Upcoming Events
NC Sunshine Pageants and Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail invite you to a one-of-a-kind hiking experience!
Join us on the Burke County Fonta Flora Loop on March 22nd for a fun and scenic adventure alongside fellow queens, past titleholders, outdoor enthusiasts, literally anyone and EVERYONE!
This hike is more than just a walk in the woods—it’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and the trailblazing women who inspire us! As we explore the beautiful Fonta Flora Trail, we’ll honor Women’s History Month and the power of women in leadership, community, and adventure.
Dress to impress — trail style! We encourage participants to wear their crowns, sashes, and even their pageant gowns (but leave the heels at home! ). Get ready for stunning photo ops, great company, and a refreshing outdoor experience.
All are welcome - this is a family friendly, all levels hike
Questions? Reach Jessica at info@fontaflorastatetrail.com
Giving Back: In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re also collecting feminine hygiene products to support the Menstrual Movement in Morganton. If you’re able, please bring unopened packs of pads, tampons, liners, leggings or other hygiene essentials to donate. Every contribution makes a difference!
READY, SET, RUN! The 3rd Annual Fonta Flora Fun Run is back, and it’s BIGGER and BETTER than ever!
Kick off the Old Fort Trails and Trains Festival with a high-energy 3.1-mile adventure through the heart of downtown Old Fort! This untimed route takes you past all the iconic landmarks, celebrating the vibrant spirit of this charming Blue Ridge Mountain community.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or just out to soak in the scenic views, EVERYONE is welcome! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors – let’s hit the pavement together!
Don’t Miss Out on the Swag! Register by May 3, 2025 to guarantee an exclusive race t-shirt in your packet!
Start: Old Fort Town Hall - 38 Catawba Street, Old Fort
Date: June 7th
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Ready to join the fun? Follow the link and REGISTER NOW! Let’s celebrate North Carolina’s Great Trails State and the rich history of Old Fort’s railroads and pathways!
LET’S RUN THIS TOWN! See you at the starting line!
Questions? Email Jessica at info@fontaflorastatetrail.com
Please register by May 3, 2025 to guarantee a t-shirt in your race packet!
Past Events
HURRICANE HELENE CLEAN UP EFFORTS
on LAKE JAMES
Join in a community-wide Lake James cleanup on Saturday, November 16th from 9 AM – 12 PM!
Choose how you would like to participate: sign up to volunteer on land, on the shore, or by boat, depending on the cleanup site. Sites include Black Bear Boat Ramp, Linville Boat Ramp, and Canal Bridge.
These cleanups are a collaborative effort between Catawba Riverkeeper, Lake James Environmental Association, Community of Lake James, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, Fonta Flora State Trail, Duke Energy, Keep McDowell Beautiful, Lake James State Park, NC , Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society (North Carolina Wildlife Federation), Simply Green Recycling and others in the Northern Basin to restore our shared waterways from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Sign up today and join in the efforts to restore beautiful Lake James!
Celebrate N.C.'s State Trails with a hike on the Fonta Flora State Trail
Join us for a day of exploring two of North Carolina’s 14 State Trails
9:30 a.m. we will hike 5 miles on the Fonta Flora State Trail at Lake James State Park.
Starting from the new Visitor Center, we will hike a short distance down to a pedestrian bridge crossing a narrow point in Lake James, then head north on the Fonta Flora along Lake James and a small creek. This is an out-and-back hike: we will go 2.5 miles out on the trail, then return the way we came for a total of 5 miles.
Difficulty level: moderate
Distance: 5 miles total
Estimated hike time: 2.5 hours
What to wear: We will email you the day before the event advising of weather conditions for the day and how to best dress for the hike.
What to bring: Bring at least one bottle of water (1 liter), preferably two. And bring snacks.
Rest Stop: We will take a short break at the turnaround point.
We will meet in front of the Visitor Center.
To make this a day of adventure, we will reconvene at 2:30 p.m. at the Clear Creek Access to South Mountains State Park to sample another State Trail, the Wilderness Gateway State Trail.