The Fonta Flora trail is a a beautiful and easy trail that meanders through dense forests and along the shores of Lake James. Well marked, easy to follow and immaculately maintained, this trail is a real treat.
Construction of this trail began in 2015, and continues to this day. Nearly 20 of a planned 100 miles have been completed. Once finished, this trail will run from Asheville to Morganton and connect to several other trails and parks. As of now, the trail is mostly a wide loop, with a few other access points connecting to it.
I started the hike at the Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trail. You will pass several other trail intersections, and technically this hike makes use of several different trails to make a loop. I suggest going clockwise around the loop. A little less than a mile in after following the path through the young forest, you will emerge and follow the trail around the coves and shores of Lake James.
The wide footpath is a hikers dream. There is very little elevation gain, the hike is mostly flat and the path is free of roots and rocks which is almost unheard of in North Carolina. I really cannot stress how well maintained and marked the trail is, however you should make sure you have a map and know which intersections to take to avoid making an unintentional longer loop. This is a day use area, so it is generally open during daylight hours, no overnight camping is permitted. This trail DOES close for wet conditions, please abide by all park rules and regulations.
There are restroom facilities, water fountains (and a dog water fountain) and ample parking. You can access this trail from several other trailheads as well as the MST.
Did you pass Holiday Shores on Lake James? That’s where Bob built your grandparents Lake house.