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Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 320 Google reviews · Running trail in Morganton, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3.7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trails lead to views of Lake James and the mountains.
What runners say about Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
“Park is well kept and the team do a fantastic job here keeping the place looking great!”
“Now that we know that, we will hike that trail again - there is a gorgeous lake view overlook which is worth it all.”
“Well marked mostly shaded with great overlook views of Lake James along with access to the waterline.”
Fantastic place to ride or walk. Connects 20+miles of trails around the lake. Also connects to mountain to sea trail. You are allowed to park overnight for multi day hikes or bike adventures. You are not allowed to park rvs or campers here though.
The Fonta Flora Trail is a nice, cleared trail with few roots and rocks. It is open to biking and walking. Cyclists are to yield o pedestrians, but we found it simple to just step aside and let the cyclists pass. Everyone on the trail was courteous.
Beautiful trail, well marked and gorgeous views of the lake. There were a good number of mountain bikers so pay attention to your surroundings if you are on foot as they appear quickly. Keep your leashed dogs close!
Fonta Flora State Trail is beautiful 4.5 mile hike around Lake James in Burke County, NC. The long term vision for the trail supposedly is to connect Downtown Asheville with Downtown Morganton.
Trail conditions & character
“Now that we know that, we will hike that trail again - there is a gorgeous lake view overlook which is worth it all.”
“The first section to be built will be a 29-mile loop around one of North Carolina's premier recreation destinations, Lake James.”
“The Fonta Flora Trail is a nice, cleared trail with few roots and rocks.”
“Well marked mostly shaded with great overlook views of Lake James along with access to the waterline.”
Plan your run at Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3.7 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Morganton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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