Due to the expected rain and cold temperature, the Fonta Flora Trail segments between Harris Whisnant Road and Lake James State Park (the highlighted section on the map) will be closed on December 24th and 25th to allow the trail to dry out. The trail will be reopened on Saturday December 26th. For open/close status of trails at Lake James State Park, please visit the park website at:
https://www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park/trails
Natural surface trails must be allowed to dry out properly in order to protect them from damage. Hiking and biking on wet trails creates ruts in the trail which hold water, slowing the drying process. These ruts take substantial work to remove and return the trail back to its original state. Burke County Staff will continue to assess the trail and will reopen the trails when they are ready.