The Foothills Regional Commission in partnership with McDowell County are leading a Feasibility Study for a section of the Fonta Flora State Trail beginning at the existing Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway across US-70 to a future trailhead on Roby Conley Drive. This trail segment is a critical missing link of the Fonta Flora State Trail network and will improve overall bicycle and pedestrian connectivity along the US-70 corridor in McDowell County. The Feasibility Study will evaluate route scenarios along roadways and off-road corridors to determine the preferred route between the Joseph McDowell historical Catawba Greenway (Sam Phillips Dr and US 70) and a trailhead in design at Roby Conley Drive which leads to Greenlee Park.
The project team from McAdams will host a public meeting on August 15th from 5pm-7pm at the Marion Community Building (191 N Main St Marion, NC 28752) to share alignment alternatives developed through this feasibility study.
About the Fonta Flora State Trail
Authorized in 2015 as part of the North Carolina statewide trail system, the Fonta Flora State Trail will connect Morganton to Asheville via hiking and biking trails. The trail will traverse Lake James State Park, segments of Pisgah National Forest, and Fonta Flora County Park in Burke County. It will also connect to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (MST). When completed, the Fonta Flora State Trail will span over 100 miles and connect communities across three counties in Western North Carolina.
