Fonta Flora Trail Update

The date: December 18, 2019, might well go down in the history of Burke and McDowell counties as a day when the future of outdoor recreation and tourism shined particularly bright.

Not only was it the groundbreaking ceremony for Lake James State Park’s new visitors center; it also served as an important update on the progress of the Fonta Flora State Trail.

Immediately following the state park event, local and state politicians, business leaders and supporters retired to the popular Fonta Flora Brewery at the old Whippoorwill dairy farm to hear the latest on the regional trail that will circumnavigate Lake James and it is hoped, eventually, link Morganton to Asheville for hikers and bikers.

The Friends of Lake James State Park has been an enthusiastic supporter of the project since its inception five years ago and provided the funds and logistics for the meeting.

Friends of Lake James State Park’s vice president, Robert Hunter, said the Fonta Flora State Trail project is gaining momentum. “We had a wonderful crowd,” he said. “The connection between Burke and McDowell counties is Lake James … and now we’re seeing signs that Buncombe County is going to get more involved. There’s going to be a lot going on within the next year and that’s thanks to a lot of people who have really helped move this forward.”

In fact, the Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail recently incorporated to focus efforts both locally and in Raleigh to see the project through.

As it’s currently envisioned, the trail will span between 70 and 100 miles, but there is opportunity for spur trails to connect with other regional attractions and established trail systems.