Lake James is one of the most beautiful lakes in western North Carolina. Less than an hour’s drive away, Lake James State Park lies east of Asheville. We packed up the two eager dogs and went there on a beautiful summer weekend. There is no entrance fee. It was a nice surprise. Leashed dogs were welcome, that was another welcome surprise.

However, the cordoned off bathing area did not allow dogs. That made sense to us. Instead, the park rangers led us down a beautiful trail over a hill and through the woods. About a quarter of a mile up the trail there was a small detour from the trail that led to a small lake inlet. We were happy to find out that we were the only ones there that day. We laid out blankets and picnics, and let the dogs run loose. They ran up and down the beach, trying to catch the small waves. They went out into deeper water and swam with us. Oh the water !!! Clear, clean and warm like a bathtub. That was the most pleasant surprise of all! It is an incredibly clean lake. In fact, the dogs smelled clean when we got home … I’m used to having to wash off the odors from the creek when they go swimming, but not in Lake James.

Canoes, jet skis, and various floating vehicles passed through the main body of the lake, but all was at peace in our little private cove. The wake of the passing ships was nice. That entrance would have been the perfect place to bring an inflatable raft or inner tube. Heard that fishing is good on this lake, but we did not go where it was fishing.

Our visit happened in July. Where were all the bugs? Shouldn’t we have been bitten left and right by mosquitoes and things like that? It just didn’t happen. Who knows why. There were some flies, that’s all.

Bring a picnic, if you go. There are no concessions and the nearest city is not really close. This park is great on the edge, where any good state park should be. Here is their website, if you want more information: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php