Lake James Fonta Flora Trail

Sunday morning, we woke to the gentle patter of light rain - warm enough overnight to have melted away thoughts of snow. By the time I’d broken down camp, the shower had already passed, leaving the air fresh and the skies clearing. We pulled into the Lake James Visitor Center and set off on the Fonta Flora Trail.

 

The path dropped from the parking lot on smooth pavement to a pretty picnic shelter perched right at the water’s edge.

From there, the South Wimba Trail peeled off to the west, but we crossed the graceful arc of Cove Bridge and continued on the main Fonta Flora route.

Once across the bridge, the trail turned to welcomingly wild - soft dirt and pine needles winding north along the Longarm Peninsula.

The lake shimmered in the soft morning light, mist still rising in delicate wisps from the coves.

We hiked an easy six miles out and back, soaking in the quiet beauty, and made it back to the car just before noon.

Amaroq polished off his lunch in the backseat, and with full bellies and happy legs, we pointed the car toward home.