Our team of planners and engineers is bringing the vision for the Fonta Flora State Trail into reality. This trail will link pedestrians, hikers, and cyclists to the world class cultural and natural resources of western North Carolina, while encouraging economic growth in the region.
A Regional Trail Master Plan
We crafted the master plans for sections 1, 2, and 3 of the 7 total segments that will make up the final trail. These three sections link Lake James–the trail’s hallmark outdoor asset– to Marion, with connections to Black Boat Bear Access, Fonta Flora Brewery, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
Sustainable Trail Design
Our team leveraged our extensive experience in trail engineering and construction to prioritize a low-impact, sustainable trail design that is enjoyable and safe for all levels of users.
Park Design & Engineering
We partnered with North Carolina State Parks and local government organizations to lay the first section of trail– which features wayfinding, signage, and trail support facilities.
Destination by Design has led planning, design, and engineering efforts for the Fonta Flora State Trail, one of North Carolina’s newest state trails, stretching 40 miles to connect the growing cities of Morganton and Asheville. The team crafted master plans for sections 1, 2, and 3 of the trail’s seven total segments, linking Lake James to Marion with connections to Black Boat Bear Access, Fonta Flora Brewery, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
In North Carolina, recreation master planning and wayfinding come together on state trail projects that span multiple counties and require consistent navigation across dozens of miles. Fonta Flora reflects that pairing, partnering with North Carolina State Parks to lay the trail’s first section complete with wayfinding, signage, and trail support facilities designed to guide pedestrians, hikers, and cyclists along the full 40-mile corridor.
A long-distance state trail can do more than connect two cities. It can become a driver of regional tourism and economic development along its entire length. Fonta Flora State Trail was designed with that goal in mind, using sustainable, low-impact trail engineering to link world-class natural and cultural resources across western North Carolina while encouraging economic growth in the communities along its route.
Recreation master planning is the process of designing trail systems and outdoor recreation infrastructure to serve users of all skill levels while supporting regional connectivity and economic goals. For Fonta Flora, that meant regional trail planning and engineering across multiple segments, prioritizing sustainable, low-impact design that keeps the trail safe and enjoyable for hikers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
The Fonta Flora State Trail runs through Burke County in western North Carolina, stretching 40 miles to connect Morganton and Asheville. Its route passes Lake James, one of the trail’s hallmark outdoor assets, giving hikers and cyclists a direct link between two of the region’s fastest-growing cities and some of its most scenic natural landscapes.
