DaveA
10-17-2005, 08:13 PM
Here's more info on this map:
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/176updated_image_map.gif
Me & the wife drove out to Lake James this afternoon to 'scout out th' route' and look at the ramps shown on the map. As you can see, it's only 6 miles from I-40, Exit 94 to Canal Bridge ramp, and it's an easy trip- unlike going to Linville way up the North end of the lake. We went up there, and man, it was a long trip back to I-40! In either case, it's a long ride from the lake to the Hampton Inn at Exit 105, Morganton, but it's alot shorter time-wise from Canal Bridge. The trip over to the island is alot shorter, too, for those fuel-challenged boats (right, John??).
Driving in from Exit 94 is easy because Mountain Harbour Marina has alot of signs posted at every intersection where you would turn, so just watch for them and it'll get you to Canal Bridge ramp.
I stopped by Benfield's Landing and met Scott Hunt at the store. He said if you need fuel, call ahead on the cell phone and he'll come down and unlock the pumps for you. CASH ONLY. The adjacent campground is closed for the season, but you can camp at Lake James State Park if you wish. It's just down the road about 2 miles west of the Hidden Cove ramps. He said, why not just stay on the island? I know some have done it, and, unlike some of the other lakes on down the Catawba chain, they're alot more laid-back about it on Lake James. He remembers the boats from last year, and is looking forward to seeing them again.
Fuel is also available at Mountain Harbour Marina, but I didn't get to stop by there. They're right across from Canal Bridge ramp.
Of course, if you're able to fuel on the trip in & out each day, that's ALOT cheaper.
If the Hampton Inn is full, the Holiday Inn is just South of I-40 from the Hampton. There's also the Red Carpet Inn next to the Hampton, if you're into deep discount motels. My wife's not a fan of camping, and thinks roughing it means staying at Motel 6. She equates the Red Carpet with a Coleman tent....just in case you're wondering. There aren't really any other places along the Interstate further west until you get to Marion. And since it's ten miles in the other direction at Exit 85, it's no further than going to Morganton from the lake.
If anybody has any further information, post away! Print this map out for yourselves if you find it useful to bring along.
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/176updated_image_map.gif
Me & the wife drove out to Lake James this afternoon to 'scout out th' route' and look at the ramps shown on the map. As you can see, it's only 6 miles from I-40, Exit 94 to Canal Bridge ramp, and it's an easy trip- unlike going to Linville way up the North end of the lake. We went up there, and man, it was a long trip back to I-40! In either case, it's a long ride from the lake to the Hampton Inn at Exit 105, Morganton, but it's alot shorter time-wise from Canal Bridge. The trip over to the island is alot shorter, too, for those fuel-challenged boats (right, John??).
Driving in from Exit 94 is easy because Mountain Harbour Marina has alot of signs posted at every intersection where you would turn, so just watch for them and it'll get you to Canal Bridge ramp.
I stopped by Benfield's Landing and met Scott Hunt at the store. He said if you need fuel, call ahead on the cell phone and he'll come down and unlock the pumps for you. CASH ONLY. The adjacent campground is closed for the season, but you can camp at Lake James State Park if you wish. It's just down the road about 2 miles west of the Hidden Cove ramps. He said, why not just stay on the island? I know some have done it, and, unlike some of the other lakes on down the Catawba chain, they're alot more laid-back about it on Lake James. He remembers the boats from last year, and is looking forward to seeing them again.
Fuel is also available at Mountain Harbour Marina, but I didn't get to stop by there. They're right across from Canal Bridge ramp.
Of course, if you're able to fuel on the trip in & out each day, that's ALOT cheaper.
If the Hampton Inn is full, the Holiday Inn is just South of I-40 from the Hampton. There's also the Red Carpet Inn next to the Hampton, if you're into deep discount motels. My wife's not a fan of camping, and thinks roughing it means staying at Motel 6. She equates the Red Carpet with a Coleman tent....just in case you're wondering. There aren't really any other places along the Interstate further west until you get to Marion. And since it's ten miles in the other direction at Exit 85, it's no further than going to Morganton from the lake.
If anybody has any further information, post away! Print this map out for yourselves if you find it useful to bring along.