
Vacation rentals in Lake James
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake James
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"Paraíso Encontrado" Paradise Found
Watch the deer grazing in the woods as you sit on the wrap around deck of this modern cabin nestled at Lake James, NC. Enjoy the pool while you cookout on the gas grill, or hike the new Fonta Flora trail nearby. A 10 minute drive to:three marinas, two wineries, & two state parks. Enjoy biking, hiking, boating, snow/water skiing, fishing, enjoying nature & tranquility. Convenient to Lake James, Morganton, Table Rock, Shortoff Mtn., Linville Gorge, Little Switzerland, Blue Ridge Pkwy. & Marion.

Little Cabin in the Woods
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful, unique log cabin completely updated, nestled in the woods. Secluded mountain feel, but 5 minutes from I-40. Minutes from Lake James, and a short drive to the eateries/ entertainment of Morganton or Marion. Access all the amazing activities that WNC has to offer including hiking, biking, boating, tubing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, with beautiful weather & scenery year round from this convenient location or sit on the front porch & enjoy the beauty.

Mountain modern Carriage House downtown Morganton
The Carriage House and city of Morganton have power and are ready visitors. This guest house sits behind a historic home in downtown Morganton. The 1920s structure has restored original finishes : a claw foot tub, vintage bathroom sink, and farm house sink in the kitchen. Downstairs features original wood bead board ceilings. Upstairs the ceiling was removed to expose the roof and beams. Two fireplaces keep it cozy - you'll have a lovely place relax and listen to the rain on the metal roof.

Woodsy cottage next to Lake James
Outdoor enthusiast retreat, mountain biking and hiking heaven! Relax with the whole family at this peaceful, brand new adorable cottage nestled in the woods right next to the Fonta Flora trail. Jump onto the trail for hiking or biking winding around scenic Lake James for 30+ miles of beauty or walk 1 mile to the county beach for some splashing and sun bathing. Enjoy the evenings on the patio or around the fire pit, BBQ & picnic table. 5 mins away from Mimosa landing for boat launch.

"mini": romantic tiny home/modern cabin + fire pit
"mini" is one of two private tiny houses on a 1.34 acre lot in a modest, quiet neighborhood 2 miles from marion's cute main st. tons of gorgeous scenery, hikes, bike trails, lakes, rivers, state parks, wineries, good eats, and other activities within easy reach to keep you hopping or just hang out & relax! mini is the perfect base camp to explore the many riches of the area and the bonus is that asheville is just a beautiful 40 min drive! mini knows love is love & welcomes all!

The Little Cabin near Lake James
The Little Cabin is a 100+ year old, tastefully renovated cabin nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mts. It is a perfect spot for a personal retreat or romantic getaway, tucked away in the woods. The surrounding area offers stunning scenery, abundant hiking trails and opportunities to explore the beauty of nature. Guests may bring a boat, with several places close by to launch, and plenty of space to park at the cabin. Escape, unwind, and make memories at The Little Cabin!!

Super cozy Lake James house glamping at its finest
Right in the middle of everything at Lake James! Across the street from the actual lake, close to the Fonta Flora hiking trails, 3 miles from 2 public boat launches, minutes from the beach at the state park and 3 miles to Fonta Flora brewery. This little lake house has everything you need for an amazing weekend kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating or just hanging out on the large screened porch. Top-notch furnishings and beautifully decorated with a lake theme.

Secluded Creekside Cabin in Morganton - hot tub
Morganton and Lenoir are open for visitors post Helene. Tucked down the side of the mountain on 3.43 acres with private access to Upper Creek, relax and unwind in our family. Only 7 miles to the Brown Mountain OHV trails (34 miles of off roading trails) and Brown Mountain Beach Resort, 9 miles to Upper Creek Falls, 12 miles to Wilson’s Creek, 13.5 miles to Hawksbill Mountain, 17 miles to Linville Falls, 18 miles to Table Rock, 24 miles to Grandfather Mountain.

Stylish Retreat with Views, Gym & Prime Location!
Wake up to Blue Ridge Mountain views from a stunning A-Frame retreat. This is a custom-built 4-bedroom is the most well-equipped vacation rental near Lake James. Spend mornings on the water or golf course, then relax by the fire pit or in the game room with a 70" TV. Enjoy a full gym, bunk room, and spacious kitchen. 14 mins to Marion Lake Club Golf Course, 5 mins to Bear Creek Marina, 10 mins to Lake James State Park. Perfect for families and group getaways.

Boat House Cottage - Hiker’s retreat in Linville
Unplug and relax at our Boat House Cottage nestled near the Linville river at the foot of the Linville Gorge. This cozy cottage makes for a great home base for adventurous trips to Western NC. Easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling. A stocked kitchenette allows for making adventure snacks, or take the short drive to Fonta Flora Brewery. The king bed and comfy futon allow for post-adventure relaxing, outdoor fire pit available or cool off in the river.

Elevated Escape|Treehouse+Hot Tub+Hiking/Goats
⭐️ Brand New Treehouse suspended 16 ft high ⭐️Swinging Bridge ⭐️ Breathtaking Mountain View ⭐️Onsite half mile hike to Waterfall ⭐️Hot Tub on deck with View ⭐️Close to Asheville and Black Mountain ⭐️Hiking/Creek access on site ⭐️ 90 acres backed up to Pisgah Nat’l Forest ⭐️Small petting farm with goats, donkey on site ⭐️Marion recently voted #1 area to purchase vacation property by Travel & Leisure ⭐️ Black-out Shades on all windows and doors

Views, Outdoor Tub, Hiking Trls, 30minto Asheville
🍁 Suspended, Treehouse With Views 🍁 Hiking trails to a Waterfall 🍁 Fire-pit with Hammock Swings 🍁 Outdoor Kitchen Countertop with Blackstone 🍁 Outdoor Tub 🛁 - Will be CLOSED Mid Nov - March due to below freezing temps. 📍 5 mins to Old Fort, NC 📍 15 mins to Marion 📍 20 mins to Black Mountain 📍 30 mins to downtown Asheville 📍 25 mins to Blue Ridge Parkway 📍 45 mins to Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi)
Popular amenities for Lake James vacation rentals
Lake front house rentals in Lake James

Carpe Diem on Lake James private lakefront oasis

Lakefront, Hot tub sauna great deck! walk to shops

Lake View & Easy Access to Town on Quiet Street

Lakeside Home w Mtn Views & Dock

Lake Life w/ Luxury! 2-Tier Dock

Lakefront Home on Beautiful Lake James!

Lakefront Escape | Dock Access and Mountain Views!

Quiet Lakefront Home with Private Dock
Lake James waterfront vacation rentals

Our mountain sanctuary

The Pond House with Hot Tub in TN

Modern Nordic Cabin | Views & Spa Vibes

Mill Pond Lodge on Jacob Fork River

Riverfront Luxury Retreat - 75 Acres, Hike & Kayak

Creekside Cabin - Hot Tub - 45 mins to Asheville

Riverside Cabin on 33 acres

Duck Pond Cabin, Romantic Cabin on a private pond
Waterfront house rentals in Lake James

Non-smoking lakefront home in private community

Deck & Mtn Views: Resort Home in Rumbling Bald!

~ Lake Lure Luxury Condo ~ Rumbling Bald Resort ~

#Lake Lure Luxury -Rumbling Bald Resort-Game Room#

Non-smoking lake house

Lakehouse w Boat, SUP, Hot tub, Firepit, Fireplace

+Renovated Rumbling Bald Condo-Amazing Amenities+

~Hell of a View-Rumbling Bald Elite Lakeside Condo
All about Lake James
Nestled in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lake James is a large reservoir and recreation hub known for its glorious boating, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Located in the center of Lake James State Park, its clear waters are fed by the Linville and Catawba Rivers, which span just over 6,800 acres and 150 miles of shoreline.
There’s also plenty to do here outdoors without getting your toes wet: Lake James includes an extensive network of trails, with dozens of miles of paths reserved for hiking and mountain biking. Fragrant forested ridges blanketed in hardwoods, pine, and hemlocks encompass the reservoir, while blooming wildflowers, including passionflower, cardinal flower, pink lady slipper, and Jack-in-the-pulpit, sprinkle color into the dense greenery. If you’re looking to spot critters, this rich landscape is home to diverse wildlife, including rabbits, muskrats, deer, and gray foxes.
What are the top things to do in Lake James?
Linville Gorge Wilderness
The Linville Gorge Wilderness stretches across 12,000 acres and is part of the Pisgah National Forest. Here you’ll find premier hiking with exhilarating overlooks at Linville Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Chimneys Hike, and Table Rock Mountain. The wilderness of the Linville Gorge is home to a diversity of flora and fauna, including orchids, wild indigo, sand myrtle, owls, hawks, squirrels, and turkeys.
Paddy’s Creek Trail
Paddy’s Creek Trail is a relatively easy hike that runs along the Lake James shoreline to the mouth of Paddy’s Creek. Meandering through an old-growth forest and a few rolling sections, the mostly flat path provides a fun way to take in the stunning scenery. It also connects to other trails should you be eager to continue your exploration.
Yellow Fork Falls
On the Yellow Fork of Paddy’s Creek, you’ll find a spectacular hidden gem — a picturesque 30-foot waterfall and an enchanting swimming hole brimming with crystal clear water. A dip in the water serves as a fun reward after the 1.8-mile hike it takes to lead you there. The striking horizontal rock formations that line the waterfall create a beautiful cascading effect as the water moves down the rocky base and into the swimming hole.
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- Pisgah National Forest
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Sugar Ski & Country Club
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Grandfather Mountain
- River Arts District
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Land of Oz
- Lake James State Park
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Elk River Club
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
- Jump Off Rock
- Banner Elk Winery
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
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