Experience some of Burke County’s best mountain and lake scenery along the Lake James Loop Scenic Drive. Winding around the shores of Lake James, this scenic route pairs beautiful views with plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and explore.
Along the way, you’ll pass access points for the Fonta Flora State Trail at County Park and Wolf Pit, where hikers and mountain bikers can venture onto the trail that loops around Lake James. Stop for a bite at Bones Jones Burgers & Butchery, launch your own adventure from the Linville Boat Access, or spend some time exploring Lake James State Park at Paddy’s Creek, home to trails, lake access, a seasonal swimming beach and more.
The drive also passes by Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm for locally crafted beer in a laid-back farm setting.
Farther along the route you'll pass Lake James Marina, where visitors can rent a pontoon boat, browse the gift shop or make a quick restroom stop before continuing around the lake.
One of the drive’s standout stretches takes you across Bridgewater Dam, where the landscape opens to incredible views toward Grandfather Mountain and the peaks surrounding Linville Gorge. With mountain vistas, sparkling water, trailheads and local stops around nearly every bend, the Lake James Loop is more than a way to get around the lake—it’s a scenic adventure all its own.
