shaping the watershed.
Come paddle, learn, and connect with the river!
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Lake James State Park (Paddy's Creek Area)
Ticket Price: Bring your own boat tickets are $50 per person (no gear provided). Tickets that include boat, paddle, and PFD rentals are $75 per person.
Difficulty and Experience Level: This is a flatwater lake paddle, which is perfect for beginners and seasoned kayakers alike.
Member Benefit: Current Catawba Riverkeeper Members can receive 10% off their eco-tour trip purchase by using their membership discount code. Contact susannah.b@catawbariverkeeper.org if you have questions about your membership or this code.
Special Instructions/Additional Information:
Free parking is available at Lake James State Park (Paddy's Creek Area)
Restrooms available at the State Park
ADA parking and facilities available
Plan to 10–15 minutes early to check in and prepare gear
This program is open to ages 12 and up
Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
Rain Date:
Sunday, July 12th (Same time and location)
Refund Policy:
Refund eligibility is determined based on the timestamp of your email request and follows the schedule below:
8 or more days before the event – Full refund
7 days to 25 hours before the event – 50% refund
24 hours or less before the event – No refund
If you are unable to attend and choose not to request a refund, you’re welcome to consider your ticket purchase a donation to Catawba Riverkeeper.
We appreciate your support of our mission to preserve, protect, and restore the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, and we hope to see you on this Lake James Eco-Tour!
We educate and advocate to protect the Catawba-Wateree River Basin’s lakes, rivers and streams for everyone who depends on and enjoys them.
Thank you for your interest and support of the Catawba Riverkeeper, a 501c3 organization.
The Catawba-Wateree River Basin encompasses 26 counties, 8900 miles of waterways, 5000 square miles of land and a 225 mile stretch of continuous river from Old Fort, NC to where it converges with the Congaree River outside of Columbia, SC.
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