1939
Ecusta Corp. opens a paper mill in Brevard, North Carolina, on the rail line along the Davidson River.
1939
About the Trail
The Ecusta Trail has a rich history that reaches back nearly a century. Its modern development has been a collaborative effort of community volunteers, nonprofit partners, and local and state governments who share a vision of a corridor that will connect us all. The trail’s story continues to this day.
Trail History
1983
Congress establishes “railbanking” to allow a voluntary agreement between a railroad company and a trail agency for interim use of an out-of-service rail corridor.
1983
2002
Ecusta Paper Mill in Brevard closes (last railroad activity on the 19-mile spur line)
2002
2008
Group of rail-to-trail advocates meets to discuss rail corridor use via railbanking
2008
2009
May 7, 2009. City of Hendersonville passes resolution in support of the rail-trail (followed in following years by Flat Rock, Laurel Park, Brevard, and numerous other organizations)
2009
2010
Steering committee forms nonprofit named Friends of the Ecusta Trail (FOET).
2010
2011
Trail study & economic impact analysis commissioned by City of Hendersonville
2011
2012
Series of open meetings held to share information about FOET and the project
2012
2014
Kansas-based Watco (Blue Ridge Southern Railroad) acquires 19-mile Brevard spur line
2014
2015
March 2, 2015. Henderson County Commissioners support the Ecusta Trail "in concept"
2015
2015
Oct 1, 2015. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (now “Conserving Carolina”) endorses Trail
2015
2019
Henderson County Commissioners adopts a Greenway Master Plan
2019
2019
N.C. Board of Transportation awards a $6.4 million grant to Conserving Carolina to acquire proposed Ecusta Trail rail corridor ($1.6 million local match required)
2019
2019
Transylvania County Commissioners approve a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan which includes the development of the Ecusta Trail
2019
2020
Transylvania County TDA pledges $100,000 to develop the Ecusta Trail
2020
2020
The French Broad MPO approves a $5 million construction grant covering the first 5¾ miles of the Ecusta Trail in Henderson County
2020
2020
Oct 27, 2020. Conserving Carolina announces the 19-mile rail corridor is under contract with Watco for railbanking. Title will be held in the name of “Ecusta Rails2Trails, LLC”.
2020
2020
Nov 18, 2020. Henderson County Commissioners approve $7 million “bridge loan” for corridor purchase
2020
2021
Apr 7, 2021. Blue Ridge Southern Railroad files for abandonment of the 19-mile Ecusta line with the Surface Transportation Board
2021
2021
May 25, 2021. Henderson County TDA allocates 1 cent of occupancy tax for 5 years for Ecusta Trail construction
2021
2021
June 21, 2021. Brevard City Council becomes the lead agency in to secure funding and oversee design and construction for the 8-mile portion of the Ecusta Trail in Transylvania County.
2021
2021
Aug 12, 2021. EcustaRails2Trails, LLC, purchases the rail corridor for $7.8 million.
2021
2021
Aug 16, 2021. Ribbon-cutting held in Hendersonville to celebrate Ecusta Trail project launch.
2021
2021
Sept 17, 2021. Ribbon-cutting held in Brevard to celebrate Ecusta Trail project launch.
2021
2021
Nov 1, 2021. Conserving Carolina leases Henderson County the 11-mile portion of the rail corridor for 150-years to build and operate the trail as a linear park
2021
2021
Nov 17, 2021. Nine-member Henderson County Trail Advisory Committee is appointed by County Commission; first meets on 11-29-21
2021
2021
Nov 18, 2021. North Carolina approves state budget with $600,000 in additional greenway funding for the Ecusta Trail
2021
2021
Dec 6, 2021. Henderson County selects Vaughn & Melton to design the first three phases of the Henderson County portion of the rail trail
2021
2023
NCDOT contracts with Transportation Planning & Design (TPD) to design and engineer the Transylvania County segment.
2023
2023
Oct 28, 2023. Ecusta Trail East groundbreaking at Veterans Healing Farm.
2023
2023
NHM is awarded contract to construct the first 6 miles of trail from Hendersonville to Horseshoe with completion set for December 2024.
2023
Trail Etiquette
Ecusta Trail Rules
- Pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.
- Speed limit is 15 mph unless posted otherwise. Wheels yield to pedestrians.
- Helmets are recommended for everyone on wheels but required under the age of 16.
- Keep right except to pass. Give audible warning before passing.
- No headphones. If you wear ear buds, keep one ear open to hear other trail users.
- Single file when passing or being passed.
- Do not block the trail. Pull off of the trail when stopped.
- Use caution when crossing roads and driveways.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under control. Clean up after your pet.
- Keep the trail clean. Properly dispose of all trash.
- Respect private property. Stay on the trail.
- For non-emergencies dial TBD. For emergencies, dial 911 and indicate the nearest mile marker
Prohibited Activities (violators will be charged)
-
Unauthorized motor vehicles.
- Use of alcohol, drugs, vape or tobacco products.
- Hunting, camping or fires.
- Posting of signs without permission.
- Carrying of weapons except those permitted in NCGS 14-415
Trail Map
FAQ
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