Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail

11/05/2026

THANKFUL FOR TRAILS!

Some of us hit the trail for adventure. Others for peace and quiet. For fresh air, fitness, friendship, or simply a chance to escape the everyday. Maybe it's where you made a favorite memory, discovered a beautiful view, or found a little time for yourself.

Whatever brings you to the trail, there's something worth being thankful for. As Thanksgiving approaches, we'd love to hear from YOU!

What do trails mean to you?

Is it the adventure? The solitude? The people you share them with? Or something else entirely?

Tell us in the comments! Better yet, share a favorite trail photo or memory with us.

Because every trail has a story, and we'd love to hear yours.

11/03/2026

10/28/2026

Big Momentum for North Carolina Trails! At this week's Great Trails State Coalition meeting, members celebrated major investments in our state's growing trail network.

Approximately $15 MILLION in trail funding approved in 2026!**

$8.56 million for the Great Trails State Program

$4.13 million for Complete the Trails

Additional funding to strengthen State Trail partners

New grant opportunities coming in spring 2027!

For the Fonta Flora State Trail, statewide investment and continued advocacy help create opportunities to connect more communities throughout Buncombe, McDowell, and Burke counties.

10/27/2026

AND THE ANSWER IS… E. ALL OF THE ABOVE!

That's right! All FOUR trails are part of the bigger Fonta Flora State Trail story!

✅ Wilma Dykeman Greenway – Asheville

✅ Point Lookout Trail – Old Fort

✅ Copper Ridge Trail – Old Fort

✅ Catawba River Greenway – Morganton

Different names. Different communities. ONE incredible trail!

Here's what makes the Fonta Flora State Trail so special: It's not just one trail with one name. It's a growing network of trails connecting communities across Western North Carolina.

Some sections are already open and welcoming hikers, walkers, and cyclists, while others are still being planned and developed. Together, they're helping bring our vision of a 100-mile trail from Morganton to Asheville to life!

How many of these four trails have YOU explored? Tell us in the comments! Check the weather. Follow the feather.

10/26/2026

DID YOU KNOW? You may have already explored the Fonta Flora State Trail without even realizing it!

Here's a little trail trivia for you! The Fonta Flora State Trail is a growing, 100-mile trail connecting Morganton to Asheville. But here's something many people don't realize: **Many sections of the trail have their own familiar local names!**

So, whether you're walking, hiking, or biking, you might already be enjoying a piece of the Fonta Flora State Trail!

Let's test your trail knowledge! Which of the four trails pictured is part of the Fonta Flora State Trail?

A. Wilma Dykeman Greenway – Asheville

B. Point Lookout Trail – Old Fort

C. Copper Ridge Trail – Old Fort

D. Catawba River Greenway – Morganton

E. ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Drop your guess in the comments!

Different names. Different communities. ONE INCREDIBLE TRAIL!

As we continue working to connect these trail sections, we're building more than miles of trail. We're connecting communities, creating outdoor opportunities, and bringing Western North Carolina closer together.

Check the weather. Follow the feather.

10/21/2026

Help Build the Next Chapter of the Fonta Flora State Trail!
More trail miles are on the horizon, and Burke County is looking for experienced trail builders to help make them happen!

Qualified contractors are invited to bid on a project that includes:

1.75 miles of existing trail rehabilitation

2.2 miles of NEW trail construction

Trail improvements, road crossings, bridge rehabilitation, and new infrastructure

The work will support both the Fonta Flora State Trail and Overmountain Victory Trail!

Mandatory Pre-Bid Site Visit: October 30, 2026 | 9:30–11:30 AM

Sealed Bid Deadline: November 18, 2026 | 2 PM

Contractors must have NCDOT prequalification and demonstrated trail-building experience.

Bid details: https://www.burkenc.org/bids.aspx?bidID=145

Know a qualified contractor or trail builder? Please share! Help us keep building trails and connecting communities.

10/14/2026

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL!

We're looking for passionate, community-minded individuals to join the Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail Board of Directors!

We're a working board—which means we're looking for people who want to roll up their sleeves, share their talents, get involved, and help make things happen!

If you love the outdoors, believe in connecting communities through trails, and want to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Can't make it to in-person meetings? No problem! Our board meetings are typically held virtually, making it easy for members across Burke, McDowell, and Buncombe counties to participate and collaborate.

Interested? Send us a direct message or reach out to [email protected]
Help us build more than trails. Help us build connections!

10/11/2026

We wanted to share this great post from our friends at Connect Buncombe! Greenways connect more than trails—they connect people to jobs, businesses, and opportunity. 🚶‍♀️🚲
Not everyone can drive to work. Multi-modal greenways give people the option to walk, run, or bike, creating connections between workers, customers, and the businesses that keep our community moving. [Data Source: Connect Buncombe, “Greenways and Economic Development,” 2026.]
Getting people to work and making sure they have an affordable place to live are connected goals. They both strengthen our local economy in Buncombe County.
Help strengthen the local economy and Vote Yes on Bonds on Nov. 3.

10/06/2026

Celebrate Great Trails Day — October 17

There’s no better way to celebrate than by getting outside and finding a new trail to explore.

From mountain views and riverside paths to family-friendly walks and bike rides, Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail (F3ST) is helping connect communities and create more ways to experience the outdoors across Western North Carolina.

Find your next great trail with F3ST: (https://www.fontaflorastatetrail.com/the-trail) or if you want to try other outdoor trails in NC, go here: https://greattrailsnc.com/find-a-trail

Check the weather. Follow the feather.

10/01/2026

Our latest monthly newsletter is out today. Click here to get your own copy and as always, thank you for your support!

We loved sharing our passion for trails with everyone who joined us Saturday for F3ST Tails & Trails. Families, friends, pups, and plenty of smiles made it a wonderful morning of exploring, learning, and enjoying the outdoors together.