Lake James opened 15 miles of mountain biking trails.

National Trails Day Saturday in North Carolina’s state parks was seasoned by the introduction of several new and innovative trails.

At Lake James State Park, more than 50 mountain bikers came to inaugurate 15 miles of newly built biking trails at the park’s Paddy’s Creek Access. Seconds after a ribbon was cut at 9 a.m., bikers streamed onto a four-mile, beginner-loop trail and an 11-mile intermediate loop built by a contractor with help from park staff (which built three of the trail’s four bridges) and volunteers, many from the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance. The project, including a new parking area, represents an investment of $210,000 from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The trails, which are also open to hikers in good weather, will help make the Paddy’s Creek Area of Lake James a year-round destination, complementing an…