The Fonta Flora State Trail, in North Carolina, is a remarkable result, and an ongoing project of local and state governments, the state park system, local land conservancies, and the U.S. Forest Service, with development coordinated by N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The project, which started in 2015, encompasses about 20 miles of multi-use trail. Lying in McDowell, Buncombe, and Burke counties, the trail is planned as a continuous route from Asheville to Morganton for bicyclists and hikers, with a scenic loop around Lake James. This fun, beginner trail is the one featured in this story. With beautiful scenery and views of Lake James, the hike circles the lake, taking you through an artistically-crafted covered bridge.
Welcome to the Fonta Flora County Park Section of the Fonta Flora State Trail! As you enter, be prepared to experience the beauty this magical 4.2-mile loop trail in North Carolina has to offer.
Fonta Flora State Trail/Facebook Put aside about an-hour-and-a-half to take in the details of nature in the North Carolina wilderness, with an average grade of two percent.
Considered an easy trail, in addition to hiking, it is very popular for mountain biking.
Fonta Flora State Trail/Facebook And your dog is welcome to this mixed pine and hardwood forest, if he’s on a leash.
Prepare to observe the tiny details growing out of rocks.
Kim Yurkovich/AllTrails These delicate yellow wildflowers are awaiting your gaze.
And you might see one of these too, but don’t worry. If one crosses your path, just leave it alone.
Hudson Jordan/AllTrails These nonvenomous black snakes or rat snakes are harmless and provide rodent control.
The relaxing loop borders Lake James on certain portions of the trail.
Fonta Flora State Trail/Facebook Some rewards along the way include this overlook. Take it in during a sunrise or sunset.
Stand here and feel the serenity of this clear water, as you look out toward Bald Knob and the expansive and always impressive Black Mountain Crest.
Derrick Perry/AllTrails Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty and remember it until you return.
You’ll get to cross White Creek on the rustic White Creek Covered Bridge.
Fonta Flora State Trail/Facebook You can’t miss it near the Linville Boat Access.
Wait until you see it from the inside.
Fonta Flora State Trail/Facebook What a gorgeous way to cross the creek.
Hope you can make it to this magical, little-known, and well-maintained trail in Morganton, North Carolina. With breathtaking scenery and views of Lake James, this easy trail will fulfill your need for some recuperative outdoor air, without putting too much stress on your body. Keep yourself posted for updates. To fuel-up before the hike, make a visit to Abele’s Family Restaurant in Morganton, and try the delicious and generous breakfast buffet.
Fonta Flora State Trail/Facebook
Put aside about an-hour-and-a-half to take in the details of nature in the North Carolina wilderness, with an average grade of two percent.
And your dog is welcome to this mixed pine and hardwood forest, if he’s on a leash.
Kim Yurkovich/AllTrails
These delicate yellow wildflowers are awaiting your gaze.
Hudson Jordan/AllTrails
These nonvenomous black snakes or rat snakes are harmless and provide rodent control.
Some rewards along the way include this overlook. Take it in during a sunrise or sunset.
Derrick Perry/AllTrails
Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty and remember it until you return.
You can’t miss it near the Linville Boat Access.
What a gorgeous way to cross the creek.
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Address: Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead, 126 NC-126, Morganton, NC 28655, USAAddress: 1025 Eagles Nest Wy, Morganton, NC 28655, USA
